Estimated read time: 6 minutes
Introduction
Checkatrade gets a lot of attention. And for good reason — it’s one of the best-known trade directories in the UK and a legitimate source of work for many tradespeople.
But it’s not the only option. And depending on your trade, your area, and the type of customer you want to attract, other platforms might actually serve you better — or work well alongside Checkatrade to fill more of your diary.
Here’s an honest rundown of the main lead sites for UK tradespeople and what each one is best suited for.
Rated People
What it is: One of the UK’s most established trade directories. Homeowners post jobs, and up to three tradespeople can buy the lead to quote for the work.
How it works: You pay per lead, not a flat annual fee. Lead prices vary by trade and job type.
Best for: Tradespeople in most common trade categories — plumbing, electrical, building, plastering, tiling, landscaping. Particularly strong for mid-sized domestic jobs.
Watch out for: Lead quality can be variable. Some homeowners are just price-checking. Respond quickly — the first to make contact often has the best chance of winning the job.
Worth it? Yes, for many trades — particularly if you’re disciplined about responding fast and following up.
Bark
What it is: Bark works slightly differently — customers post a job brief and tradespeople buy “credits” to respond to the leads they want. You can see some details about the job before deciding whether to buy.
How it works: Credit-based system. Costs vary. Once you respond, the customer can contact you directly.
Best for: Trades where jobs are clearly specified — cleaners, gardeners, removal companies, and some specialist trades. Also works well for tradespeople offering one-off or project-based work.
Watch out for: The ability to see partial details before buying can help, but some leads are still low quality. The bidding system means multiple tradespeople contact the same customer.
Worth it? Worth a trial, especially for trades where Rated People has less coverage. Test with a small initial credit spend.
MyBuilder
What it is: One of the original UK trade directories. Homeowners post jobs for free; tradespeople pay to express interest.
How it works: You browse available jobs in your area and pay a fee to register interest. The homeowner then picks who to invite to quote.
Best for: Builders, joiners, plasterers, tilers, and other construction trades. Strong in certain regions.
Watch out for: Competition can be fierce for popular job types. Your reviews and profile quality matter here more than on some other platforms.
Worth it? Yes for construction trades with strong reviews. Build your profile carefully.
Houzz
What it is: Primarily a home design and inspiration platform — think mood boards, room photos, and project galleries. But it also has a “Find a Pro” directory used by homeowners planning higher-value projects.
How it works: You create a professional profile showcasing your portfolio. Homeowners browsing for inspiration can find and contact you directly.
Best for: Tradespeople whose work has strong visual appeal — bathroom and kitchen fitters, landscapers, interior design and decorating, bespoke joinery. Works particularly well for higher-value, considered purchases.
Watch out for: Not a quick-win lead source. Requires good photos and a polished profile. The audience is self-selecting — people who care about quality and aesthetics.
Worth it? If your work photographs well and you target mid-to-premium customers, Houzz is genuinely worth maintaining a profile on.
Google Local Services Ads
What it is: A relatively newer offering from Google — your listing appears at the very top of search results (above even regular Google Ads) with a “Google Guaranteed” badge. You pay per lead, not per click.
How it works: You apply, pass Google’s background checks and licence verification, and then your listing appears for relevant local searches. Customers contact you directly through the ad.
Best for: Plumbers, electricians, gas engineers, locksmiths, and other trades where homeowners prioritise trust and quick response. The “Google Guaranteed” badge carries real weight.
Watch out for: Currently available in more areas than a few years ago but not universal. Lead costs vary. You need valid certifications and insurance for approval.
Worth it? If it’s available in your area and your trade qualifies, absolutely worth applying. It’s highly visible, trust-building, and cost-per-lead can be very competitive.
Which Should You Choose?
The honest answer: you don’t have to pick just one.
Most successful trade businesses use a mix. Here’s a simple framework:
1. Start with Google Business Profile — it’s free, drives organic enquiries, and every other platform should sit alongside it, not instead of it. 2. Add one paid directory that suits your trade and area — Rated People or MyBuilder for most trades, Houzz if your work is highly visual. 3. Test Bark with a small credit spend to see if the leads in your area are worth pursuing. 4. Apply for Google Local Services Ads if your trade qualifies — it’s one of the highest-quality lead sources available.
The key with any directory is tracking where your enquiries come from. If a platform isn’t generating work after a fair trial, cut it and put the money elsewhere.
Want to Know Which Channels Are Right for Your Trade?
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