The Problem With Checkatrade
Checkatrade works for Checkatrade. Here's why it stops working for you.
You're competing on their platform, not yours
Every lead you get from Checkatrade is shown your profile right next to your competitors. Customers compare you on price, not quality.
Per-lead fees keep going up
Checkatrade charges you for every lead, and prices rise every year. The more you rely on them, the more it costs to keep your pipeline full.
Customers see your competitors right next to you
On Checkatrade, your profile sits alongside every other tradesman in your area. Customers pick whoever is cheapest or has the most reviews on their platform.
You don't own anything — leave and it all disappears
Your reviews, your profile, your reputation on Checkatrade — none of it belongs to you. Cancel your membership and it vanishes overnight.
What If Instead…
Instead of renting leads from a directory, you built something you actually own.
Your own professional website
A website you own forever. Your brand, your domain, your content. If you stop working with us, the website is still yours.
Google Maps optimisation
Show up in the Google Map Pack when locals search for your trade. This is where most customers look first — not on directories.
Google review management
Build your reputation on Google, where it actually matters. Your Google reviews follow you forever and show up every time someone searches for you.
SEO that brings customers to you
Instead of renting leads from a directory, we help you rank on Google so customers find you directly. No middleman, no per-lead fees.
SwiftLead vs Checkatrade
A side-by-side look at what you get.
| Feature | SwiftLead | Checkatrade |
|---|---|---|
| Per-lead charges | None | Yes, per lead |
| Your own website | Yes, you own it | No, just a profile page |
| Competing with others on the same page | No, it's your website | Yes, always |
| Own your leads and data | Yes, 100% | No |
| Google Maps optimisation | Included | Not included |
| SEO to rank on Google | Included | Not included |
| Google review management | Included | Their own review system |
| Keep everything if you leave | Yes | No, profile deleted |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Checkatrade alternatives.
Is Checkatrade worth it for tradesmen?
Checkatrade can generate leads, but you're paying for every lead and competing with other tradesmen on the same page. Many tradesmen find the cost keeps rising while the quality of leads drops. For the same monthly spend, you could build your own online presence that you actually own.
What's the best alternative to Checkatrade?
The best alternative is building your own online presence — a professional website, Google Maps listing, and strong Google reviews. This way customers find you directly through Google, you don't pay per lead, and you own everything. SwiftLead handles all of this for tradesmen.
Can I get customers without Checkatrade?
Absolutely. Most customers search Google when they need a tradesman, not directories. If your Google Business Profile is optimised and you have a professional website with good reviews, you'll show up when locals search for your trade. That's how the majority of jobs are won.
How long does it take to get leads without Checkatrade?
With a properly optimised Google Business Profile and website, most tradesmen start seeing enquiries within the first few weeks. SEO results build over 3–6 months, but Google Maps visibility can improve much faster, especially in less competitive areas.
Do I need a website as a tradesman?
Yes. A website gives you credibility, helps you rank on Google, and gives customers somewhere to learn about your work before they call. It's also something you own — unlike a profile on Checkatrade or any other directory that disappears when you stop paying.
Ready to Stop Renting Leads?
Get your own website, Google Maps listing, and review management — and stop paying per lead. Your customers, your business, your future.