The Different Lead-Generation Websites Tradesmen Actually Use

UK tradespeople in 2026 typically rely on six lead-generation websites: Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Rated People, Bark, TrustATrader, and Google Local Services Ads. Each has a different pricing model, a different lead quality profile, and a very different reputation among tradespeople. The short answer is that Google Local Services Ads and Checkatrade remain the most reliable, and Bark remains the most hated. Here is the full picture.

Checkatrade

Checkatrade is the most established UK trade directory. Membership costs around £80 to £120 per month depending on trade and location, plus a vetting fee. You get listed in customer searches, collect verified reviews, and receive direct enquiries. Lead quality is generally good because customers actively search for specific trades rather than being matched by an algorithm. The downside is that you are paying whether or not you get leads, and popular postcodes can be saturated.

MyBuilder

MyBuilder runs on a pay-per-lead model. Customers post jobs, tradespeople pay credits to quote on them, and the customer picks one. A single lead typically costs £8 to £50 in credits depending on job value. Lead quality is mixed. Some postings are legitimate and convert well. Others are tire-kickers who are collecting quotes with no real intent to hire. MyBuilder works best for tradespeople who can triage quickly and only quote on serious jobs.

Rated People

Rated People is similar to MyBuilder in structure. Customers post jobs, you pay credits to respond. The reputation among UK tradespeople has deteriorated over the past few years, with many complaining that competition for each lead drives prices down and that a significant share of enquiries never convert. It still works for tradespeople starting out who need volume, but experienced trades tend to move away from it once they have repeat work.

Bark

Bark aggressively sells leads to service professionals across dozens of categories. It is the most polarising platform in UK trades. Some tradespeople report decent conversion, many report that leads are stale, matched across too many providers, or not genuine enquiries at all. The pricing is credit-based and can feel opaque. If you try Bark, start with a small credit package and track conversion carefully before scaling.

TrustATrader

TrustATrader is a directory model similar to Checkatrade. Membership starts at roughly £70 to £100 per month depending on trade. It is strongest in Scotland and the north of England. Lead quality is comparable to Checkatrade — customers are actively looking for a specific trade rather than being matched algorithmically. Review-driven, so maintaining a five-star profile is the real work.