Which Tradesmen Recommendation Sites Are Best for Tradespeople? 

In today’s fiercely competitive trades industry, building a trusted online presence can make all the difference. Tradesperson recommendation platforms help s olidify your reputation, connect you with new clients, and grow your business organically. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, the right platform can be a powerful ally. 

Let’s break down the top UK recommendation websites, what sets them apart, and how to make the most of each—especially if you’re training or operating in regions like Wolverhampton or StokeonTrent. 

Why These Platforms Matter 

Much more than referral directories, tradesperson platforms wield influence in the market: 

• They help clients avoid unscrupulous operators by showcasing verified reviews and credentials. 

• They amplify visibility for reputable tradespeople. 

• The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) now mandates stricter vetting and transparent review processes to curb rogue traders. 

Key Platform Comparison 

Checkatrade 

One of the oldest and most recognised platforms, Checkatrade traces its roots back to 1998 when it was founded to protect homeowners in Selsey from rogue tradesmen. 
Checkatrade trades on a paid membership model—with initial vetting, promotional coverage, and a “guarantee” of up to £1,000 for unsatisfactory work. 

Pros: 

• Incredible brand recognition 

• High advertising reach 

Cons: 

• Membership costs are steep 

• Vetting lapses have s urfaced, prompting concerns over reliability 

Rated People 

Rated People adopts a low-entry, pay-per-lead model: 

• Around £15/month subscription + pay-as-you-go for relevant leads 

• Customers submit job details and budgets, and only three tradespeople can purchase each lead 

This level of targeting reduces wasted outreach and keeps costs controllable. 

TrustATrader 

Similar in structure to Checkatrade but with added perks: 

• No cardprocessing fees 

• Membership limits per area 

• “Text-a-trader” messaging 

Its clean site design and consumer-focus earn it a solid reputation. 

MyBuilder 

Known for its simplicity and free entry-point: 

• Posting a job is free 

• Tradespeople pay per quote sent 

• High job volume but variable lead quality 

For newcomers or gaps in workflow, this can be effective. 

Bark.com 

Unlike builder-specific platforms, Bark spans a wide set of services: 

• Tradespeople buy credits (~£1.10 each) to connect with prospective clients 

• Leads can be competitive and inconsistent in relevance 

• Viable for flexible availability, but ROI varies 

What to Consider When Choosing a Site 

1. Budget vs Reliability 

• Paytolist sites like Checkatrade and TrustATrader carry higher upfront costs but lend credibility
• Payperlead platforms like Rated People and Bark let you spend per opportunity, reducing waste but demanding selectivity.

2. Vettings & Reviews Matter 
Platforms with strong vetting practices (like Checkatrade) may command trust, but recent CMA and media scrutiny highlight the need to verify claims yourself 

3. Tailor to Your Region 
If your service area includes the Midlands, make l ocation prominence a priority. Platforms like Rated People can get you local leads, while Checkatrade or TrustATrader boost local visibility across Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent.

4. Diversify Your Presence 
Relying on one site is risky. Platforms come and go or change their practices—so spread your reach for resilience. 

Make the Most of Platforms + Training Opportunities 

Paired with the right training, your online presence becomes unstoppable: 

• Know your earning trajectory—especially with rising JIB electrician rates. Familiarity with these trends lets you price your services competitively. 

• Stand out regionally with certified training:
  
  – Electrician Courses Wolverhampton is ideal for Midlands-based electricians 
  
  – Electrician Courses StokeonTrent helps build regional credibility 

• Add specialisms like EV charging to your profile via the ev installation course — which attracts clients looking for “eco” installs 

Elec Training courses help align your skillset with what homeowners prefer and what platforms demand. Mentioning your training on your profile helps elevate your ratings. 

Take the time to craft your training route and online presence together—it’s what can turn your skills into sustained success. To explore training options, visit www.elec.training.