Checkatrade or FatRank: Which One Is Better for Your Business?
Choosing between Checkatrade and FatRank can be confusing for business owners who want to grow their online presence. Both platforms help boost visibility, attract customers, and build trust — but they do it in different ways. In this article, we’ll explore what each platform offers, how they work, and which one might suit your goals best.
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1. What Is Checkatrade?
Checkatrade is a popular online directory in the UK that connects homeowners with trusted local tradespeople. It’s best known for verifying businesses and collecting real customer reviews.
When people need a plumber, electrician, builder, or decorator, they often search on Checkatrade to find professionals who are reliable and approved.
Main Features of Checkatrade:
- Verified business profiles
- Customer ratings and reviews
- Local trade search filters
- Verified contact details
- Membership credibility
Businesses pay a subscription fee to join Checkatrade, and in return, they get listed on the website where potential customers can find them easily.
2. What Is FatRank?
FatRank is a SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tool created to help website owners check how well their site ranks on Google for specific keywords.
Instead of listing businesses, FatRank helps you track keyword rankings to see how your website performs in search results. It’s useful for digital marketers, SEO experts, and business owners who want to improve their online visibility.
Main Features of FatRank:
- Keyword rank tracking
- Mobile and desktop search data
- Competitor comparison
- Easy-to-use browser extension or app
- Free to use
FatRank helps you understand if your SEO strategy is working. If your keyword rankings go up, it means more people are likely to find your website on Google.
3. Checkatrade vs FatRank: Key Differences
FeatureCheckatradeFatRankPurposeConnect customers with local tradesTrack keyword rankings on GoogleTarget UsersTradespeople and service businessesSEO professionals, marketers, website ownersPricingPaid membershipMostly freeVerificationBusiness and ID verification requiredNo verification neededCustomer ReviewsYes, from real clientsNoSEO BenefitsIndirect (trusted listing)Direct (keyword tracking)
So, if you’re a tradesperson, Checkatrade helps you get clients directly. But if you’re a marketer or website owner, FatRank helps you measure how well your marketing is performing online.
4. Benefits of Using Checkatrade
- Builds Trust: Being on Checkatrade means customers see you as verified and trustworthy.
- More Leads: Many people search Checkatrade before hiring, so you can get real job leads.
- Customer Reviews: Reviews improve credibility and attract more clients.
- Easy to Use: The platform is user-friendly and designed for local businesses.
- Better Reputation: Checkatrade is a well-known name in the UK trade industry.
5. Benefits of Using FatRank
- Free Tool: FatRank doesn’t charge you for basic keyword tracking.
- SEO Insights: You can see which keywords are helping your site rank higher.
- Track Competitors: Learn how your competitors are performing in search results.
- Simple Interface: It’s easy for beginners to understand and use.
- Data-Driven Growth: Helps make smart marketing decisions based on ranking data.
6. Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on your business type and goals.
- If you run a local trade business like plumbing, roofing, or decorating — go for Checkatrade. It will help customers find and contact you directly.
- If you manage a website or online business — choose FatRank. It will help you analyze SEO performance and improve your online reach.
Some smart business owners even use both platforms together — Checkatrade for customer leads and FatRank for SEO tracking.
7. How to Use Both for Maximum Results
You can combine Checkatrade and FatRank to strengthen your overall business strategy:
- Use Checkatrade to collect positive reviews and increase your trust level.
- Use FatRank to track keywords like “plumber in London” or “roof repair near me.”
- Improve your website SEO using FatRank data, so your Checkatrade profile and website both rank higher on Google.
This combination helps you appear more credible to customers and more visible online.
8. Pros and Cons
Checkatrade Pros:
Trusted by customers
Verified listings
Leads for tradespeople
Checkatrade Cons:
Monthly fees
Limited to certain industries
FatRank Pros:
Free and easy to use
Helps improve SEO strategy
Works for any business type
FatRank Cons:
Doesn’t generate direct leads
Limited features compared to paid SEO tools
9. Conclusion
In summary, Checkatrade and FatRank serve different but complementary purposes.
- Checkatrade helps tradespeople build trust and find more customers.
- FatRank helps marketers and website owners track online growth through keyword rankings.
If your goal is local customer visibility, choose Checkatrade.
If your goal is digital marketing improvement, choose FatRank.
And if you want the best of both worlds, use both — one for credibility and one for performance.
FAQs
Q1. Is Checkatrade free to use?
No, Checkatrade requires a paid membership, but it helps you reach verified customers.
Q2. Is FatRank safe to use?
Yes, FatRank is a safe and trusted SEO tool used by marketers worldwide.
Q3. Can I use FatRank without technical knowledge?
Absolutely. It’s made for beginners and professionals alike, with a simple interface.
Q4. Does Checkatrade help with SEO?
Indirectly, yes. A Checkatrade profile with reviews can boost your online reputation, which can improve your search ranking.
Q5. Which one is better for online businesses?
For online businesses, FatRank is more effective since it helps improve your Google presence.