Compare
Lead platforms (Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Bark) vs ReadyOnline
Checkatrade, MyBuilder and Bark can bring enquiries quickly, and they have their place. But they're a cost that never ends and an asset you never own. Here's the comparison.
Side by side
| Lead platforms (Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Bark) | ReadyOnline | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | A listing & leads while you pay | A website you own |
| When you stop paying | Enquiries stop the same day | Your site stays yours |
| Per-lead or membership fees | Ongoing, often £50–£100+/mo | One monthly price, no per-lead fee |
| Whose brand it builds | Theirs | Yours |
| Competing on price | Listed alongside rivals | You're the choice |
| Your reviews | Stay on their platform | On your own Google profile |
| Found on Google & AI | Their listing, not yours | Your own site, built in |
Which is right for you?
Lead platforms (Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Bark) suits you if…
You want enquiries immediately, have no online presence yet, and are happy to pay ongoing fees for a steady trickle of leads as a top-up.
ReadyOnline suits you if…
You want to build something you own, a site, a brand and reviews that keep working and can't be switched off when you stop paying.
From £149 setup, then £29/month, with changes included.
Common questions
Should I cancel Checkatrade if I get a website?
Not necessarily. Many trades keep a platform as a top-up while building their own site as the foundation. The point is not to depend entirely on something you don't own.
Will a website replace the leads I get from a platform?
Over time, often yes, as your site ranks on Google and earns reviews, it brings enquiries directly, without a per-lead fee. It takes a little longer to build up, but it's yours and it compounds.
See your website before you pay
Tell us about your business and we'll prepare a free preview and email it over. No card, no commitment.
Get my free preview Free website check