Lead generation · United Kingdom · Head-to-head
MyBuilder vs Rated People
Two United Kingdom lead generation options, compared side by side for United Kingdom trades.
Which should you choose?
MyBuilder edges ahead on our United Kingdom tiering (Tier S vs A), but both are workable — the right pick depends on your trade, region, and the United Kingdom-specific notes below.
MyBuilder
Tier S · RecommendedUK's largest trades marketplace by tradesperson volume — shortlist-pay model means you only pay when shortlisted
MyBuilder is the largest UK trades marketplace by registered tradesperson count (1.2M tradies, ~35% market share). The shortlist-pay model differentiates it structurally — instead of paying per quote sent (Thumbtack model) or annual subscription (Checkatrade model), you only pay when the customer specifically shortlists you for further conversation. This shifts cost-per-lead economics meaningfully in favor of tradies who have specialty or geographic advantage.
Pros
- + Shortlist-pay model means no payment for quotes that go nowhere — cost-per-lead economics structurally favorable
- + Largest UK tradie registration (1.2M) creates network effect for consumers
- + Strong organic search position for 'tradesperson in [postcode]' queries
- + Founded in Ireland, expanded UK + Ireland coverage with cross-market consistency
Cons
- − Lighter vetting than Checkatrade means consumer-side trust signals depend more heavily on individual reviews
- − Some categories (smaller specialty trades) have thin consumer demand vs registered tradies
- − No formal affiliate program for publishers
United Kingdom note
MyBuilder verification is lighter-touch than Checkatrade — open registration with insurance proof but no DBS checks. Reviews matter more here than vetting does. Strong consumer-side traffic from organic search ('plumber in [postcode]').
Rated People
Tier A · WorkablePay-per-lead UK trades marketplace — 900K registered tradies
Rated People is the third major UK lead-gen platform after Checkatrade (subscription) and MyBuilder (shortlist-pay). The pay-per-lead model is most similar to US Thumbtack/HomeAdvisor — tradies pay when they decide to pursue a job posting. 900K registered tradies, ~28% UK market share.
Pros
- + Pay-per-lead means no annual commitment like Checkatrade
- + Strong consumer-side traffic from organic search
- + Tradie can choose which leads to pursue — selectivity is structurally available
Cons
- − Pay-per-lead means tradies eat cost on leads that don't convert — same problem as US Thumbtack/HomeAdvisor
- − Some forum sentiment around lead quality variance — better in major metros than rural areas
- − Lighter vetting than Checkatrade means consumer-trust depends on reviews accumulated over time
United Kingdom note
Pay-per-lead pricing typically £5-£35 per lead depending on job size. Review system carries weight with consumers. No DBS verification by default (paid tier required for enhanced verification).
More United Kingdom options
See all United Kingdom lead generation vendors and the rest of the United Kingdom directory.