Lead generation · United Kingdom · Head-to-head
MyBuilder vs TrustATrader
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]').
TrustATrader
Tier A · WorkableUK trades directory with postcode-capped membership + text-a-trader feature
TrustATrader is a smaller-scale UK lead-gen platform (~8% market share, 400K tradies) that differentiates through postcode-capped membership (limits competition within an area) and the Text-A-Trader feature (consumers SMS the platform rather than calling). For tradies in specific postcodes where capped slots are available, the lower-competition dynamics can deliver better cost-per-customer-acquired math than larger competitors.
Pros
- + Postcode-capped membership limits in-platform competition for the same job
- + Text-A-Trader feature differentiates from call-only marketplaces
- + Built-in card payment integration removes payment-processing setup overhead
Cons
- − Smaller consumer-side traffic than Checkatrade/MyBuilder/Rated People
- − Postcode availability is hit-or-miss — popular postcodes often capped
- − Less brand recognition outside specific UK regions
United Kingdom note
Card payment integration is built-in for tradies who don't have their own payment processing — useful for cash-trade businesses upgrading to card. Postcode membership caps reset periodically as members leave.
More United Kingdom options
See all United Kingdom lead generation vendors and the rest of the United Kingdom directory.