Checkatrade is a platform that allows local businesses to connect with potential customers and grow their customer base. By creating a profile on Checkatrade, businesses can showcase their services and credentials to a wide audience, increasing their chances of getting enquiries and winning new business. In this article, we will explore how Checkatrade can help local businesses get more enquiries and grow their business.

Understanding Checkatrade is key to making the most of the platform. By creating a strong profile that showcases your services, credentials, and customer reviews, you can maximise your chances of getting enquiries from potential customers. Checkatrade also offers a range of tools and resources to help businesses enhance their online presence and reputation, including tips on improving your website, social media, and online reviews.

Maximising enquiries through Checkatrade is not just about creating a strong profile, however. It’s also about providing great customer service and resolving any issues that may arise. By offering a high level of customer service and resolving any conflicts quickly and effectively, businesses can build a strong reputation on Checkatrade and win the trust of potential customers.

Checkatrade

Key Takeaways

Checkatrade is a platform that allows local businesses to connect with potential customers and grow their customer base.
Creating a strong profile, enhancing your online presence, and providing great customer service are key to maximising enquiries through Checkatrade.
By using Checkatrade effectively, local businesses can build a strong reputation and win the trust of potential customers.

Who is Checkatrade For?

Checkatrade is for local businesses that operate in a local service area. Businesses such as roofers, plumbers, mobile valeters, cleaners, pavers, builders, electricians, decorators, landscapers and many more.

If you do a Google search for ‘service location‘, you’ll probably notice that Checkatrade appears near the top of the listings, either through paid ads or through organic search. It’s a convenient search engine for homeowners looking for a specific service.

Checkatrade Costs

Checkatrade charge £360 per year for basic membership, which can be paid monthly at just £30 per month. Members then pay per enquiry – £83 for 5 leads, £127 for 10 leads, and £228 for 20 leads. Please note that these fees are for enquiries from homeowners only, and not guaranteed jobs. The great thing is that businesses do not get tied into a contract, they can pick and choose how many enquiries they pay for each month.

Checkatrade costs compare very favourably to advertising platforms such as Google Ads, which can work out at around £300+ per job won.

Do You Still Need a Website?

Even though Checkatrade does not provide a direct link to your business website, it is still vitally important to have one. Your business website serves as a digital hub for your business, allowing you to showcase your work, the services you offer, and where you offer them. A quality website, along with an optimised Google Business Profile (Maps) will complement your Checkatrade advertising and will prove to be more cost-effective in the long run.

Understanding Checkatrade

Checkatrade is a trusted platform that connects consumers with local trade professionals. The platform has over one million homeowners visiting it every month, making it a great resource for local businesses to find new leads.

The Vetting Process

One of the key benefits of using Checkatrade is its rigorous vetting process. All trade professionals who sign up to the platform undergo a thorough background check, which includes verifying their identity, qualifications, and insurance. This process ensures that only reputable and trustworthy professionals are listed on the platform.

Many tradesmen will be expected to provide evidence of their qualifications and accreditations, such as a Gas Safe Certificate for heating engineers, or a NAPIT for electricians. Roofers will need to prove that they have at least 6 months experience in the trade.

In addition to the initial vetting process, Checkatrade also regularly monitors its members to ensure that they continue to meet its high standards. Members are required to maintain an up-to-date profile, respond promptly to customer enquiries, and resolve any complaints in a timely and professional manner.

Membership Benefits

Becoming a member of Checkatrade comes with a range of benefits for local businesses. These include:

Increased visibility: By having a profile on Checkatrade, businesses can increase their visibility to potential customers who are actively looking for their services. Your profile, though, does not include a link to your website.
Credibility: The Checkatrade Standard is a mark of quality that businesses can use to demonstrate their credibility to potential customers. This can help to build trust and increase the likelihood of winning new business.
Customer feedback: Checkatrade allows customers to leave feedback on the services they receive, which can be a valuable source of information for businesses looking to improve their services and reputation.

Overall, Checkatrade is a valuable resource for local businesses looking to increase their visibility and win new leads. By undergoing a rigorous vetting process and maintaining high standards, Checkatrade ensures that only reputable and trustworthy professionals are listed on the platform. Becoming a member of Checkatrade comes with a range of benefits, including increased visibility, credibility, and customer feedback.

Creating a Strong Profile

Creating a strong profile on Checkatrade is essential for local businesses looking to generate more enquiries. A well-crafted profile can help showcase your business, build trust with potential customers, and ultimately lead to more enquiries and jobs.

Showcasing Your Business

Your Checkatrade profile is an opportunity to showcase your business and highlight what makes you stand out from the competition. Make sure to include a detailed description of your services, as well as any relevant qualifications or certifications you hold. It’s also important to include an image or logo that accurately represents your business.

In addition to showcasing your services and qualifications, it’s important to highlight your unique selling points. This could include things like your years of experience, your commitment to quality workmanship, or your excellent customer service. By highlighting what sets you apart from the competition, you’ll be more likely to attract potential customers.

Leveraging Customer Reviews

One of the most powerful tools for generating enquiries on Checkatrade is customer reviews. Positive reviews can help build trust with potential customers and demonstrate that you’re a reliable and trustworthy business. Make sure to encourage your customers to leave feedback on your Checkatrade profile, and respond promptly to any negative reviews.

In addition to showcasing your positive reviews, it’s important to use customer feedback to improve your business. Take the time to read through your reviews and identify any areas where you can make improvements. This could include anything from improving your communication with customers to investing in new equipment or training for your staff.

By creating a strong profile on Checkatrade and leveraging customer reviews, local businesses can generate more enquiries and ultimately grow their business.

Maximising Enquiries Through Checkatrade

Checkatrade is a platform that connects potential customers with local businesses. By having a profile on Checkatrade, businesses can increase their visibility and attract more enquiries. In this section, we will discuss some strategies that businesses can use to maximise their enquiries through Checkatrade.

Effective Use of the Checkatrade App

One of the best ways to maximise enquiries through Checkatrade is by using the Checkatrade app. The app allows businesses to manage their profile, view leads, and respond to enquiries on-the-go. By using the app, businesses can ensure that they are responding to enquiries promptly, which can increase their chances of winning the job.

Strategies for Increasing Leads

To increase the number of enquiries, businesses should consider the following strategies:

Keep the profile up-to-date: Businesses should ensure that their profile is up-to-date with accurate information about their services and contact details. They should also upload high-quality photos and videos of their work, which can help potential customers make an informed decision.
Respond promptly to enquiries: Businesses should aim to respond to enquiries within 24 hours. A prompt response can show potential customers that the business is reliable and professional.
Ask for reviews: Businesses should ask their customers to leave a review on Checkatrade. Positive reviews can increase the business’s visibility and attract more enquiries.
Offer promotions: Businesses can offer promotions to attract more enquiries. For example, they can offer a discount for first-time customers or a free consultation.
Optimise the search description: Businesses should ensure that their search description is optimised for the keywords that potential customers are searching for. The search description should be concise and highlight the business’s unique selling points.

By using these strategies, businesses can increase their visibility and attract more enquiries through Checkatrade. They should also ensure that they are a Checkatrade member to take advantage of all the benefits that the platform offers.

Enhancing Online Presence and Reputation

A strong online presence is essential for any local business looking to attract new customers. Checkatrade offers a range of tools and services to help businesses enhance their online presence and reputation, making it easier for homeowners to find and trust them.

Building Trust with Homeowners

One of the biggest challenges facing local businesses is building trust with homeowners. With so many competitors in the market, it can be difficult to stand out and convince potential customers that you are the right choice for their needs.

Checkatrade helps to solve this problem by providing a platform for businesses to showcase their skills and expertise. By becoming a member of Checkatrade, businesses can display their accreditations, certifications, and customer reviews, all in one place. This helps to build trust with homeowners, who can see at a glance that the business is reputable and trustworthy.

Standing Out Among Competitors

In addition to building trust with homeowners, Checkatrade also helps businesses to stand out among their competitors. With so many businesses offering similar services, it can be difficult to differentiate yourself and attract new customers.

Checkatrade offers a range of tools and services to help businesses improve their visibility and attract more enquiries. By optimising their Checkatrade profile, businesses can improve their search engine rankings and appear higher in Google search results. This makes it easier for homeowners to find them and increases the likelihood of enquiries.

By enhancing their online presence and reputation with Checkatrade, local businesses can attract more enquiries and stand out among their competitors.

Customer Service and Conflict Resolution

Checkatrade is dedicated to providing excellent customer service to both its members and customers. As a local business, it is important to maintain a high level of customer service to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business. Checkatrade can help businesses achieve this through its customer service and conflict resolution mechanisms.

Addressing Complaints

In the event of a complaint from a customer, it is important to address it promptly and professionally. Checkatrade provides a platform for customers to voice their concerns and for businesses to respond and resolve the issue. This not only helps to maintain customer satisfaction but also demonstrates a commitment to resolving issues.

To address a complaint, a business should:

Listen to the customer’s concerns and complaints
Apologise for any inconvenience caused
Offer a solution to rectify the issue
Follow up with the customer to ensure their satisfaction

By addressing complaints in a timely and professional manner, businesses can maintain a positive reputation and gain the trust of potential customers.

Maintaining Checkatrade Standards

Checkatrade has set standards for its members to ensure that they provide excellent service and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction. By adhering to these standards, businesses can gain the trust of potential customers and stand out from their competitors.

To maintain Checkatrade standards, businesses should:

Provide excellent customer service
Be transparent about their services and prices
Respond promptly to customer enquiries
Resolve complaints in a professional manner

By maintaining Checkatrade standards, businesses can provide peace of mind to their customers and build a positive reputation in their local community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What benefits does a Checkatrade membership offer to local businesses?

Checkatrade offers a range of benefits to local businesses, including increased visibility to potential customers, the ability to showcase their expertise and experience, and access to a community of like-minded professionals. Additionally, businesses can benefit from the trust and credibility that comes with being a member of Checkatrade.

What steps must a business take to become a member of Checkatrade?

To become a member of Checkatrade, a business must first pass a rigorous vetting process, which includes a thorough background check and an assessment of their skills and experience. Once approved, businesses can create a profile on the Checkatrade platform and begin promoting their services to potential customers.

How can a business improve its visibility to customers on Checkatrade?

One of the best ways for a business to improve its visibility on Checkatrade is to ensure that its profile is complete and up-to-date. This includes providing detailed information about the services offered, as well as high-quality photos and customer reviews. Additionally, businesses can take advantage of Checkatrade’s advertising and promotional tools to increase their exposure to potential customers.

What are the best practices for managing and responding to reviews on Checkatrade?

Managing and responding to reviews is an important part of building trust and credibility on Checkatrade. Businesses should aim to respond to all reviews in a timely and professional manner, addressing any concerns or issues raised by customers. It’s also important to take the time to thank customers for positive reviews, as this can help to build loyalty and encourage repeat business.

How does Checkatrade ensure the quality of businesses listed on its platform?

Checkatrade has a strict vetting process in place to ensure that only the highest-quality businesses are listed on its platform. This includes a thorough background check, an assessment of skills and experience, and ongoing monitoring to ensure that businesses continue to meet the required standards. Additionally, Checkatrade encourages customers to leave honest and unbiased reviews, which can help to identify any businesses that are not meeting expectations.

In what ways can Checkatrade assist in increasing a local business’s lead generation?

Checkatrade offers a range of tools and resources to help businesses increase their lead generation, including targeted advertising, promotional tools, and access to a community of like-minded professionals. Additionally, businesses can benefit from the trust and credibility that comes with being a member of Checkatrade, which can help to attract new customers and encourage repeat business.

How Checkatrade Boosts Local Business Enquiries