Lead marketplaces can fill your diary quickly, but you rent the leads and often compete for each one. Your own website and Business Profile take longer to build, but the leads are yours. Many tradies use both, then rely on marketplaces less as their own channels grow.
| Lead marketplaces | Your own site and profile | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Fast | Weeks to months |
| Cost | Typically per lead, credits or subscription | Build cost plus SEO or your time |
| Competition per lead | Often shared with other businesses | The customer contacted you |
| Who owns the customer | The platform sits in the middle | You |
| If you stop paying | Leads stop | Rankings keep working for a while |
Pricing models vary by platform and change over time. Check each platform's current terms.
When marketplaces make sense
- You're new and need work now.
- You're entering a new area or service.
- Your diary has gaps you need to fill quickly.
Getting the most from them
- Respond within minutes. Many jobs go to the first reply.
- Ask happy customers for a Google review as well as a platform review.
- Give every customer your card and website so repeat work comes to you directly.
Build your own channel alongside. See how to get more leads and websites and SEO for tradies.