If you run a plumbing or heating business, you have probably wondered which marketing strategy will generate the best results.
Many businesses use platforms such as Checkatrade and My Builder to attract new customers, while others focus on Local SEO and Google Business Profile optimization.
The reality is that each approach has its own advantages, and the most successful businesses often use a combination of all three.
In this guide, we’ll compare SEO, Checkatrade, and My Builder to help you understand how they can support your business growth.
What Is Checkatrade?
Checkatrade is one of the UK’s best-known directories for tradespeople. It helps homeowners find trusted local businesses based on reviews, ratings, and company profiles.
Benefits of Checkatrade include:
- Increased online visibility
- Customer trust through reviews
- Exposure to local homeowners
- Established brand recognition
- Additional lead opportunities
Many plumbing businesses use Checkatrade as part of their overall marketing strategy.
What Is MyBuilder?
MyBuilder is a platform where homeowners can post jobs and connect with local tradespeople.
It allows plumbing businesses to access customers who are actively looking for quotes and services.
Benefits of MyBuilder include:
- Access to live job opportunities
- Local lead generation
- Increased exposure
- Opportunity to connect with new customers
- Flexible way to generate enquiries
For many businesses, MyBuilder is a useful additional source of leads.
What Is Local SEO?
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) focuses on improving your visibility on Google Search and Google Maps.
When someone searches:
- Plumber Near Me
- Emergency Plumber Reading
- Boiler Repair Slough
- Heating Engineer High Wycombe
Google displays businesses that it believes are relevant and trustworthy.
Local SEO helps improve your chances of appearing in these searches.
Local SEO typically includes:
- Google Business Profile optimisation
- Website optimisation
- Local keyword targeting
- Customer review strategies
- Service area pages
- Local citations
- Content creation
SEO vs Checkatrade
A common question is:
“Should I invest in SEO or Checkatrade?”
The answer depends on your business goals.
Checkatrade can help increase visibility through a trusted directory platform, while Local SEO helps improve your visibility directly on Google Search and Google Maps.
Many successful plumbing businesses use both approaches to maximise their online presence.
SEO vs MyBuilder
When comparing SEO vs MyBuilder, it’s important to remember that both attract customers in different ways.
MyBuilder helps connect you with homeowners posting jobs.
Local SEO helps customers find your business when searching on Google.
Rather than replacing one another, they can work together as part of a broader marketing strategy.
Comparing SEO, Checkatrade and MyBuilder
| Feature | Local SEO | Checkatrade | MyBuilder |
| Google Search Visibility | ✓ | Partial | Partial |
| Google Maps Visibility | ✓ | No | No |
| Customer Reviews | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brand Awareness | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
| Lead Generation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Supports Long-Term Growth | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Which Marketing Strategy Is Best for Plumbers?
There is no single solution that fits every business.
A newer plumbing company may benefit from:
- Checkatrade
- MyBuilder
- Google Business Profile
- Local SEO
An established company may focus more on:
- Google visibility
- Customer reviews
- Website enquiries
- Referrals
The most effective approach is often a balanced mix of lead generation channels.
Why Google Visibility Matters
Regardless of where an enquiry comes from, many customers will still search for your company online before making contact.
They may:
- Read your Google reviews
- Visit your website
- Compare you with competitors
- Check your Google Business Profile
This is why maintaining a strong online presence remains important for long-term growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SEO better than Checkatrade?
Both can be effective. Checkatrade helps businesses gain visibility through its directory, while Local SEO helps improve visibility on Google Search and Google Maps. Many plumbing businesses use both.
Is MyBuilder worth it for plumbers?
MyBuilder can be a useful source of enquiries, particularly for businesses looking to connect with customers actively seeking quotes. Results vary depending on location and competition.
Can I use Checkatrade and SEO together?
Yes. Many successful plumbing businesses use Checkatrade alongside Local SEO and Google Business Profile optimisation to increase visibility across multiple channels.
How long does Local SEO take to work?
Most businesses begin seeing improvements within three to six months, depending on competition, website quality, and existing online visibility.
What is the best marketing strategy for a plumbing business?
The most effective strategy often combines Local SEO, Google Business Profile optimisation, customer reviews, referrals, and lead-generation platforms such as Checkatrade and MyBuilder.
Final Thoughts
When comparing SEO vs Checkatrade vs MyBuilder, the goal should not be choosing one and ignoring the others.
Each platform offers unique advantages and can contribute to a successful marketing strategy.
For many plumbing and heating businesses, a combination of Local SEO, Google Business Profile optimisation, customer reviews, Checkatrade, and MyBuilder can help create a steady flow of enquiries and support long-term business growth.
Need More Local Calls?
At Xcel Rank, we help UK plumbing and heating businesses improve their visibility on Google Search and Google Maps through Local SEO and Google Business Profile optimisation.
Contact us today for a free local visibility audit and discover opportunities to attract more local enquiries.
