How Tradespeople Can Get Leads for Work – And Why the Helpi Way Is Better

Written by
Helpi Team
Published on
17 Oct 2025
Whether you're an experienced electrician, a skilled plumber, a handyman, or a painter and decorator, getting a steady stream of work leads is the key to a reliable income. But in 2025, lead generation has changed—and not always for the better.
From expensive lead-buying platforms to unreliable social media messages, many tradespeople are frustrated with how hard it is to find good jobs at a fair price. That’s where Helpi comes in—changing the game by putting tradespeople first.
Let’s break down the most common ways UK tradespeople get leads today—and how Helpi’s Hero model offers a smarter, fairer alternative.
1. Lead-Buying Platforms (e.g. Checkatrade, Rated People, MyBuilder)
These platforms dominate the online space and often appear top in search results when customers Google “plumber near me” or “find an electrician.”
How it works:
- Tradespeople pay monthly membership fees (£30–£60+ per month)
- Then pay extra to buy leads (usually £5–£35 each), even if they don’t win the job
- Multiple trades are often sold the same lead, creating fierce competition
Pros:
- Consistent stream of job opportunities
- Good visibility online
Cons:
- Costly and unpredictable
- High competition = low success rate
- No refunds for timewasters or non-responsive leads
2. Social Media & Facebook Groups
Some tradespeople use local Facebook groups, Instagram, or TikTok to promote their work and respond to job requests.
Pros:
- Free to use
- Great for building local awareness
Cons:
- Leads are unreliable and hard to track
- Time-consuming to manage
- No formal booking or payment process
3. Google Business & Word of Mouth
Having a Google Business Profile or relying on customer referrals still works well for established tradespeople.
Pros:
- Strong trust from past clients
- Free listings on Google
Cons:
- Slower to build when starting out
- Difficult to generate consistent leads without extra marketing effort
- No job protection or platform support
Most platforms are built to serve the customer, not the tradesperson. You pay to be listed, then pay for leads, and often lose money if the customer changes their mind or hires someone else.
It becomes a game of numbers—spend more to win more, with no guarantee of return. And for many tradespeople, especially those just starting out, that’s a stressful way to run a business.
Helpi flips the model to put tradespeople first. Here's how it works:
- You sign up as a Helpi Hero for free
- You’re verified and added to the network
- Jobs are matched to you based on your location and skills
- You don’t pay anything to receive, accept, or complete jobs
- Helpi earns by taking a small service fee from the customer—not from you
There are no membership fees, no paid leads, and no hidden costs.
Free to Join & Accept Work
You’re not charged to be on the platform. You can see jobs, accept work, and earn money without spending a penny upfront.
No Competing for Leads
When you accept a job, it’s yours. No racing to undercut others or buy overpriced leads that go nowhere.
Local Jobs Matched to You
Helpi matches you with work in your area, based on your availability and trade type—helping you reduce travel time and stay productive.
Support With Invoicing & Payments
Helpi handles payment collection and customer service, so you can focus on the job, not the admin.
You’re in Control
You decide what jobs you take, when you work, and how much you charge. You’re supported—not controlled.
The truth is, good tradespeople shouldn’t have to pay to get work. You already put in the hard graft every day—why should you also pay just to compete for the chance to earn?
That’s the heart of the Helpi Hero philosophy: fair, simple, and transparent access to real jobs with no upfront fees.
If you’re tired of paying for dead-end leads, scrolling social media for work, or battling lowball offers from customers, Helpi offers a new way forward.
With no charges to join or accept jobs, and a platform designed to help—not hinder—you, it’s never been easier to grow your work as a trusted local Hero.
Want to become a Helpi Hero?
Apply today and join a growing network of tradespeople who are changing the way work gets done—one fair, local job at a time.
Download Helpi Team now
For all your home needs download the Helpi Life app on the iOS App Store and Android Play Store now.