How lead sites work
You pay a monthly membership, a fee per lead, or both. In return you get a profile and enquiries. On some platforms the same job goes to several trades, so you compete on price and speed. Check each platform’s current terms, as pricing changes.
How your own website works
Your site and Google profile show up when people search for your trade in your area. The enquiry goes only to you. You pay for the site once, then a small yearly renewal. It keeps working whether or not you renew a membership.
When a lead site makes sense
When you are new and need work this month, when you want the platform’s vetting badge, or when your diary has gaps to fill quickly.
When your own site wins
When you want to stop paying per lead, build your own reviews on Google, and sell bigger jobs without racing other trades on price.
Using both well
Put your website link on your lead-site profile and van. Ask happy customers for a Google review. Over time, more work comes direct and you can cut back on paid leads.