14 Thumbtack Competitors for Service Providers
14 Thumbtack Competitors for Service Providers
Brittany Foster
Originally published in December 2021. Last updated on December 12, 2024.
If you’ve looked into lead generation platforms for your service business, then you’ve probably heard of Thumbtack. And while it’s a great option, it’s not the only tool on the market.
Finding the right lead generation platform for your industry, services, and customers is key to getting the best return on investment and attracting high-quality leads.
Take a look at these Thumbtack competitors to see which one may work best for your business so you can start winning more jobs.
Try one of these Thumbtack alternatives:
- Taskrabbit
- Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Handy
- Porch
- Pro Referral
- Houzz
- Yelp
- ServiceWhale
- LawnStarter
- BuildZoom
- Bark
- Fixr
- Contractor Connection
- Nextdoor
- Homestars
- How Thumbtack stacks up to its competitors
- How to pick the best lead generation platform for your business
What is Thumbtack?
Thumbtack is a lead generation platform that helps home service businesses attract new customers and win more jobs.
It works well for contractors who offer home services, like cleaners, painters, electricians, and carpenters.
READ MORE: Thumbtack for contractors: A complete guide to the lead generation platform
1. Taskrabbit
Taskrabbit is a lead generation platform that most customers use for one-off jobs, like mounting a TV or assembling a piece of furniture. It serves a wide range of industries, from dog walking and wedding photography to HVAC and plumbing.
Who should use it?
Taskrabbit is best for handymen or other contractors who offer single services, like installing a dishwasher or painting a room. It can be a good option if you’re looking to make some extra money during the off-season or you’re just starting out and want to generate revenue to grow.
How does pricing work?
To become a Tasker, you pay a one-time $25 fee. There’s no charge to generate leads.
How do I sign up?
- Create your account
- Build your profile by adding your service area, industry, and what you offer
- Submit any required business certifications or proof of experience
READ MORE: Thumbtack vs. TaskRabbit: Which lead generation service is right for you?
2. Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Handy
HomeAdvisor (now Angi Leads), Handy, and Angi (previously Angi Ads) are all part of Angi Pro. They work together to connect homeowners with professional contractors in various industries, including electrical, general contracting, and roofing.
For example, with Angi Ads, you pay to advertise your business to potential clients by promoting your listing. Angi Leads sends you prospective customers who match your profile and services. Handy acts as a separate platform that chooses service providers for customers, sets contractor rates, and facilitates payments.
READ MORE: Home service marketing strategies to attract leads and boost profit
Who should use it?
Angi Pro can be used for both one-off and ongoing home service jobs, like remodeling a bathroom or replacing a broken window. Both new and established businesses can use the platform to gain exposure and bring in new work.
Handy is specifically geared toward cleaning, moving, and handyman services, focusing less on advertising or promotion.
How does pricing work?
Angi Pro works on a cost-per-lead model, and the costs vary depending on the job, location, and type of services required.
How do I sign up?
- Create an account on Angi Pro
- Fill out your business details, like your business name, services, and industry
- Complete a background check and provide any required certification
READ MORE: Angi vs. HomeAdvisor
3. Porch
Porch is a Thumbtack competitor geared toward home improvement jobs, like renovations and remodels as well as lawn care and landscaping.
Who should use it?
Porch is best for contractors looking to take on larger home projects instead of one-off jobs.
How does pricing work?
Porch’s pricing is based on the job's cost, with contractors paying a commission for bringing in a lead.
How do I sign up?
- Sign up for a Porch account
- Add your business information
- List your services
- Complete any verification requirements, like providing your business license, proof of insurance, or a background check
4. Pro Referral
Pro Referral is a lead generation service offered through Home Depot, connecting contractors with homeowners looking for home improvement services.
Who should use it?
Pro Referral is suitable for home improvement professionals who purchase materials at Home Depot, serving various trades including landscaping and fencing.
How does pricing work?
There's no upfront cost to join, but you pay for the leads you acquire.
How do I sign up?
- Create a Pro Referral account
- Fill out your business details
- Provide any required certifications
5. Houzz
Houzz focuses on home renovations and design, catering to higher-end, custom project contractors.
Who should use it?
Best for general contractors, architects, and home designers.
How does pricing work?
Charges vary based on subscription plans depending on the level of advertising desired.
How do I sign up?
- Create a free account
- Choose a subscription plan
- Complete any required background checks and provide proof of certification if available.
6. Yelp
Yelp serves as a review platform and offers lead generation through business profiles and paid advertising.
Who should use it?
Ideal for any service business looking to centralize reviews and build an online presence.
How does pricing work?
Free to create a profile, with options for paid advertisements based on a pay-per-click model.
How do I sign up?
- Claim your business listing
- Fill out a profile with business information and photos
- Ask for reviews from customers
- Choose whether to pay for ads
7. ServiceWhale
With ServiceWhale, homeowners can request estimates for services like roofing, plumbing, and HVAC repairs.
Who should use it?
Ideal for service providers relying on quotes to win jobs.
How does pricing work?
Charges a fee per lead, based on the job and location.
How do I sign up?
Must request a demo to evaluate if it fits your business.
8. LawnStarter
LawnStarter connects homeowners with lawn care and landscaping services.
Who should use it?
Specific to lawn care contractors for services like mowing, tree pruning, and yard design.
How does pricing work?
Charges a commission for each job completed through the platform.
How do I sign up?
- Join for free
- Set up your business profile
- Provide additional documentation
9. BuildZoom
BuildZoom helps homeowners find licensed contractors for large-scale construction projects.
Who should use it?
Ideal for licensed contractors specializing in remodeling and renovating homes.
How does pricing work?
Pay-per-lead model; charges only for serious leads.
How do I sign up?
- Create an account
- Add business information
- Complete any necessary verification
10. Bark
Bark is similar to Taskrabbit, covering a variety of services for one-off and recurring jobs.
Who should use it?
Any home service provider looking to generate more leads.
How does pricing work?
Charges per lead based on job type and urgency.
How do I sign up?
- Join as a professional
- Complete your business profile
11. Fixr
Fixr connects contractors with homeowners needing jobs done, especially for estimates.
Who should use it?
Worked best for home improvement contractors.
How does pricing work?
Offers both free and paid plans for business listings.
How do I sign up?
- Register your company
- Fill out a profile
- Provide necessary verification
12. Contractor Connection
Contractor Connection helps contractors connect with homeowners for repairs or remodeling.
Who should use it?
Best for contractors partnering with insurance companies for specific services like restoration.
How does pricing work?
No fee to join, but pay a referral fee for each lead received.
How do I sign up?
13. Nextdoor
Nextdoor provides networking for neighbors, including local contractors through paid ads.
Who should use it?
Home service providers aiming for local leads.
How does pricing work?
Free business plan with options for premium ads.
How do I sign up?
- Claim your business page
- Complete business listing
14. HomeStars
HomeStars is aimed at Canadian service providers, connecting them with homeowners across various industries.
Who should use it?
Canadian contractors looking for local leads.
How does pricing work?
Offers free and paid listings with tools for lead generation and review management.
How do I sign up?
How Thumbtack stacks up to its competitors
Thumbtack helps home service providers get more leads to grow their business.
Who should use it?
Home service providers can utilize Thumbtack across various industries for both small and large projects.
How does pricing work?
Creating an account is free, but charges apply per lead received.
How to pick the best lead generation platform for your business
Choosing a lead generation platform is crucial. Follow these steps:
1. Do your research
Look into each platform to find out:
- Cost of leads or subscriptions
- Customer usage of the platform
- Any hidden fees
- Competition in your area
- Your pricing compared to the competition
- Additional services that could benefit your business
2. Review each platform as a customer
Search service providers from a customer's perspective to understand competition and the customer experience.
3. Test them out
If the platform offers free trials, test them before making a major investment to gauge lead effectiveness.