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SwiftLead - websites, SEO and ads for local businesses
Comparison

SwiftLead vs Yell

Yell charges for directory listings most customers never see. SwiftLead puts you where people actually search — Google.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

See how SwiftLead and Yell compare on the things that matter.

Feature
SwiftLead
Yell
Monthly cost
From £129/mo flat
From £30 to £1,000+/mo depending on package
Where customers find you
Google Search, Google Maps, your own website
Yell.com directory — declining traffic
Your own website
Professional website you own (£299 one-off)
Basic website included in premium tiers
Contract length
3 months then cancel anytime
12–24 month contracts common
Google Maps optimisation
Included in every package
Offered in premium tiers at higher cost
Missed call text back
Included automatically
Not available
Review automation
Included — builds your Google reviews
Not included
Brand heritage
Modern, trades-focused
Well-known brand from Yellow Pages era
Cancellation process
Simple — message us and it’s done
Known for difficult cancellation processes
Website ownership after leaving
Yours to keep forever
Yell-built websites are removed on cancellation

People search Google, not Yell

Twenty years ago, everyone used the Yellow Pages. Today, over 90% of local searches happen on Google. Yell.com still gets traffic, but it’s a fraction of what Google delivers. Paying for a Yell listing means paying to be visible on a platform most customers skip. SwiftLead puts you where the searches actually happen — Google Search and Google Maps.

Long contracts and high prices

Yell is known for 12–24 month contracts, with some premium packages costing £500–£1,000+ per month. Many tradespeople report finding it difficult to cancel. SwiftLead is £129/month after a 3-month minimum, and you can cancel by sending a message. No sales calls, no retention teams, no hassle.

You lose everything when you leave

If Yell builds you a website as part of their package, that website disappears when you cancel. Your listing, your content, your visibility — gone. With SwiftLead, the website we build is yours. You keep it forever, even if you cancel the monthly system. Your Google reviews and Maps profile are also yours permanently.

Where Yell still works

Yell has decades of brand recognition, and some older customers still use the directory. In certain areas and trades, a Yell listing can supplement your online presence. But as a primary marketing strategy, it’s been outpaced by Google — which is where SwiftLead focuses all its effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers about SwiftLead vs Yell.

Is Yell still worth it in 2026?

For most tradespeople, Yell delivers significantly less value than it used to. Google dominates local search, and most customers never visit Yell.com. The money spent on a Yell contract typically delivers better results when invested in your own Google presence.

How much does Yell charge tradespeople?

Yell packages range from around £30/month for a basic listing to £1,000+ for premium packages including a website and ads. Most tradespeople report being on contracts of £200–£500 per month. SwiftLead is £129/month flat with no hidden fees.

Can I cancel my Yell contract?

Yell contracts are typically 12–24 months and can be difficult to cancel early. Many tradespeople report lengthy cancellation processes. It’s worth checking your contract terms. SwiftLead has a 3-month minimum, then cancel anytime with a simple message.

Will I lose my Yell reviews if I cancel?

Yes — reviews on Yell stay on Yell. If you cancel, potential customers can no longer see them. This is why SwiftLead focuses on Google reviews, which stay on your Google Business Profile permanently regardless of any subscription.

Should I keep my Yell listing alongside SwiftLead?

If you’re in a contract, there’s no harm in keeping it running. Once your contract ends, compare the leads you’re getting from Yell versus your Google presence. Most tradespeople find Google delivers more and better leads.

Ready to Switch?

Get a professional website you own forever, missed call text back, review automation, and Google Maps optimisation — all for less than £4.30 a day.