Reviews for DexYP/Thryv, Hibu, Yext, and Independent Designers – READ THIS FIRST

In today’s hyper-competitive digital landscape, choosing the right marketing partner is one of the most critical decisions a business can make. Unfortunately, many businesses waste valuable time and money with providers who overpromise and underdeliver. Three common options—DexYP/Thryv (Dex Media), Hibu, Yext, and independent freelance web designers—often seem appealing at first glance. However, each of these choices comes with inherent limitations that can stall your marketing progress and growth.

By contrast, Encompass Marketing Group (EMG) offers a strategic, data-driven, and fully integrated approach that positions your business for sustained success rather than quick, one-size-fits-all solutions.

The Problem with DexYP/Thryv (Dex Media)

DexYP (also branded as Thryv or Dex Media) rose to prominence by converting its legacy Yellow Pages business into a digital marketing service provider. While their product pitch is polished, there are serious concerns:

1. Bundled Software Lock-In – Thryv’s model often requires customers to adopt their proprietary CRM, invoicing, and scheduling tools. Many businesses already have systems in place, meaning Thryv forces a costly and often disruptive platform transition.

2. Template-Driven Websites – Thryv websites are often built from generic templates, limiting customization and branding. While fast to deploy, these cookie-cutter sites frequently lack unique SEO value and rarely differentiate your business in the eyes of customers.

3. High, Ongoing Costs – Thryv’s pricing structure typically includes long-term contracts and costly monthly fees, regardless of performance. You’re often paying more for bundled software than actual marketing results.

4. SEO Limitations – Because Thryv manages hundreds of thousands of client sites, your business is essentially part of a bulk SEO program, with limited keyword research and little local market nuance.

The Problem with Hibu

Hibu (formerly Yellowbook) markets itself as a full-service digital marketing provider, but their approach has similar issues:

1. Lack of Transparency – Many Hibu clients report having little control or access to their website back end. If you decide to leave Hibu, you often lose your entire website, content, and SEO history because they retain ownership of the work.

2. Performance-Based Marketing Gaps – Hibu is focused on volume—acquiring as many small business clients as possible—resulting in minimal customization or local-market strategy. Their ads and SEO services are frequently automated, producing generic outcomes.

3. Outdated Design Approach – While Hibu’s designs are professional, they are often template-based and not optimized for conversion beyond a basic level. This reduces lead quality and overall ROI.

The Problem with Yext

Yext has become synonymous with online directory management. While Yext has value in syncing business information across multiple platforms, relying on Yext as your primary marketing tool has major downsides:

1. Rental Model, Not Ownership – Yext doesn’t “fix” your business listings permanently. Instead, you’re essentially renting your listings. When you stop paying, your information can revert back to previous (and often incorrect) versions.

2. Limited SEO Impact – While consistent directory information is helpful, it doesn’t replace proper on-page SEO, high-quality content, and link-building strategies. Yext is an add-on tool, not a full marketing solution.

3. Overpriced for What You Get – Many businesses pay hundreds or even thousands annually for something that can be managed manually or via other lower-cost tools once proper directory structure is established.

The Problem with Hiring a Lone Website Designer

Hiring an independent website designer might seem appealing, especially for businesses looking for a one-time project. However, there are risks:

1. No Ongoing Strategy – Most independent designers focus solely on the design and initial launch. Once the website is delivered, ongoing marketing support—like SEO, paid advertising, reputation management, and content updates—is often absent.

2. Skillset Limitations – Website designers are rarely full-stack digital marketers. While they may produce a visually pleasing site, it often lacks conversion-focused structure, deep SEO optimization, and integrated marketing automation.

3. Business Continuity Risks – Freelancers may be here today and gone tomorrow. If they move on, your website could be unsupported, leaving you vulnerable to downtime, security issues, or an inability to make critical updates.

Looking to get out of your website contract with DexYP/Thryv or Hibu.

Here is a link to our phone script.  Many of our customers have found this useful.  We have made some small changes recently…so let us know what you think.

Your other choice to start this journey is to use good old SNAIL MAIL.  Here is a copy of our cancel your Hibu letter template.

Why Encompass Marketing Group is Different

1. Holistic, Data-Driven Strategy

Encompass Marketing Group doesn’t just build a website or run ads; we develop a comprehensive strategy tailored to your industry, local market, and specific growth goals. From SEO and PPC to social media, reputation management, and email automation, our campaigns are designed for measurable performance.

2. You Own Everything

Unlike Hibu or Thryv, all websites, ad accounts, and content we create are 100% owned by you. You control your digital assets—ensuring long-term flexibility and independence.

3. Custom, Conversion-Focused Design

Every website we create is custom-built for your brand and optimized for lead generation. We don’t use cookie-cutter templates; instead, we integrate analytics, heatmaps, and call tracking to continually improve performance.

4. Local SEO Expertise

We specialize in local search engine optimization, a critical element for businesses like contractors, medical practices, restaurants, and service providers. Our team understands how to rank you in the local pack and on maps—where real buyers search.

5. No Long-Term Contracts

We believe in earning your business every month. Unlike providers who lock you into 12–36-month contracts, our month-to-month structure puts accountability on us to deliver.

6. Transparent Reporting

We provide clear, detailed reporting on all campaigns, including lead counts, keyword rankings, and ROI metrics. You’ll always know what you’re paying for and what you’re getting in return.

7. Full Marketing Partner, Not Just a Vendor

Encompass Marketing Group functions as an extension of your business. We’re not just building a website or running ads—we’re guiding your digital strategy, helping you identify opportunities, and pivoting with your business as it grows.

The Bottom Line

Choosing a marketing partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. While DexYP/Thryv, Hibu, Yext, and freelance website designers each have appeal, they share critical weaknesses:

• Locking you into inflexible contracts or proprietary systems

• Delivering generic, one-size-fits-all marketing solutions

• Focusing on surface-level deliverables instead of long-term ROI

Encompass Marketing Group eliminates those problems by offering custom, data-driven, and fully owned marketing solutions designed for sustainable growth. With transparent reporting, flexible terms, and a team of digital marketing specialists, we put your business in the best position to succeed—today and for years to come.