Question 1

How does Storefront Audit compare to Hibu?

Accepted Answer

Hibu is a full-service digital marketing agency that builds websites and runs advertising campaigns for local businesses, typically on 12-month contracts. Storefront Audit is a visibility audit and action plan platform - it tells you exactly why competitors outrank you and what to do about it, without locking you into a contract. Storefront Audit's full audit is free. Hibu's services typically require annual commitments starting around $300-500/month.

Question 2

What are the main complaints about Hibu?

Accepted Answer

Common Hibu complaints include long-term contract requirements that are difficult to exit, opaque pricing, limited transparency into what work is actually being done, and websites that the business does not own after the contract ends. Many small business owners feel locked in without seeing measurable results. Storefront Audit operates with no contracts - the free audit is yours to keep, and paid plans are month-to-month.

Question 3

Is there a free alternative to Hibu?

Accepted Answer

Storefront Audit offers a fully free local business audit with no contract, no credit card, and no signup required. You get a report on your Google Business Profile, reviews, competitor positioning, and website performance - with a prioritized action list. For businesses that want a plan before spending more, the Blueprint is a one-time $497 purchase you keep forever. Done-for-you monthly execution starts at $697/month, month-to-month with no annual commitment required.

Question 4

What does Hibu cost in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Hibu does not publish pricing publicly - rates are set through sales consultations and vary based on location, competition, and services selected. Most small business packages range from $300-800/month on 12-month contracts. Annual commitment is standard. Storefront Audit's free audit has no cost. The one-time Blueprint ($497) gives you a 90-day roadmap you keep forever, and done-for-you monthly plans start at $697/month with no annual commitment.

Question 5

Does Storefront Audit replace Hibu?

Accepted Answer

They are different types of products. Hibu provides full agency services - building your website, running ads, managing your online presence as a done-for-you agency. Storefront Audit provides an audit and action plan, plus optional done-for-you execution plans. The key difference: Storefront Audit starts with a free audit so you know exactly what needs to be done before spending anything. Hibu starts with a contract before you have seen results.

Feature	Storefront Audit	Hibu
Pricing	Transparent: $0-$1,497/mo	Hidden, "call for quote" (reportedly $500 to $1,500+/mo)
Contracts	No contracts, cancel anytime	6 to 12 month lock-ins reported
Free trial	Free audit, no credit card	No free anything
Data ownership	You own everything	Reports suggest you lose data when you leave
Setup fee	$0	Unknown
Results timeline	5 minutes for your first report	2 to 4 week onboarding
Google reviews	New (building)	Mixed, many complaints about value
Technology	AI-powered analysis	Cookie-cutter templates
AI search visibility (ChatGPT and Google's AI answers)	Scored in every audit. Blueprint includes specific fixes for AI search results.	No AI search component - traditional directory and website model only.

Looking for a Hibu alternative? You’re not alone.

Side-by-Side Comparison

What Hibu Customers Are Saying

Hidden pricing

Lock-in contracts

Generic websites

Poor ROI

Try the free audit. See the difference in under 5 minutes.