Hibu, a company transforming how small businesses connect with customers, has clinched Microsoft Advertising’s 2024 Channel Partner of the Year award. This prestigious recognition spotlights how a digital marketing firm has become a national leader while staying true to its local business roots.

National Recognition

What started as a traditional publisher has become a digital marketing powerhouse serving over 70,000 small- and medium-sized businesses across America. Hibu has built a reputation for bringing big-company marketing tools to local businesses that need them most.

The company’s journey reflects a deep understanding of how local businesses operate. While many marketing firms chase after major corporations, Hibu has focused on helping small businesses find their footing in the digital world. This dedication to supporting main street businesses caught Microsoft’s attention during their partner award evaluation.

Building Better Digital Solutions

At the heart of Hibu’s success lies its ability to make sophisticated advertising technology accessible to small business owners. The company has smoothly woven Microsoft’s advertising tools, including Bing Search and the Microsoft Audience Network, into its marketing platform. This integration gives local businesses the same advertising firepower typically reserved for larger companies with bigger budgets.

Hibu’s Chief Product Officer, Nick Hopkins, explains how technical innovation sets them apart: “Being named the 2024 Microsoft Advertising Channel Partner of the Year recognizes the great work from everyone here at Hibu in expanding our partnership with Microsoft to integrate Microsoft Ads, including Bing Search, the Microsoft Audience Network and other emerging channels, into our Hibu digital marketing platform and solutions and our commitment to our clients’ success.”

The recent Elite Partner status Hibu earned from Microsoft in October 2024 shows how this approach pays off. This designation opens up exclusive resources and support to help Hibu continue improving its services for local clients.

What This Means for Local Businesses

Hibu’s award signals more than corporate recognition for small business owners – it promises better advertising tools and results. The Microsoft partnership gives local businesses access to advanced advertising features that may have once been out of reach due to cost or complexity.

Small businesses working with Hibu can now tap into Microsoft’s vast advertising network while maintaining the personal touch of a local marketing partner. This combination helps them compete more effectively in their local markets, even against larger regional or national competitors.

The recognition also validates Hibu’s commitment to helping small businesses thrive in an increasingly digital marketplace. As online advertising grows more complex, having a partner who can simplify these tools while delivering results becomes invaluable for local business success.

Looking ahead, this award positions Hibu to keep developing new ways to support local business growth. Their deep understanding of small business needs and cutting-edge advertising technology suggests they’ll continue finding innovative ways to help local companies succeed online.