Thryv and Yellow Pages: Are Wall Street Giants Pulling the Strings?

Thryv and Yellow Pages: Are Wall Street Giants Pulling the Strings?

In today’s digital age, small businesses face a constant battle for visibility. While platforms like Thryv and the digital descendants of the Yellow Pages promise to connect businesses with customers, the reality is often far more complex. Behind the scenes, Wall Street giants like Blackrock, Vanguard, and State Street, along with other institutional investors, exert significant influence, potentially prioritizing profits over the genuine needs of local businesses. It’s time to shed light on this hidden control and explore alternatives that put the power back in the hands of small business owners. In this article we ask the question… Thryv and Yellow Pages: Are Wall Street Giants Pulling the Strings?

The Illusion of Support: Wall Street’s Influence on Thryv and Yellow Pages

While Thryv and online Yellow Pages directories may appear to be neutral platforms, the reality is that they are often heavily influenced by Wall Street. Blackrock, Vanguard, and State Street, along with other institutional investors, own significant shares in these companies. These investors, with their massive portfolios and focus on maximizing returns, may not always prioritize the best interests of small businesses. Their influence can shape the platforms’ policies, pricing, and features, potentially creating an uneven playing field that favors larger corporations or those willing to pay a premium for visibility. Here are the shareholders and percentages by Yahoo Finance.

The Hidden Costs: Prioritizing Profits Over Community

The influence of Wall Street investors can lead to several potential drawbacks for small businesses using Thryv and Yellow Pages:

• Increased Costs: Pressure to maximize profits can lead to higher fees and subscription costs for small businesses, making it harder for them to compete.
• Reduced Visibility: Algorithms and ranking systems may favor businesses that pay more for premium placements, potentially burying smaller businesses that can’t afford those costs.
• Limited Control: Small businesses may have limited control over their online presence on these platforms, making it harder to customize their profiles or showcase their unique offerings.
• Lack of Transparency: The inner workings of these platforms, including how businesses are ranked and promoted, may lack transparency, making it difficult for small businesses to understand how to effectively utilize them.

Taking Back Control: Empowering Small Businesses

Fortunately, there are alternatives to Thryv and Yellow Pages that prioritize the needs of small businesses and their communities:

• Locally-owned the Small Business Directory: “Shop small, support local for stronger communities”.
• Community-Based Marketing: Small businesses can explore community-based marketing strategies, such as partnering with local organizations, sponsoring events, or participating in farmers markets and festivals, to build relationships and reach their target audience directly.
• Direct Engagement: Building a strong online presence through a website and social media allows small businesses to connect directly with customers and control their brand messaging.

Choose Empowerment: Support Local, Support Ethical

The choice is clear. Small businesses can choose to rely on platforms heavily influenced by Wall Street, or they can take control of their destiny and explore alternatives that prioritize their needs and the well-being of their communities. By supporting locally owned business directories, engaging in community-based marketing, and building direct relationships with customers, small businesses can thrive independently and contribute to a more vibrant and equitable local economy.