Carsguide hires Reprise Media for search

News Limited’s car buying website Carsguide has appointed Reprise Media to handle its searching marketing. Reprise replaces incumbent Columbus.

The announcement:

May 10, 2011: Carsguide, the automotive supplement and website produced by News Limited, has appointed Reprise Media to handle its  paid search marketing. Reprise was appointed after a competitive pitch involving two other unnamed agencies.

Part of Reprise’s remit with Carsguide is to continue the site’s expansion into mobile platforms in order to increase flexibility and efficiency in reaching people buying or selling vehicles.

Lia Bresnihan, Carsguide head of marketing, said: “We’re very excited to have Reprise Media manage our SEM business. Already, they’ve shown a great understanding into our business and results have outgrown our early expectations. We look forward to working closely with their team in developing our online offering.”

The Carsguide appointment of Reprise Media coincides with the revamp of the Carsguide supplement that is carried by News Limited print titles. It is Reprise’s first business from News Limited and broadens Reprise’s work in the automotive sector, with the agency already handling the paid search, SEO and social media for the Hyundai and Kia brands.

Rebecca Tos, group search director, Reprise Media said; “We’re delighted to have Carsguide as our new automotive client. The team did a fantastic job during the pitch process and early results are proving rewarding for the Carsguide business. We’re always thrilled to take on clients of this size and look forward to further developing our relationship with the Carsguide team. Wins like this top off a fantastic quarter for our business.”

The Carsguide search work was previously with specialist agency Columbus.