Search engine UKmax drops Real Media for rival 24/7
UKmax, the UK-focused search engine, has switched ad sales from Real Media UK to rival ad sales network 24/7 UK as it prepares for a relaunch of its site.
24/7 UK will take over sales to advertisers of banner campaigns, online sponsorships, e-commerce and direct marketing opportunities on behalf of UKmax. Hollinger Telegraph New Media operates the site.
The switch from Real Media, which handles online ad sales for News International newspaper titles, is a boost to 24/7, which is attempting to raise its representation of high-profile UK sites.
According to UKmax business development manager Vivek Nath, 24/7 UK won the account because of its good work in representing sister Hollinger-backed site Handbag.com. Concern over Real Media’s representation of rival newspaper-based sites was “not an issue” in the switch, he says.
The search engine – which features on the Electronic Telegraph site, Handbag.com and a number of other affiliate sites – is being promoted through a number of prize giveaway competitions on offer in traditional and online media, says Nath. He adds that an active below-the-line marketing campaign, handled by agency Mediator, will continue to run over the coming months.
24/7 UK client service director Griselda Billington says: “UKmax is one of the top search engines in the UK. Each channel offers well-defined targeting and is ideally placed to generate excellent results for advertisers.”
Western International Media has won EMAP Online’s media planning and buying account, which will cover traditional and new media strategy for all EMAP Online’s sites.