Purplebricks is reported to have hired a new advertising agency to handle a “multi million pound” media campaign.
The advertising industry weekly Campaign says the firm hired is Wavemaker, which was only formed in January this year but already has a headcount of 700, including some 80 in a data and technology services division called TAPP.
Campaign says that following a strategic review of its UK marketing - led by the agency’s chief marketing officer Ed Hughes - Purplebricks has tasked Wavemaker with extending its reach among home sellers.
Purplebricks previously worked with the agency PHD - part of the Omnicom Media Group - on its multi-media advertising in the UK; however, Campaign says but it is understood the Omnicom Media Group agency declined to re-pitch for the business.
The review does not impact the hybrid agency's international activities in US or Australia, with both markets continuing to be handled by PHD.
Recent ads for Purplebricks have been the high profile Commisery TV slots and the less well-known but arguably more aggressive social media slots which mocked traditional estate agents who “twiddle their thumbs” in offices.
The videos - each 30 to 45 seconds long and posted on YouTube by Purplebricks UK and separately by Purplebricks in Australia - start with an actor saying “So Purplebricks...” or “OK Purplebricks...” and asking the agency a question.
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Thankfully, PurpleBricks still don't 'get' that advertising is coming to an end.
It's not just about the attention. It's about whether vendors actually care about what is being said.
More power to the ad blocking software.
Yep you nailed that one. It's an age old fact that it can take years or even decades to build a good reputation... but it can be destroyed with just one scandal. The amount of people losing faith Purplish Bricks is growing and responding with arrogance is not doing them any favours. The old 'Head In The Sand' tactic hoping everything will simply go away suggests they think their public is too stupid to remember their previous misdemeanours... but they won't. Likewise this sudden switch smacks of 'Passing The Buck' and losing touch with the reality of things.
Are the new ads going to be ASA compliant. Even today I have heard radio ads from PB explaining why they don’t charge commission but NOT EXPLAINING that you will PAY ANYWAY. Why are they continually getting away with this?
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