Tag: Tug

Sydney, Australia – Digital marketing agency Tug Sydney has been appointed by Bluebeam, a global developer of software solutions and services for the architecture and construction sectors, to drive digital marketing across the Asia Pacific. 

Following a competitive pitch, Tug will manage all paid media for Bluebeam including search, display and video, across key markets including Australia, New Zealand and India. Since 2019 Tug has worked with Bluebeam for paid media and SEO in the UK, Germany, Austria and Switzerland from the agency’s offices in Europe. 

Headquartered in Pasadena, California, Bluebeam is a leading developer of solutions and services for architects, engineers and construction professionals worldwide. Launched in 2002, Bluebeam works with some of the world’s largest design and engineering firms, with customers in 130 countries and more than two million users. 

Megan Johnstone, regional marketing manager for APAC at Bluebeam, said, “Tug demonstrated a clear understanding of our business and how best to use paid media and drive return on investment. Having worked with Tug in Europe, we were familiar with their expertise and as our offering expands in key APAC markets they are ideally positioned to help deliver on our ambitious targets.”

Charlie Bacon, GM of Tug Sydney, commented, “We’re delighted to expand Tug’s relationship with Bluebeam into our region. They’re an exciting business with clear objectives to continue growing and we look forward to partnering with them to realise that.” 

Bluebeam is the latest win for Tug and follows SEA LIFE Sydney’s appointment to manage search engine optimisation earlier this year.

Singapore – Budget Direct Insurance, the online digital insurance company in SEA, has reappointed digital marketing agency Tug as its partner. Tug was engaged by the company in 2020 to manage link acquisition and competitor analysis to boost local search rankings. 

Following the renewal, the agency’s scope has been extended to include content, UX and conversion rate optimisation services (CRO), content strategy and landing page experience.

Budget Direct is part of an international insurance group providing insurance solutions for policyholders worldwide. Meanwhile, Tug, which also has offices in Sydney, London, Toronto and Berlin, is a specialist in performance media and uses a smart combination of data, media, content and technology to deliver improved return on investment for brands. 

The account will be managed by Darran Hong, the recently appointed SEO Director at Tug Singapore, after the agency opened its doors in Southeast Asia earlier this year. 

Willy Bilaro, digital manager for SEA of Budget Direct Insurance, said, “Having partnered with Tug for a number of years, we have been impressed by the depth of experience and their strategic understanding in driving digital awareness and engagement with our brand. The launch of its office in Singapore means we now have an [on-the-ground] presence which will only facilitate closer collaboration and results for the business and we’re delighted to continue our partnership.” 

Karen Soo, managing director of Tug Singapore, commented, “Budget Direct Insurance is a leading insurance brand and one we are proud to be working with. As the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve, we look forward to continuing Tug’s association to ensure we deliver on their marketing objectives and return on investment.”

Singapore – Digital marketing agency Tug Singapore has appointed Darran Hong as its newest SEO director, where he will be responsible for leading the agency’s SEO services for its growing portfolio of clients in Southeast Asia.

Hong joins from life insurance company FWD Group as assistant SEO manager. Prior to that, he also served as senior SEO strategist at global performance marketing agency, Performics.

Hong’s new role will include responsibility for managing overall SEO for its clients in the region, helping to drive incremental growth in search to maximise return on marketing investment. This includes planning and managing site technical implementations, while also determining the strategic direction of content campaigns in line with business goals and objectives.

Speaking on his appointment, he said, “Tug’s proposition is built on using data, media, content and technology to full effect and backed by a global network of specialists. I’m delighted to be joining the team in Singapore as the agency builds its presence by delivering a new approach to performance marketing.”

Meanwhile, Karen Soo, who was recently appointed as managing director for Tug Singapore, commented, “We have identified new business opportunities in key categories including software, insurance and finance and Darran’s experience in this space will be invaluable as we embark on growing the Tug agency across the region. He is a strategic thinker who understands how to effectively use digital marketing to leverage brands and deliver results for our clients.”

Singapore – Digital marketing agency Tug has appointed former head of Reprise Digital, Karen Soo, to be its new managing director for its recently opened fifth international office in Singapore.

Tug, which has offices in Sydney, London, Toronto and Berlin, is a specialist in performance media and uses a smart combination of data, media, content and technology to deliver improved return on investment for brands. The decision to launch in Singapore follows expanding remits from existing and demand from prospective clients for a new approach to digital marketing.

In her new role, Soo will be driving new business across SEA, targeting key categories including software, insurance, and finance. She will also be overseeing Tug’s current portfolio of work and building the agency’s team on the ground.

Soo is an award-winning digital business leader, and has helped clients maximise their performance marketing, across media, content, data, and tech. Aside from her previous role at Reprise Digital, Soo has also served five years as the digital director at OMD, as well as digital-focused roles at Starcom, Mindshare, and ZenithOptimedia in Singapore and China.

Commenting on her appointment, Soo said, “Marketers in the region demand measurability and accountability in their performance media spend and Tug works with leading brands around the world delivering on that. Now we will do the same in South-East Asia. I’m looking forward to building the business across the region and growing the team, presenting a real, effective and integrated alternative to what currently exists.”

Meanwhile, Nick Beck, founder and CEO at Tug, noted that they see tremendous opportunity for a performance media specialist in Asia that effectively uses data, media, content, and technology, to deliver better outcomes for marketers. 

He further shared that the industry is still in its relevant infancy here and there continues to be a large number of operators that make big promises but consistently fail to deliver. Having already built a small portfolio of clients, and following their request for the agency to create a permanent presence, they have recognised the time is right for Tug to bring their many years of global experience to Singapore and the wider SEA region.

“I’m delighted that Karen Soo has joined us to realise our ambitious growth plans. She is a highly respected and proven leader who understands the market and how to optimise Tug’s expertise to maximum effect for our partners. We want to be the best global digital agency and establishing a base in Singapore, joining our offices in Sydney, London, Toronto, and Berlin, is a key step in achieving that,” said Beck.

Most recently, Tug has been tapped by entertainment company Merlin Entertainments to manage search engine optimisation for SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and drive customer growth.

Sydney, Australia – Digital marketing agency Tug has been tapped by entertainment company Merlin Entertainments to manage search engine optimisation for SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and drive customer growth.

Through the appointment, Tug will be increasing the share of voice and audience traffic to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium website through free, organic, editorial, and natural search results.

SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium has nine interactive zones where visitors can encounter some of the world’s most incredible animals, including dugongs, sharks, sawfish, stingrays, jellyfish, and penguins, as well as seahorses, and thousands of tropical fish. Meanwhile, Merlin Entertainments is a location-based, family entertainment and operates over 140 attractions, 23 hotels and six-holiday villages in 24 countries across four continents.

Matt Newman, Merlin Entertainments’ head of e-commerce for APAC, shared that with more than 700 species of aquatic life and more than 13,000 individual fish, and other sea and water creatures, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is a destination for all the family. 

“Following two years of disruption, we wanted a digital marketing agency that could help propel our organic web presence and drive awareness of everything we have to offer. The team from Tug showed a strong depth of experience in SEO and we look forward to working with them,” said Newman.

Meanwhile, Charlie Bacon, general manager at Tug Sydney, commented they are delighted Merlin Entertainments have selected Tug to help drive residents and tourists to this magical underwater world. 

“It’s a major entertainment destination in the heart of the city and we will bring all our expertise to ensure as many visitors as possible experience it. We hope this is the start of long-term relationship with Merlin Entertainments and its portfolio of attractions across Australia and New Zealand,” said Bacon.

In June 2022, Tug Sydney appointed Isabel Blanchard as paid media director. She will be leading the strategy and management of the agency’s paid media clients across search, social, display, and video.

Sydney, Australia – Digital marketing agency Tug has been appointed by Australia-based boutique law firm LawConnect, to be its new digital marketing partner.

LawConnect helps users find a lawyer and connect with them online. It also features secure sharing of documents, and the ability to upload, sign, and comment on documents from anywhere.

As part of the remit, Tug will be responsible for driving LawConnect’s consumer awareness across digital channels, including content creation, organic and paid social strategy, and creative, as well as the relaunch of LawConnect across Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well as Pay Per Click (PPC).

Alexandra Steadman, the global CMO of LawConnect and LEAP Group, believes that the agency is best placed to lead the digital marketing for LawConnect as they look to drive consumer awareness and education. 

“They have demonstrated a strong understanding of our business, its objectives, and how to realize them, and I look forward to partnering with them once more,” said Steadman.

Meanwhile, Charlie Bacon, Tug’s client service director, commented, “We look forward to ensuring the brand features prominently across social media during the Rolex Sydney Hobart yacht race and have already developed some innovative content concepts that we can’t wait to bring to life.”

In October this year, Tug has also announced its acquired mandate for similarly Singapore-based firm Budget Direct Insurance and its sister Thai brand EasyCompare, with an expanded partnership to include content and UX.

Sydney, Australia – Digital marketing agency Tug has been reappointed by Budget Direct Insurance in Singapore and one of its brands EasyCompare in Thailand, with an expansion of its remit to include content and UX.

Budget Direct Insurance is an online digital insurance company and part of an international insurance group providing insurance solutions worldwide. EasyCompare Thailand is one of its brands and is an online car insurance comparison website and broker in Thailand. 

Tug was first engaged by the two more than 12 months ago to manage link acquisition and competitor analysis to boost their local search rankings. In addition to extending its initial engagement, Tug will also work on on-page optimization, content strategy, creation, and UX to further grow both brands in each country.

The agency said it will increase site engagement for the two brands by incorporating thought leadership pieces, data-driven content, and infographics to drive overall expertise, authority, and trustworthiness which are key factors for a successful SEO strategy.

Simon Birch, CEO of Budget Direct Insurance, said, “Tug has the capability and experience to deliver effective strategic thinking and implementation of search optimization, more than most in our region. I’m delighted we are not only continuing our relationship with them, but expanding its range of services to ensure Budget Direct Insurance and EasyCompare Thailand continue to be top of mind for consumers.”

Tug’s CEO Nick Beck commented, “Having built a successful partnership with both teams, we’re delighted that our engagement has been extended and expanded. As we continue to grow the Tug network across Southeast Asia, we look forward to establishing an on the ground presence in Singapore and bringing our expertise to more businesses early next year.”

Tug will be managing the business from its Sydney office, with plans to open a regional Southeast Asia hub in Singapore during the first quarter of 2022, joining its network of offices in Toronto, London, and Berlin.

Tug has also recently announced acquiring the SEO mandate of resto booking platform Dish Cult and also an extended remit for software firm LEAP to add global media business. 

Sydney, Australia – The global restaurant booking platform, Dish Cult, has appointed digital marketing agency Tug, to optimize search across its key markets including Australia, New Zealand, UK, and Ireland.

Dish Cult, which is powered by global reservation and table management solution ResDiary, is a content-led booking platform that includes stories, guides, and news on where diners should go for dining, as well as providing real-time restaurant availability.

The appointment will see Tug leading the SEO for Dish Cult, and providing technical optimization and guidance along with best practice guidelines for implementation across the globe.

Moreover, the agency will be managing the Dish Cult business from its Sydney office, leading on-page optimization, UX enhancements, and the global content strategy to drive bookings and increase Dish Cult’s share of voice globally.

Mitchell Nunis, Dish Cult’s head of brand and growth for ANZ, believes that Tug’s expertise in search will play an important part in growing the share of search and digital-physical availability, which is an important step in becoming the go-to-dining companion for remarkable restaurant recommendations. 

“The team from Tug Sydney clearly demonstrated their strategic capabilities and experience of working on businesses that are active across multiple territories. We look forward to working with them closely in the coming months,” said Nunis.

Meanwhile, Charlie Bacon, the client service director at Tug Sydney, commented, “Dish Cult is an exciting global player in the fast-growing digital hospitality space and we are delighted they have selected Tug to help power their search optimization and user experience across Australasia and wider.”

In August this year, Tug also announced its extended remit with the global legal software provider based in Australia, LEAP. The agency will now be managing LEAP’s display, social, PPC, SEO, and specialist legal media, as well as software directories, and data and analytics.

Sydney, Australia – The global legal software provider based in Australia, LEAP, has added its global performance media business to the existing remit it has for digital marketing agency Tug. According to Tug, the value of the business amounts to US$8m. 

LEAP equips lawyers with cloud-based legal practice management software that lets them take advantage of integrated matter management, document automation, and legal accounting.

LEAP’s paid digital performance strategy and buying in Australia have been in the care of Tug, and with the extended remit, the agency will also now be managing LEAP’s display, social, PPC, SEO, and specialist legal media, as well as software directories, and data and analytics for United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This will be led by Tug’s Sydney team and will be executed in-market by Tug’s local agency teams in Toronto and London.

Richard Hugo-Hamman, LEAP’s executive chairman, said that they need to grow the global visibility of their brand and drive new firms to the platform, so they can run more efficient law firms, and start making more money. 

“Tug has shown how an effective digital strategy for our business is working in Australia, and we look forward to that being replicated in these key countries,” said Hugo-Hamman.

Meanwhile, Charlie Bacon, Tug’s client service director, commented, “We’re delighted to extend our relationship with LEAP which is a recognition of the capabilities and experience that we have in Australia. The Sydney team will continue to oversee LEAP’s digital strategy with the support of Tug’s global office network.”

Alexandra Steadman, the global chief marketing officer at LEAP, shared that since engaging Tug, the agency has demonstrated a strong understanding of not only their business but their target audience. 

“They have a laser focus on lead generation, so they were the obvious choice for our performance media requirements in our other global markets. I look forward to further building on the excellent working relationship we have already forged,” said Steadman.