Printer brand Brother UK has appointed Manchester-based Code Computerlove as its digital marketing agency, following a three-way pitch.

The Manchester-based agency’s long-term integrated digital marketing strategy for Brother is set to cover a broad remit. Code’s work will involve online brand marketing, site developments, usability and conversion work, SEO, PPC, affiliate partnerships, online user survey channelling and link building.

The agency will also work on online PR in conjunction with CityPress PR, and it says it will look to maximise opportunities presented by social networking channels.

Phil Jones, sales and marketing director for Brother UK, said: "The UK printer market is one the most aggressive in Europe, with major brands fighting it out daily for a slice of the market.

"The aim of our digital agency review was to bring in a partner to help us to build our brand on the web and to capitalise on the opportunities the internet offers in the printer buying process to ultimately increase."

Code managing director, Tony Foggett, added: "The internet has become a major resource tool for research, price checking and final purchase of printers. In fact, 54 per cent of printer and computer hardware purchases involve online research.

"We were able to demonstrate to Brother how digital marketing can have a massive influence on the consumer in their decision making and buying journey."