A Blackburn marketing agency has seen its contract with a trades and DIY firm expand following a big boost in online sales.

Smiths Hire, a 54-year-old Blackpool-based firm, has 16 depots across the north supplying tools, plant and powered access equipment to tradespeople and those doing it themselves.

Following a bespoke digital marketing campaign with Blackburn-based 21Digital it saw a 57 per cent increase in sales and equipment hire, so has expanded its contract with the Trident Park-based agency.

21Digital provided a search engine optimisation campaign building on the firm’s record of results in the sector, boosting leads by 139 per cent and online sales conversions by 85 per cent.

David Turner, Smiths Hire’s marketing director, said: “At Smiths Hire, our slogan is Hire Strength You Can Build On, and working with 21Digital has lived up to that while being an educational and enjoyable experience.

“The whole team have been exceptional and have significantly improved our online presence.

“With 21Digital’s help, we now compete more effectively against other national hire companies with larger budgets and more hire centres.

“Their strategic approach to PPC and SEO has provided us with measurable results that have helped drive our business forward.”

Smiths offering ranges from handheld tools all the way up to scaffolding towers, plant equipment, security fencing and temporary on-site accommodation units, and has been serving trades since 1970.

It has locations in Blackburn, in Bank Top, and Burnley, in Westgate, as well as Preston and along the Fylde coast.

21Digital provides a range of digital marketing services, from SEO and lead generation to web design, Google advertising, and social media.