Trinity Mirror has launched a chain of local homes websites
across the UK.
The move follows the launch last year of a national network of
jobs sites and comes in the wake of the company's acquisition of
smartnewhomes.com.
The 10 new sites complement the company's strong local and
regional print portfolio - which includes newspaper titles such as the Liverpool
Echo, Newcastle Evening Chronicle and Western Mail - and its national presence
through the fish4homes website.
As with the jobs websites launched in 2005, the homes sites
build on Trinity Mirror's existing local and regional strengths, deepening its
presence in core market segments and geographies.
The sites are produced in partnership with Fish4, which Trinity
Mirror part-owns, and smartnewhomes.com, which Trinity Mirror acquired last
year. They represent another step in the delivery of Trinity Mirror's digital
strategy as the Group develops into a true multi-platform publishing and
advertising business.
With a focus on residential property, the sites set a new
standard in the local digital market and, when combined with the print
platforms, represent the most powerful property offerings in those regions where
Trinity Mirror operates.
Each of the sites will enable home-buyers to search through
thousands of properties at the click of a mouse, as well as information and
advice on buying and selling.
The sites have been designed to ensure a user-friendly
experience and, in response to user demand, house-hunters will be able to search
for properties using various criteria.
There are also fast and efficient search facilities, highly
accurate results, direct email options and email alert functionality.
Additional features include Hot Properties, which highlights
particular homes for sale, and the Featured Estate Agents section, which helps
advertisers and agencies to maximise awareness of their organisation.
David Black, Trinity Mirror's Director of Digital Media,
Regionals, said: "As with last year's jobs site launches our approach here is to
deliver high-quality services in whatever format our readers and advertisers
require.
"For advertisers the combination of our print and online brands
is proving extremely powerful, and this is reflected in the continued strong
revenue growth from our digital operations."
