Visualsoft has taken to the airwaves with its very first TV advert, created for long-standing client Leader Online, a major name in home improvement retail. The advert premiered on ITV’s This Morning on Friday the 29th of August and will run for four weeks across ITVX, appearing during Loose Women, The Chase, and blockbuster films including James Bond and Fantastic Beasts.
The campaign builds on years of successful collaboration between Visualsoft and Leader. Through Leader Trade, the sub-brand serving trade professionals, Visualsoft has delivered award-winning email marketing that grew subscribers by 369% and generated 120% more revenue than expected. The work was recognised at the UK Content Awards 2023.
In paid media, Visualsoft’s approach saw Microsoft Ads performance soar, with clicks up by 1,235% and revenue climbing by 750% YOY in 2024 after a move into Smart Shopping and Performance Max campaigns.
Those insights and creative foundations underpin the new TV spot, which was produced entirely in-house by Visualsoft’s creative team. The advert reflects the agency’s deep experience in ecommerce strategy and marketing, while marking an expansion into above-the-line advertising.
This is a huge milestone for us. Not only is it a brilliant piece of work for Leader Online, but it also shows how our services are evolving. TV remains one of the most powerful mediums for retailers, and we’re proud to help our clients connect with millions of customers in their living rooms as well as online. We’ve supported Leader Online throughout their growth journey, from transforming their digital marketing to delivering award-winning campaigns. Taking the step into TV advertising together felt like a natural next move. The new advert captures the essence of their brand and allows the iconic supplier to reach an even wider audience of home improvers across the UK.
– Chris Fletcher, CEO, Visualsoft
The launch comes as TV advertising investment in the UK returns to growth. Despite a tough economic backdrop, spend rose by 3.8 per cent in 2024 to a total of £5.27 billion, according to Thinkbox. Broadcast TV accounted for £5.04 billion, up £51.8 million on the previous year, while recently launched ad tiers on platforms such as Disney+, Netflix and Prime Video added a further £140 million. FMCG and retail brands were among the biggest drivers of the uplift, with 932 new advertisers taking to TV in 2024, up from 791 in 2023.
For Visualsoft, the move into TV cements its position as a truly omnichannel partner. From ecommerce builds and digital marketing to broadcast campaigns, the agency is ensuring retailers can meet customers wherever they are – online, on mobile, or on screen.
