2026 Silver Winner
Breaking the Search Algorithm Plateau
The Challenge
Stowe, the UK's largest specialist family law firm, had set a bold goal: to double in size by 2029 following private-equity investment. With 90% of enquiries driven by PPC, paid search was mission-critical. Despite one of the largest search budgets in the professional services sector, performance had stalled — cost-per-lead was climbing, lead quality declining, and volume had plateaued.
The Strategy
In Digital was brought in not to tweak the algorithm, but to rebuild search around business logic. Auditing the existing setup, the team rejected Google's blanket consolidation guidance and redesigned the account to reflect how Stowe truly operates: regional capacity, customer needs, and real conversion value.
Execution and Innovation
In Digital bridged marketing data with operational capacity and revenue outcomes, evolving paid search from a plateaued channel into a precision engine that drives sustainable business growth.
Results
Within six months: Filtered Enquiries rose by 30.3%, more than 50% above the growth target. Cost per Filtered Enquiry fell by 37.5% (from £329.74 to £205.90). Overall enquiry volume grew 9% and the Filtered Enquiry rate improved from 23.68% to 28.42%, all without any extra media spend.
Judge's Verdict
"A standout campaign, the structurally bold approach of rebuilding paid search around regional business logic, capacity, and demand rather than default platform settings was highly impressive."
"This highly tailored strategy effectively integrated marketing into the daily operational rhythm of the business."
Thanks to our 2026 sponsors
Adtraction is a leading partner marketing platform that helps brands across Europe increase their sales at a predictable cost, while enabling partners to monetise their content and traffic. The company works with brands across multiple industries, ranging from e-commerce to financial services. With a user-friendly platform, Adtraction connects brands with a diverse range of marketing partners, from influencers and media houses to apps, tech platforms and comparison sites. The company was established in 2007 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with offices in 12 countries across Europe.
Agenica builds AI marketing employees for brands and media agencies. Unlike generic LLMs, Agenica employees operates on live competitive activity—ads, creative and channel signals, plus a company’s internal KPIs and decision frameworks. It converts that into role-specific recommendations and ready to use briefs: what changed, why it matters, and what to do next.
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There for those that are there for all of us.
Partnerize is the only partnership management solution powering growth for marketers seeking high-quality, scalable subsidies to primary channels through end-to-end software & comprehensive service. Partnerize joined forces with Pepperjam and Brandverity to establish the leading global solutions provider for affiliate marketing and partner automation including brand monitoring and compliance. Partnerize serves 1,800 enterprise and mid-market clients worldwide, driving more than $10B in transactions via their relationships with an ecosystem of 750,000+ partners, including 250,000+ influencers. Partnerize services clients across industries including retail/e-commerce, D2C, travel, finance, telecom, subscriptions and gaming.
The #1 CSS partner for peak performance.
Redbrain is a UK-based CSS partner dedicated to helping online retailers unlock incremental sales by getting their products in front of high-intent shoppers. Founded in 2016 and now recognised as Europe’s #1 Comparison Shopping Service (CSS) partner by volume, we combine advanced AI-driven technology with hands-on expertise to drive billions in additional sales on a CPA basis. We work as an extension of our partners teams, enhancing product visibility across Google Shopping, Microsoft Ads and leading price comparison sites. At Redbrain, we’re focused on transparent, measurable growth that complements existing marketing strategies and maximises ROAS.