SPH expands new media footprint to Philippines

• 701 Search launches website in Philippines
• Free service for buyers and sellers
• Investment in new media for SPH

Regional - 701Search, a joint venture between Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and Norwegian media group Schibsted ASA, has launched its latest classified website www.AyosDito.ph to serve the Filipino community.

First launched on 2 March, the site has the map of the Philippines on its home page, with its 16 regions and provinces marked out. Offered as a free service for all Filipinos and residents, it allows buyers and sellers to target the relevant populace within their same locality and who are interested in eight broad categories of popular items - Vehicles, Properties, Electronics, Home and Personal Items, Leisure/Sports/Hobbies, Business-to- Business, Jobs and Services, and others.

After the first month, AyosDito.ph has already attracted more than 27,000 unique visitors per day and 16,000 live advertisements.

"Through ventures such as www.AyosDito.ph, SPH will expand its geographic footprint for online media, directories and classifieds and spur growth," Leslie Fong, director of 701Search and senior executive-vice president of marketing in SPH, said.

"Our investment in new media will help to augment our strengths in print media and develop new revenue streams over time."