I say…Jeeves is Back!

LONDON - Due to Popular Demand, Ask Jeeves Returns to the UK, With More Answers Than Ever Before

Internet search engine Ask.com today brings back its iconic butler Jeeves after extensive research revealed users missed his friendly, human touch. His return caps an extensive programme of radical improvements to the search engine, which from today returns to its original name, Ask Jeeves, in the UK.

Cesar Mascaraque, managing director of Ask Jeeves Europe, said: “As part of our strategy to provide a unique and differentiated search experience, we are thrilled to be welcoming Jeeves back in the UK. Since he has been gone, we have focused hard on improving the areas of the site we know our users care most about - the speed, the look, and the relevancy of the search results.

“We know from increased retention levels, that our users prefer the improved site. And, in times like these we know our users are looking for answers for practical everyday needs like saving money and how to feed a family on a budget.

“We also know from research that they love Jeeves and strongly associate him with providing answers. Jeeves brings warmth and humanity to the search experience, and thanks to the enhancements we have made to our site, he is even better at providing answers than ever before so bringing him back is a perfect fit.”

Ask Jeeves was originally created in 1997 with the Jeeves figure able to answer specific questions typed in to the search engine using groundbreaking new technology. Named after the all-knowing butler to the bumbling character Wooster in the PG Wodehouse tales, Jeeves embodies the spirit of British resourcefulness.

Jeeves left the site in 2006 but he is now back to serve the company’s 15 million UK monthly users. A recent YouGov poll* found the majority of respondents wanted Jeeves back as the face of the search engine, that they missed the human touch Jeeves provides, and that they closely associate him with providing answers. The company’s regular customer research has also found huge support for bringing back Jeeves.**

Cesar Mascaraque said, “Our users have emphatically told us that they find Jeeves enhances their search experience - adding character to what can otherwise be a very functional experience. They see Jeeves as approachable and trustworthy and, above all, helpful.”

To bring Jeeves up to date for the 21st Century, he has been given a full makeover by Oscar-winning animation and visual effects experts, Framestore whose recent work includes The Golden Compass and Chronicles of Narnia. Jeeves returns as a 3D character, complete with new styling from top Savile Row tailors, Gieves and Hawkes who designed his new suit and tie. He can also be found on Twitter and Facebook where he will be posting daily questions of the day as well as accompanying images, videos and diaries.

The Ask Jeeves comeback is being promoted via a comprehensive marketing campaign including TV, Radio, Press, Online and Promotions which will build on Jeeves’ association with providing fast and relevant answers to everyday questions. For example, in the TV advertising break after Hell’s Kitchen, Jeeves will appear in an advert featuring the question “Why do onions make you cry?”

Jeeves will also be staging regular “Question of the Day” events based on the top questions being asked on the site. For example, this week Jeeves will be hosting a free lunch event to answer the question “is there such a thing as a free lunch” and teaming up with celebrities to answer the question, “how can I look good for less.”

From today, users will have a choice of URL to reach Ask Jeeves - ask.com, ask.co.uk, askjeeves.com and askjeeves.co.uk.

Notes to Editors:

Ask Jeeves is the 10th largest Internet brand in the UK, reaching 39% of the Internet population [source ComScore]. Ask Jeeves in the UK has 15 million unique users per month, while Ask.com in the US has 75 million unique users per month.

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,086 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10th - 12th June 2008. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

**Ongoing ForeSee satisfaction surveys

Source: Ask.com

For further information, please contact: Nadia Kelly, PR Director, nadia.kelly at ask.com, +44-(0)7738-184378. Anna Skerten, PR Manager, anna.skerten at ask.com, +44-(0)7990-634586