Published by Sue Johns-Chapman
Published Date 07.10.2025 
Aperitif share their Global Search Awards news and what 12 shortlist nominations look like!
ICYMI: Aperitif has been shortlisted 12 times across 11 categories at the Global Search Awards 2025, including Best Global Small SEO Agency.
We believe that good work by good humans can make a world of difference. Founded in Melbourne, Australia, we set out to build a boutique agency that combines performance with purpose, helping businesses of all sizes unlock meaningful, sustainable growth.
We’re proud to share that Aperitif has been shortlisted across 11 categories at the Global Search Awards 2025.
Who We Are
Aperitif is a growth marketing agency built on values as much as performance. We weave together high-impact SEO, precision paid media and scroll-stopping social advertising into cohesive, multi-channel strategies. Our approach is strategy-first, craft-led and people-focused.
Award-Nominated Campaign Highlights
Bargain Car Rentals: Scaling a Challenger Brand
Up against global giants in the travel industry, Bargain Car Rentals needed more than just a decent ad budget. They needed a strategy that actually worked.
We built a full-funnel approach where every keyword, landing page and bid had a purpose. The result? A campaign that didn’t just compete, it quietly stole the spotlight and let the brand drive on its own terms.
Aperitif’s SEO Director, Laura Shillington, says:
“I’m really proud of the results we’ve achieved with BCR. Our strategy wasn’t just about efficiency – it was about helping a challenger travel brand compete and win on organic performance, not just price. It’s exciting to see how much they’ve grown!”
Shortlisted for:
- Best Use of Search – Travel / Leisure (SEO): Small
- Best Use of Search – Travel / Leisure (PPC): Small
- Best Use of Search – Automotive: Small
- Best Low Budget Campaign (PPC): Small
Leaselab: Australia’s Fastest-Growing Leasing Brand
When you can’t outspend the players, you outsmart them. Leaselab needed a way to get noticed. Our long-tail SEO strategy and refined paid campaigns delivered a 13× increase in organic leads and +151% increase in “Get a Quote” completions. We made sure every click counted, every page mattered and every lead was worth it.
Wendlley Simoes, Paid Marketing Director at Aperitif, reflects:
“I am really proud of our sharp strategy and creative boldness when it came to this campaign. This kind of growth in regulated finance proves you can play by the rules and still own the market.”
Shortlisted for:
- Best Use of Search – Finance (SEO): Small
- Best Use of Search – Finance (PPC): Small
- Best APAC SEO Campaign
MUJI Australia: Strategy on a Lean Budget
Who said high-impact campaigns need big spend? MUJI Australia’s campaign flipped a static, underperforming setup into a lean, mean growth machine. With smart automation, creativity and operational excellence, we expanded reach and maximised efficiency.
Shortlisted for:
- Best Low Budget Campaign (PPC) Small
What the nominations mean to us
Beyond campaign-level recognition, Aperitif has also been shortlisted for:
- Best Global Start-Up Agency
- Best Global Small SEO Agency
- Best Global Small Integrated Search Agency
Being recognised at the Global Search Awards is more than just a line. It shows that our philosophy of good work by good humans resonates around the world.
Our Founder & Principal Consultant, Joe Romeo, shares:
“When I started Aperitif with nothing but a vision to build a boutique agency that valued craftsmanship and genuine relationships, I never imagined we’d be standing shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world so quickly.
This recognition is a testament to our amazing team – their innovation and relentless drive inspire me every day – and to our clients who put their trust in us.”
Looking ahead
As a small but mighty team, the future is about constantly refining our craft, challenging convention and delivering marketing that has both impact and soul. We’re bringing our digital marketing smarts to the USA, ready to shake things up with the same approach that’s worked so well at home.
To our clients: thank you for putting your trust in us and for backing creative ideas that challenge the status quo.
See you in September, and good luck to everyone nominated!
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