White paper
An e-commerce strategy that wins you customers
Many companies are dealing with more and more dynamic and complex issues. For example, this could be a broad and extensive range of products, diversity in customer groups or a B2B2C or D2C market approach. Often, this is combined with the desire to become more competitive in terms of experience, service or advice, to innovate technologically, to be ready for tomorrow’s customer demands and to achieve a significant improvement in turnover.
At iO, we understand like no other, that in a competitive field like e-commerce you need to be on top of your game. And that the foundation of a strong e-commerce strategy is based on more than just an e-commerce platform. To succeed in e-commerce, you need:
A clear e-commerce vision and validated digital strategy
The accurate design of the ideal customer journey and technical e-commerce landscape
Data-driven optimisation of the e-commerce platform, the customer journey and the technical landscape
A strong e-commerce strategy therefore depends on making a lot of data driven choices. This, coupled with a well designed brand and marketing strategy, is an essential part of the overall go-to market strategy. An end-to-end agency iO helps companies in all phases of their e-commerce strategy. From strategy design to the translation of this to a successful customer journey, in creation, marketing and e-commerce technology.
Would you like to be inspired before the Webwinkel Vakdagen 2022 takes place?
Download our whitepaper with trends, cases and practical tips for successful e-commerce.
A strong e-commerce strategy therefore depends on making a lot of data driven choices. This, coupled with a well designed brand and marketing strategy, is an essential part of the overall go-to market strategy. An end-to-end agency iO helps companies in all phases of their e-commerce strategy. From strategy design to the translation of this to a successful customer journey, in creation, marketing and e-commerce technology.
Would you like to be inspired before the Webwinkel Vakdagen 2022 takes place? Download our whitepaper with trends, cases and practical tips for successful e-commerce.
The e-commerce ecosystem
Of course you want to make the most of your company’s unique proposition. Preferably with an e-commerce landscape that perfectly facilitates your unique business model in a technical and tooling landscape that is easy to expand. That is why more and more companies are choosing for a transition to an API-first landscape, in which PaaS and SaaS products play the leading role for standard functionalities. Examples are a search functionality with Elastic, a PIM system from Akeneo or InRiver, a marketing suite with Adobe Experience Cloud, an e-commerce engine like BigCommerce, Commercetools, Shopware or Magento, Marketplace tooling with Channelengine or Channable or payment tooling from Ingenico or Mollie.
iO advises and implements the necessary tooling and services. The Webwinkel Vakdagen is, as the largest e-commerce event in the Benelux, the event to get inspired about the latest possibilities. We are looking forward to talk to you at our stand, number 95.
Tickets for the Webwinkel Vakdagen are free of charge. We hope to see you there!
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Data has been vital for some time now in demonstrating whether a marketing and sales strategy is a hit or a miss. However, the discussion is still dominated by gut feeling when analysing why strategies fail and what needs to be radically changed. By removing emotion from the boardroom, we raise marketing and sales efficiency. In the past, marketing strategies were based on what had already happened. Today, we have a high degree of predictability. Digital marketing has never been so close to certainty.Read moreBlog
What's in a name: how to choose an iconic brand name
A strong brand identity begins with a strong brand name. So determining your brand’s name has a major impact on your success as a company. How then do you come up with a name that conveys your brand values and feels like a household name to consumers? Discover how our research and creation can help you anchor your new name in your customers' hearts.Read moreBlog
7 essential insights to help you determine your marketing budget for 2025
In the ever-changing world of marketing, it can be challenging for CMOs to determine the correct marketing budget. The economic landscape and technological advances in the marketing industry calls for a new approach to budgeting. In this article, we share seven marketing budget insights, with recommendations for how to determine your budget for 2025.Read moreBlog
HubSpot announces new Sales Hub and CRM features at INBOUND 23
Elevate your sales journey and maximise data efficiency with HubSpot's Sales Hub 2.0 and Smart CRM.Read moreBlog
9 ways for your brand to win at Christmas
If you listen closely, you can already hear them. Christmas bells. Seriously. Christmas is coming! By the way, Christmas has already started for me. When I’m lying in my hammock in the South of France, I’m already thinking about Christmas trees, snow and beautifully laid tables. And, of course, I’m thinking about how to win at Christmas, traditionally the busiest commercial period of the year. But how do you make sure that your brand wins at Christmas? And how do you make sure you stand out from all the other Christmas campaigns?Read moreBlog
Why you should start preparing your webshop for the holiday season now
After an extended period of online retail growth, both Belgian and Dutch consumers are finding their way back to physical shops. Online shopping is now an established part of the retail landscape, with the biggest platforms continuing to exert their dominance, seducing more and more consumers.   As the holiday season comes around again, many retailers are wondering what this year has in store. Alongside Christmas, newer celebrations like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Singles Day are attracting more and more attention in Belgium and the Netherlands. What does this mean for local retailers? We have analysed the market impact of these changes for you. ÂRead moreBlog
2023 Christmas commercials: mediocrity, craftsmanship, clichés and sometimes... brilliance
It’s that time again: It’s Christmas commercial season 2023. I’m ready for a wagonload of snow, candy, British stars, and tortured covers of familiar songs. And what did I get? Exactly that. I love it! A (completely objective) overview of the (mostly) British 2023 Christmas commercials. Brace yourself for Rick Astley, kisses, Ryan Reynolds, talking mittens, singing oven gloves, pink flamingos, John Travolta as Santa Claus and... a rediscovered hit from 1965. And... What did John Lewis do?Read moreBlog
AI & E-commerce: 8 tips for navigating the changing SEO landscape
There is unrest in the SEO landscape, and it's no surprise given the rapid changes taking place. With the advent of AI, the future of SEO suddenly seems uncertain. The number one search engine is vigorously testing AI applications, reducing the need to click through to websites. This has serious implications for everyone whose traffic is partially dependent on Google, including e-commerce.Read moreBlog
6 tips for maintaining focus in a fragmented MarTech landscapeÂ
Navigating the rapidly expanding MarTech landscape can be overwhelming, but with a clear strategy and focused approach, you can build an effective MarTech stack that drives your marketing success.Read moreBlog
From a brilliant seasonal whodunnit, to cringe-worthy singing oven mitts: here’s the very best (and worst...) Christmas commercials of 2024.
It's the most wonderful time of the year again! Christmas! Or no, better still: it’s time to feast our eyes on the spectacular (British) Christmas commercials. They’ve released a tidal wave of clichés (snow, turkey, tears, Santa Claus/women in all shapes and sizes and gifts, lots of gifts). What’s striking about this year: the brands you expect a lot from are disappointing (spoiler 1: Disney...) (spoiler 2: John Lewis...) and brands that you don't expect much from after years of misery and gloom, excel (spoiler 3: Etsy). Let’s get into the festive spirit with 2024’s Christmas offerings.Read moreBlog
Netherlands’ 2024 Christmas Ad Campaigns: A Festive Review of Hits and Misses
Bye Saint Nicholas! See you next year, safe travels back to Spain! Welcome Mariah, come on in. At long last, Christmas commercials are finally 'allowed' again in the Netherlands (in England they have been loose for some time). To that end, here is my deep dive into the Dutch commercial harvest so far. Drum roll: check out the Dutch Christmas commercials of 2024.Read moreDossier
Dossier: Successful marketing budgets and plans
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Dossier: Maximize your marketing efforts with HubSpot
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Infinite opportunities: Peter Van Hoecke (Van Hoecke)
According to Peter Van Hoecke (CEO Van Hoecke), the client is always central, especially — in digital transformation. By automating, accelerating, and rationalising processes, you help your clients save time — our most finite and valuable resource.Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Steven Van Belleghem (iO)
Steven Van Belleghem (partner iO) talks about the three main advantages he sees in technology and digital transformation: faster than real-time service, hyper-personalisation, and the ultimate convenience.Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Daan Simonis (Perfetti Van Melle)
Creativity isn't just useful for building a strong campaign — it's essential. Daan Simonis (Global Media & Digital Marketing Director at Perfetti Van Melle) explains why this is the case and how a creative idea has a strong impact, especially on paid media platforms.Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Dorien Gevers (Carglass)
The Carglass website is a crucial platform, but other channels — digital and non-digital — are also very important in the omnichannel approach. Giving a personalised experience to every customer, with content tailored to their stage in the customer journey. Dorien Gevers (Email marketer at Carglass) explains every stage.Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Leslie Cottenje (CEO Hello Customer)
The decision to digitise has to start from the customer, not from an internal, business perspective. That's what Leslie Cottenje, CEO of Hello Customer thinks. Technology can help improve customer satisfaction, but the human factor has to be central. She tells you all about her vision in this video.Read moreCase
How do you communicate smarter and more efficiently with your customers?
Using SharpSpring, our experts developed a smart marketing automation strategy that led to a unified database with 360-degree customer profiles.Look at this client storyCase
How does personalisation lead to better marketing automation?
Using smart deployment of marketing automation platform Selligent, iO helps fashion brand Cassis/Paprika with an intelligent digital strategy.Look at this client storyCase
How do you bring clicks and bricks together in a headless architecture?
Case: A seamless user experience thanks to a future-proof headless e-commerce platform.Look at this client storyCase
How do you increase conversions and revenue with personalisation?
We increased the conversion and revenue of Verf.nl's webshop with a strong personalisation strategy.Look at this client storyCase
How to create the ultimate online platform for 300+ luxury fashion boutiques?
iO developed a unique B2C Commerce platform and app where more than 300 luxury boutiques sell fashion via one webshop.Look at this client storyCase
How do you sell online efficiently in B2B?
For international distributor SIBO Fluidra, iO developed a B2B Magento Open Source commerce platform and Akeneo PIM system.Look at this client storyCase
How do you centralise orders in a bespoke e-commerce platform?
We developed a custom e-commerce platform for Délidis, a B2B supplier of fresh food, and its end customers. Read more about this project.Look at this client storyCase
How do you create a strong brand that attracts job applicants?
We helped Carglass, Belgium biggest car windscreens specialist, develop an employer brand for job applicants and employees. Read more about this case.Look at this client storyCase
How do you spread the sustainable message of a European market leader?
Read more about our collaboration with Havep, the European leader in sustainably produced and environmentally responsible workwear.Look at this client storyCase
How do you make a new law firm brand shine with speed, knowledge, and dedication?
Read more about how we rebranded law firm Argo and discover the various mix of digital solutions we used to do so.Look at this client storyCase
How do you promote the local furniture industry with a creative spin?
In the middle of the 2020 covid crisis, Fedustria and iO collaborated on a successful campaign, with a talking home taking the lead.Look at this client storyCase
How does innovative technology simplify everyday navigation in real life?
Updating and implementing interactive navigation on HD touchscreens for visitors and shoppers at Wijnegem - Shop Eat Enjoy.Look at this client storyCase
How can a revamped online store drive a 67% increase in orders?
Atos Medical Netherlands registers 67% more orders and 105% more unique visitors thanks to renewed and optimised B2C webshop with tailor-made functionalities.Look at this client storyCase
How to ease the workload of your customer service using a chatbot?
Find out how iO supported MediaMarkt’s customer service and brought it to life with four different chatbots in 2022.Look at this client storyCase
How do you market an annual garden catalogue?
The DIY and home improvement shop needed a sound marketing approach with strong targeting. Our experts took care of that.Look at this client storyCase
How do you stay relevant as a fashion chain in a rapidly digitising world?
Companies in a competitive industry have to be able to act and react quickly. Discover how we helped JBC create an efficient advertising strategy.Look at this client storyCase
How do you scale a lead gen strategy with affiliate marketing?
Successful affiliate marketing strategy generates leads and conversions. Want to know how we did it? Read our Philips case.Look at this client storyCase
How PLUS motivated teens to apply for jobs using targeted social campaigning?
Understanding and activating youth culture made a PLUS recruitment campaign a great success: 178 potential new PLUSSERS in 6 weeks.Look at this client storyCase
How do you have pure customer conversations, offline and online?
Leen Bakker wanted to respond faster, sharper, and more appropriately to online messages. The conversation management experts at iO were happy to help.Look at this client storyCase
How do you transform your distribution company into a digital one-stop-shop?
Automotive old-fashioned? Not at iO! Read in our case how we set up a new webshop for Pacauto, distributor of automotive supplies.Look at this client storyCase
How do you support expats moving around the world?
Gosselin, active in international relocations, wanted more leads to boost growth. Our experts helped to bolster their digital presence.ÂLook at this client storyCase
How do you empower SME entrepreneurs to experience the power of smart energy solutions?
The ‘More with Energy’ campaign aims to inspire entrepreneurs and provide them with tangible tools to make their business more sustainable.Look at this client storyCase
How can a Flemish brand get a foothold in the Walloon market?
iO helps Torfs, the Flemish shoe giant, to position itself better in the Walloon market and as a fashion player. Read more about this case.Look at this client storyCase
How do you convert festival- goers into active members of your community?
From Festival Wristbands to Online Accounts: Converting Festival-Goers with Effective Paid Media. Read the story here.Look at this client storyCase
How does a smart vehicle configurator help for higher order value?
iO developed a website and UX-driven configurator for and with Suzuki Belgium. Read all about it in this case.Look at this client storyCase
How to present a unified brand story for multiple companies within the same group?
How do you tell a clear online story that pulls traffic towards your website if you represent multiple businesses? Read the case and find out.Look at this client storyCase
How do you create the best possible experience for Brussels Airport travellers?
Brussels Airport: In this case story, read how iO has become an extension of the airport.Look at this client storyCase
Impacting the traveller and environment through technology
Brussels Airport: a look at the digital platforms iO built for the ultimate passenger experience.Look at this client storyCase
Transforming the passenger experience through innovation & service design
New technology, internet-of-things and proof-of-concepts. Find out how iO is introducing innovation at Brussels Airport.Look at this client storyCase
How do you accelerate getting innovative lighting into the living rooms of 47 countries?
iO experts built a brand new D2C website with an advanced Adobe Experience Manager e-commerce platform for lighting specialists Signify. The result: happy users and satisfied teams. Read the full case here.Look at this client storyCase
How do you optimise a colourful campaign with data?
Gaining insight into the customer journey in a data-driven way with journey miningLook at this client storyPage
WWVD: Download the presentations of Wednesday 29 March 2023!
The first day of the Webwinkel Vakdagen (WWVD) is over! Still want to reminisce? Download the presentations of the lightning talks here.Read morePage
WWVD: Download the presentations of Thursday 30 March 2023!
The first day of the Webwinkel Vakdagen (WWVD) is over! Still want to reminisce? Download the presentations of the lightning talks here.Read morePage
Give the Webwinkel Vakdagen (WWVD) a successful follow-up, together with iO!
As far as we are concerned, the Webwinkel Vakdagen (WWVD) was a great success! Did you think so too?Read more