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Customer expectations are higher than ever
Every time people interact with your brand, they expect – and deserve – a flawless experience. But that is easier said than done. We asked our experts in strategy, technology, data, content, creation, and marketing for advice.
In this paper, you’ll get answers to:
1. How to let customers choose your brand time after time.
2. How to make the shift from branding to brand experience.
3. How to let your brand stand out in a saturated content landscape.
4. How to provide an experience that not only benefits some, but all.
5. How to stay one step ahead in an ever-changing market.
6. How to use the power of AI for maximum business impact.
7. How to grow your business with strategic marketing.
8. How to harness the power of modern technology.
9. How to build a solid digital foundation for your business.
10. How to unlock hidden value in your existing data.
Who is this paper for?
If you are responsible for how people experience your brand and business, this is for you.
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Drupal as a DXP: an engine for your customers’ digital experience
Today consumers expect a consistent and personalised experience with relevant cross channel content. This might be buying suggestions, waiting room screens, personalised playlists and viewing tips. In terms of technology, this is often based on a DXP - digital experience platform. In a DXP, content is stored centrally so that it can be presented from one channel-dependent point, tailor-made and potentially even personalised. Over the last decade Drupal - originally a content management system - has evolved into a digital experience platform (DXP). What can Drupal DXP do for your customers’ digital experience today?Read moreBlog
How can you unleash the full potential of your Sitecore platform?
Sitecore's Digital Experience Platform intelligently brings content, commerce and data together in an optimal digital experience. With a rich set of tools and functionalities, Sitecore offers a mature solution at enterprise level. In practice, however, exploiting the full potential of Sitecore can sometimes be challenging. As an organisation, how do you get the most out of your Sitecore platform? In this article you will find practical tips that you can use immediately.Read moreBlog
Identify opportunities for process optimisation with Service Blueprint
Many organisations have a firm grasp on the customer journey. They know the touchpoints and how customers move through them. But looking at it in a more in-depth way – how do we optimise processes and customer contact? – is not something many businesses do. Mostly because businesses don’t look at their operations from the customer’s point of view, but only from that of the organisation. The Service Blueprint takes care of that.Read moreBlog
How to speed up digital innovation in healthcare
Developing new digital products and services in healthcare can take a while. And yet, innovation is very important in this sector where budget cuts are a daily occurrence. How do you develop innovative ideas for healthcare quicker, and test them to create solutions that get to see the light of day? In this article, we give you 7 tips to use straight away.Read moreBlog
Companies face four major challenges in 2023
What troubles organisations these days? That’s what Kristof Bossuyt and Nina de Graaf (iO) asked a number of our clients. The result? Four challenges almost every company in Europe faces these days.Read moreBlog
Digital transformation: past, present, and future
The time for digitisation is now - not later, tomorrow, or next week. At iO we have been telling this same story for some time now, and it continues to be relevant. In recent years digitisation has proven itself to be, and continues to be essential, the user is still central, and the growth of digital consumers has - as was predicted - only accelerated.Read moreBlog
9 tips on how to build an effective self-service portal
Planning to improve your organisation's availability with a self-service portal? Great idea. Self-service portals save you and your customers a lot of valuable time. In this article, we share our tips for building a successful self-service portal.Read moreBlog
Bing: a new search engine gateway to your target audience
Google is the unequivocal search engine market leader (and probably will be for a while). However, when it comes to search queries, there’s a challenger to that monopoly: Bing by Microsoft. In the last few months, Bing made some significant strides, moving from 1 in 20 search queries to almost 1 in 5. That growing influence and Bing’s market share are some aspects you should leverage in your digital strategies. You can ignore 5% of your potential visitors, but ignoring 18% of the queries that lead to your business would probably have a significant impact on your business – and not in a good way.Read moreBlog
Google introduces Interaction to Next Paint as a new Core Web Vital
From March 12, we welcome a significant update in the world of web performance with the introduction of Interaction to Next Paint (INP) as part of the Core Web Vitals. But don't worry, you don’t have to be a web developer to understand: we’ll explain the importance of this update in plain language.Read moreBlog
3 valuable SEO insights from Friends of Search 2024
As an SEO specialist I had the opportunity to attend Friends of Search, a well-known SEO and SEA conference in Amsterdam. The event attracts at least 600 visitors annually and guarantees thought-provoking talks, an exciting award show, and a networking moment. I was immediately impressed by the international expertise presented by the other attendees during this eleventh edition, held on 21 March 2024. Discover 3 valuable SEO insights that stuck with me.Read moreBlog
Historical data export - Universal Analytics
Deadline for exporting Universal Analytics: 1st of July 2024 After the 1st of July 2024, it will no longer be possible to access data in Universal Analytics. Therefore, it’s essential to take timely action and export the data before that day. By exporting the data before the access is closed, you can gain valuable insights, store the data securely and take any further actions. It is wise not to do this at the last minute, as there may be obstacles, such as errors in extraction or technical challenges. To avoid potential problems, it is advisable to transfer the data in time to environment where it can be stored securely. That way, you can later use the data for further analysis or transformation purposes. By acting now, you can ensure that you don’t lose the valuable data and are well prepared for the future. So don't wait until the last minute - make sure you export the data from Universal Analytics before 1 July to a secure environment, where you can continue to use it.Read moreBlog
Here’s how to write better with AI
As a writer, should you embrace or fear generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini? The former for sure, the latter perhaps too. In any case, they make you an offer you can't refuse. So, hoist these rambunctious AI sailors on board and put them to work, but above all remain the captain of your ship.Read moreBlog
What is search intent? And why is it important for SEO?
When you look something up on the Internet, you always do so with a specific intention. Whether it's to gather information, compare products or actually make a purchase. Either way, you want to see results that match your intent as closely as possible. This intent - called search intent - is a crucial factor for both Google and marketers.Read moreBlog
iOS 18 and RCS: a gamechanger for brands and marketers
With the recent launch of iOS 18, the messaging service Rich Communication Services, or RCS, is finally widely available. This can have a huge impact on how brands and marketers reach their customers. In this article, we dive deeper into the ins and outs of RCS and why at iO, we believe that it will provide better experiences.Read moreBlog
Microcopy: small statements, huge impact
Did you know that the copy on a single button in your online shop can determine your conversion rate, even if it only contains one word? Few people think about this kind of microcopy, even though it can hugely impact the performance of your online platform or app. In this first blog post of our microcopy series, you will learn what microcopy is and why it matters.Read moreBlog
Give your brand an identity with your tone of voice
Your brand’s story may be great, but if you tell it in a way that puts everyone to sleep, you won’t leave a lasting impression. That’s why your brand needs an appealing and fitting tone of voice. In this blog post, you’ll learn why a tone of voice is important and how to outline one for your brand.Read moreBlog
Putting your brand on the map with an effective content strategy
There is a lot to consider when creating a content strategy. From determining your goals, and researching your target groups, to spotting content opportunities and measuring your results. How do you get started? And what should you consider? You'll find out in this blog.Read moreBlog
Message house: the foundation of a strong and consistent content strategy
Today, personalisation and omnichannel marketing are essential. Businesses need a presence on multiple channels so that they can tailor their messages to each of their target groups in a hyper-personalised way. But how do you communicate your brand message consistently and clearly in this fragmented environment? The answer is simple: with a Message House. In this blog post, we explain why this model is essential, how to apply it, and the skills you need to get the most out of it.Read moreBlog
Marketing budget allocation for 2025: data driven or a roll of the dice?
For many marketers, allocating budgets for the year ahead is a real headache. Will you carry your budget over from last year – even though technology is evolving at lightning speed and the marketing world could look completely different tomorrow? Or will you follow your intuition and take a chance? Fortunately, data modelling exists allowing you to allocate your budget with the certainty that you are spending it in the right place, and at the right time.Read moreBlog
The energy transition is enormous, how do you make it personal?
How do you explain the energy transition? iO and Enexis developed a permanent campaign with smart tech and several storylines.Read moreBlog
AI is changing how we search and it is time for brands to face this head-on
The impact of AI on search engine marketing and business models is huge. So start experimenting now, advises iO CEO Pieter Janssens.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
5 guidelines for good microcopy
I already demonstrated in my first blog post of this series on microcopy how the smallest words on your website or app can have a huge impact. In this second part, I want to show you some best practices for writing strong microcopy. Because even though these pieces of text may be unassuming, it can be challenging to write them.Read moreBlog
Click here; or what not to choose for your call to action
A call to action is the determining step between a visitor and a conversion. Still, many companies hardly think about these pieces of text, which is a shame. Because a call to action with the right microcopy can increase your revenue and get you new leads. How? I’ll explain in this blog post.Read moreBlog
Confirmshaming: the dark side of copywriting
Everyone wants their website or app to bring in conversions. But how far will you go to get your user to act? What kind of copywriting techniques should you use, and which should you abandon? In this blog post, we’ll look at one of the most popular dark patterns in copywriting: confirmshaming.Read moreBlog
Dynamic Creative Optimisation: Maximise conversions with hyper-personalised advertising
Developing, rolling out and constantly adapting large advertising and banner campaigns in multiple languages and formats? This time-consuming, complex task can eat up a lot of your marketing budget. Dynamic Creative Optimisation (DCO) makes this process a lot more efficient. Find out how DCO can take your campaigns to the next level and save precious time.Read moreDossier
Dossier: Personalisation
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Dossier: Brands & society
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Dossier: E-commerce
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Dossier: Challenger Stories
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Dossier: Infinite Opportunities
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Dossier: Cookieless future
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Dossier: Video marketing
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Dossier: Marketplaces
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Dossier: Google Analytics 4
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Dossier: Marketing automation
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Dossier: Successful marketing budgets and plans
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Dossier: Ready to pop on social media?
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Dossier: Discover the power of branded podcasts
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Dossier: E-inclusion & accessibility
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Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs website, more accessible than ever before
How do we make our content accessible, so that every Belgian can find the information they need quickly and easily? The question came from the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs and the answer? That came from iO. The result: a website that focuses on accessibility and presents the most important information in a crystal clear way.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: plant-based pioneer The Dutch Weed Burger
It's time to harness the primal power of Mother Ocean to end animal suffering and offer delicious food that regenerates itself — at least, if it's up to The Dutch Weed Burger. They stand for delicious, plant-based burgers made from seaweed, and in this video, Mark Kulsdom, Co-Founder & Managing Director, tells you all about it.Read moreVideo
Do you take social media seriously?
Social media as a marketing tool is often overlooked, despite their potential, they are frequently underutilised. Nevertheless, a strong social strategy and a brand-oriented focus are the keys to success on social media platforms.Read moreVideo
Building brands; yes you can!
Social media extends way beyond performance and direct conversion. It's about building brands, building relationships with the target group and strategically distributing content on relevant platforms. Success requires belief in the power of social media and investment in knowledge building and daring to experiment.Read moreVideo
Who decides if your content has value?
It is sometimes difficult to estimate which content is valuable and which is not because of the influence of subjectivity and different opinions in your marketing team. Fortunately, that responsibility lies entirely with the consumer. All you have to do is create a lot of content that is in line with your organisation’s values.Read moreVideo
Who sees which content? The algorithm decides.
Less is more? Not when it comes to social media content. You need a lot of contact moments to get on the radar and stay there. Then the algorithm decides who sees which content.Read moreVideo
Banish content burnout
Sometimes content marketers suffer from a content burnout: they don't know what to post or how to come up with creative content. The drip model offers a solution: take a look at the 'low-hanging fruit' within your organisation, sector and above all: your target group environment. With social posts that you write from the perspective of your target group, you always deliver engaging content.Read moreVideo
Is Facebook passé? No way!
Many young people are on Snapchat and TikTok today. In spite of that, Facebook, with 70% active users, remains the largest social network in Flanders. Do you want to reach your audience? Then consider using Reels. Facebook can also deliver strong results for B2B marketing, especially in combination with LinkedIn.Read moreVideo
Does your brand have to be on TikTok?
TikTok offers unprecedented potential for organic reach, but also brings challenges: privacy issues, diverse content and users; and a powerful algorithm. Post multiple times a day and focus on native content instead of your own campaign materials.Read moreVideo
Which formats work on social media?
Since TikTok boosted vertical videos, they have dominated all platforms. Using reels strengthens the bond with your video first users and gives you more organic reach and improves your marketing results.Read moreVideo
Conversation management: truth, courage and action
Conversation management is a shift from webcare to webdare. Where in the past, brands mainly responded to negative experiences and complaints on their own channels, now you join conversations with your consumers on your own and other channels. This increases your visibility and positions you in the market.Read moreVideo
Social media marketing: tried and tested by Dewaele
Content strategist Sam talks to Vanessa Loose, marketing manager at Dewaele. For Belgium's largest independent estate agent, social media are incredibly important. With a healthy mix of trends and evergreen topics, they always stay on the radar as a life partner in living and business through social media.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: How Wakuli is turning the coffee chain upside down
When Yorick Bruins lived in Tanzania, he saw a problem: there are too many unnecessary links in the coffee supply chain, preventing coffee farmers from getting a fair price for their beans. He founded Wakuli: an organisation that brings quality coffee from the farmer to the consumer — in the shortest possible chain.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: Wild 'n Zilt targets a shortened North Sea chain
Hendrik Kramer is an Amsterdam-based fisherman and entrepreneur who wants to show that sustainable fishing pays off in the Netherlands. He does this by selling his fish directly to consumers with Wild 'n Zilt.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: Willicroft makes ‘cheese’ from beans and pulses
Research shows that not many people have a positive perception of plant-based cheese. Brad Vanstone wants to change that with his brand Willicroft on Amsterdam's Spiegelgracht.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: BayaBaya guarantees sustainability without compromise
With BayaBaya, founders Dirk Taselaar and Leon Daggenvoorde aim to take the plastic bottle out of the bathroom. Founded in 2021, the brand sells powdered concentrate for body wash with natural, vegan ingredients. Combine that concentrate with tap water and pour it into the aluminium refill bottle, and you've done your part, too.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: Hands Off wants to make plant-based chocolate the norm
Hands Off was founded in 2013 to turn the chocolate industry upside down. For example, founder Kitty Smeeten achieved a 42% CO2 reduction by replacing cow's milk with hazelnut praline.Read moreVideo
Video: Leaving no one behind digitally (David De Block)
In his talk at the 2023 BAM Marketing Congress, David De Block (Public Services Director at iO) talks about e-inclusion — or what it means to leave no one behind digitally.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: Brandt & Levie turns the meat industry on its head
For Brandt & Levie, responsible production is not an afterthought, but the core business. The Amsterdam sausage maker produces animal-friendly meat according to its own recipe — exclusively from well-kept pigs. An impactful story about sustainability in an industry that sometimes struggles to find it.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: Natuurhuisje protects local biodiversity
Natuurhuisje is not just a booking platform for holiday homes, it's a full-fledged climate company. Nature is at the heart of everything they do, and it's — in their own words — their responsibility to protect it. The booking platform is merely a means to that end. That's why Natuurhuisje donates part of its revenue back to local projects to improve biodiversity.Read moreCase
How do you effectively connect, activate, and support lung patients with one platform?
Last year we developed coronalongplein.nl. A new digital strategy and the launch of the new website for Longfonds was the next step.Look at this client storyCase
How do you make music streaming more accessible in B2B?
Read more about how iO helped music streaming service Tunify to improve its platform’s user interface and user experience, as well as revamp its design.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 to create a robust personalized inspiration platform for food professionals in Drupal?
For food giant Vandemoortele, we built a Drupal platform that inspires and supports multiple audiences with customised content. Read the case.Look at this client storyCase
How to optimise and increase the conversion rate in specific target audience groups?
Maximizing ROI: iO's Approach to Boosting Conversion Rate in Beobank's Campaigns. Read the full story here.Look at this client storyCase
How to manage a range of websites while meeting client expectations?
Enhancing Digital Content Management for D'Ieteren Automotive's Websites? Read the full story here;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 do you transform two telecom giants into one powerful brand?
Entopic/iO rewrote all content to a new tone of voice for the launch of the Odido brand and managed content migration from 2 websites to the new website. Want to know more? Find out in this case.Look at this client storyCase
How do you craft a captivating podcast journey for young train travelers?
Embark on a thrilling train adventure across the Netherlands with ‘Het Spoor Bijster’, a fuction podcast by the NS and iO.Look at this client storyCase
Freedom, self-reliance, and user-friendliness
Discover how the online presence of Firda was revamped with a new Drupal platform. With seamless integrations, simplified forms and an improved design.Look at this client storyCase
How we blend technology and marketing for online pharmacy Farmaline
How does iO keep its long-term relationship with Farmaline fresh as a daisy? By mixing trust with a profitable synergy of tech and marketing services.Look at this client storyCase
How has fresh branding contributed to a stronger position in the market?
For Prowise, an interactive display and educational software expert, iO designed a new WordPress website complemented by a new brand voice and copy.Look at this client storyCase
Realising growth through marketing
How iO convinces travelers to choose Brussels Airport for their next trip. Discover the marketing campaigns.Look at this client storyCase
A creative blend of skills
Discover what iO does for airport & travelers: from branding to creative campaigns and content creation.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
Clear communication & vision for stakeholders
Communication, internal & external, is important for Brussels Airport. Read here how iO supports the airport in this.Look at this client storyCase
How does a leader in furniture hardware ensure GDPR compliance and cost efficiency for all their banners?
We ensured GDPR-compliant, cost-efficient cookie management for Van Hoecke's platforms using CookieHub. Read our success story.Look at this client storyPage
Verschil chatbot, bot en robot
Robots, chatbots, bots. Drie termen die erg op elkaar lijken, maar erg kunnen verschillen. Het zijn weliswaar alledrie technologische vorderingen in de samenleving, maar het is belangrijk om te weten wat ieder kan betekenen voor jou en wellicht je bedrijf.Read more