Press
The Fourth Industrial Revolution. The megatrend of the 21st century. The revolutionary solution to all the world's major problems. The predictions and claims do not lie: AI is taking the world by storm and will renew and improve everything. That is an exciting vision of the future, but to what extent does AI already have real business value for your brand or company today?
ChatGPT for text, Dall-E 2 for illustrations, Generative Fill from Adobe Photoshop: the evidence is clear. McKinsey argues that generative AI will unleash the next wave of productivity . Anyone can now create 'something': blogs, scripts, illustrations, product photos, presentations, voice, music, and video. But 'something' does not necessarily mean that the result is something with value.
Generative AI is in the spotlight today, while AI has long proven itself in fields as diverse as healthcare, finance, logistics, retail, energy, manufacturing, legislation, and marketing. AI is particularly good at processing large amounts of data, finding trends and making predictions: machine learning. That's just less immersive and baffling to the public than generative AI.
Is Generative AI really 'the next best thing'?
"Generative AI has created a lot of momentum and many regard it as the next big thing," says Bram Cappaert , Center of Excellence Lead for Strategy at iO.
"But there are still some really big steps to take. Today it is very difficult to distinguish which output is based on demonstrable reality and which is simply made up. AI hallucinations is already causing problems, especially for people who blindly trust the results that language models give us. It's the same with deepfakes: Which is true? The crux will be in creating a context in which we have certainty about the output quality so that we as a company can use it effectively to make decisions, for example."
"AI is a means, not an end. It should always be about solving business problems."
"Everyone talks about AI as hype, but the emphasis should mainly be on the impact for companies," says Raymond Muilwijk , Center of Excellence Lead for Technology.
A typical pitfall he sees is that technology – in this case we are talking about AI – is set as a goal. "AI is then added to a product or service purely for marketing or image purposes. But ultimately, AI as a tool is about transforming the way you can solve business problems. According to McKinsey, 75% of the use case value that generative AI can deliver will fall in four areas: software engineering, R&D, customer service, marketing and sales."
Fewer no-shows thanks to AI
Customers who don't show up for appointments or reservations in showrooms, hospitals, restaurants, events, or concerts: no-shows are a common problem faced by businesses that cost revenue. AI can help in the form of machine learning by predicting in the customer journey which customers will not show up and then focusing additional communication efforts on those specific people. Currently, iO is working on such a solution for a company in the automotive industry, where sales mainly take place in showrooms. "Is it sexy? No, not really. But fewer no-shows means more turnover," says Bram.
"AI can help predict the customer journey in the form of machine learning so that you as a company can anticipate it."
Better customer service with AI
He gives customer service as a second example. "Because organisations have many different departments with their own work processes and systems, it isn’t always easy to help a customer. ‘I will put you through' is something we are all familiar with, and then you have to tell the next employee your story again. It's extremely frustrating." This is where Generative AI can help by creating personalised answers and solutions throughout the customer journey. Data that is stored in silos is thus made immediately accessible. For example, the customer service department or a self-service portal can help customers get started much faster. And that results in more satisfied customers.
Learn to understand the potential
AI is a technological tool that allows you to create a lot of value. However, the recent call from a group of leading tech experts for a halt to all AI experiments for six months is premature. To quote another prominent thinker, Kevin Kelly, futurist and author of the bestseller What Technology Wants, AI is still in its infancy : "What we now call AI will no longer be considered AI in a few years... In the long run, AI will have a bigger impact than fire and electricity. But the full consequences will only unfold over the course of centuries."
"You can add AI to almost anything. That's called AI-driven," Bram says matter-of-factly. "The question is whether it adds value in the eyes of the user. Whether it concerns consumers, employees, or applicants. That is what ultimately makes a product or service relevant and sought after. Are you solving real problems? Are you answering questions faster and better? And is that process easier than with the competition? AI is a growing part of the solution to a specific problem. But the value is in the application. Organisations need to understand the potential. It's about more than just more efficient content and asset creation. We need to assess which processes can run differently and how the end customer can be better served. Where AI is visible in the showroom today, it will deliver value once again under the hood tomorrow."
"Is your organisation still lagging behind in digital maturity? You're going to have a really hard time."
The adoption of AI is not going to be a gradual process
Not all companies can seize the opportunities presented by AI immediately. Digital maturity is an essential basic condition, says Raymond. "Organisations that have previously deployed composable architectures can now quickly realise AI applications and integrate them into their digital ecosystem. However, if your company's DNA does not yet include digital and tech, the leap to AI will be particularly difficult. Companies just don't have years to keep up. The adoption of AI will not be a gradual process like digitisation has been until now."
"In 2011, it was like, we need an app. In 2018, we have to do something with the metaverse. And now, in 2023, something has to happen with AI, but that is anything but a good business case. Then you just jump from hype to hype. That's window dressing, AI washing, a funny gimmick. Nice for the stage, but not necessarily for the users. It just distracts from the real problems."
"Just doing ‘something with AI’ is not a good business case"
The path to AI is different for every organisation
Organisations that use AI to solve problems are faster and more innovative than their competitors. If you don't use AI, you run the risk of being overtaken by companies that are working with AI. But beware: Without clear business value, AI remains a hollow gimmick.
Raymond advocates a practical approach. "You first need to be clear about what AI means for your organisation at different levels: the need for a distinctive customer experience, a growing demand for internal AI capabilities, the need for change management... Start by focusing on the customer experience, and you will automatically arrive at the technological needs and potential of your organisation. That path is, of course different for every business. There is no standard, one-size-fits-all AI solution. You're really going to have to get going and learn how to apply AI. That is radically different from purchasing a SaaS service with an AI sticker on it."
No time to lose if you want to win
"Do not wait until the big promises about the future potential are fulfilled and AI becomes mainstream", Bram concludes. "You have to act now if you want to learn to use AI as a differentiator. Look at the problems your company is facing today and find practical AI solutions that deliver concrete results so you can stay ahead of the crowd and maintain your relevance in the long term. There really is no time to waste."
Related articles
- Read more
Case
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 storyDossier
24 insights for 2024
Read moreCase
How to make propane irresistible with creative marketing?
Propane as an energy source was in need of recognition, by all who were living off-grid to be more precise. We managed it on behalf of gas specialist Primagaz, with creative 360° campaigns - both online and offline. Read the case study!Look at this client storyWhat we do
AI makes your organisation smarter and more efficient | iO
AI is more than a trend. Our experts are here to show you how AI can add value to your organisation.Read moreWhat we do
Digital accessibility: opening doors to all users
Enhance your website's accessibility with iO's expert guidance. Discover where your organisation stands, prioritise accessibility, and ensure transparency. Build a more inclusive digital world today.Read moreCase
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 storyStack
Work smarter in the cloud with Google Cloud Partner iO
Google Cloud Partner iO helps organisations harness the power of the cloud for storage, analytics, development, and more.Read moreWhat we do
Media & performance auditing: where is your marketing today?
From content to advertising and tracking tools: with media and performance audits, our experts will show you the next steps to take in the digital world.Read morePress
iO develops a secure version of ChatGPT: AiO
Read morePress
iO brings the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ digital twin to life with AI
Read morePress
iO and M Leuven bring Flemish Master to life with AI tool
Blended agency iO gives history an extra dimension for visitors to M Leuven thanks to AI-driven web app.Read morePress
iO helps KNMI keep the Netherlands safe in terms of weather and climate in 2024
Read morePress
iO and Worldline launch AI Smart Search for Developer Portal
Read moreWhitepaper
16 tips to make your marketing and digitisation budget for 2025 smarter
The 2024 summer holidays are behind us and it's time for organisations to set their budgets for 2025. And that is often a more difficult task than we would like to admit. We wouldn't be iO if we hadn't come up with anything to help you with that tedious task... Get 16 tips to make your marketing and digitisation budget for 2025 smarterRead moreBlog
2024: the next step for analytics and tracking in a 'privacy first' world
You may not have noticed, but a lot has changed in terms of analytics and tracking over the past five years. This is partly because we've already grown accustomed to many changes, and partly because their impact has come very gradually. Half a decade ago, no one knew of the existence of a cookie banner, a year later everyone thought they could never get used to it, and today we don't know any better. We've made serious strides in terms of data regulation, and perhaps the biggest steps are yet to come in 2024.Read moreBlog
The six digital and marketing trends for 2024
The rise of AI, shifts in the social media landscape, and the end of third-party data...2023 was, to say the least, a tumultuous year. But this year, marketers and their organizations are also facing significant challenges. Discover the six digital and marketing trends that will dominate 2024 and, most importantly, how you can successfully tackle them.Read moreDossier
Dossier: Successful marketing budgets and plans
Read moreCase
How do you strengthen your market position as a recruitment and staffing expert with a new brand?
YER is already big but aspired to double their presence in the world of recruitment and selection and secondment. iO helped them with creating a new brand, internal branding, external activation online and offline and bringing 3 websites into 1 site for all target groups.Look at this client storyCase
How can a network manager ensure we navigate the energy transition successfully?
Discover how awareness, behaviour change, and hyper-local personalization lead to cost efficiency and relevance at the right moment.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
Realising growth through marketing
How iO convinces travelers to choose Brussels Airport for their next trip. Discover the marketing campaigns.Look at this client storyWhat we do
An innovative long-term partnership: strategy in technology
Support your organisation’s growth ambitions on budget with an in-depth tech strategy. Find out more about what iO can do for your business.Read moreWebinar
Get more out of your marketing budget with Marketing Mix Modelling
We’ve all noticed that in the dynamic world of marketing data, traditional attribution models are less and less relevant. Changes in technology and legislation mean that we have to look for alternatives. Modelling of marketing data is playing an increasingly prominent role and is becoming more accessible to organisations. Marketing Mix Modelling offers you unique insights into channels that are increasingly difficult to predict in a cookieless world. Find out all about it in this webinar.Read moreWhitepaper
Everything you need to know about Large Language Models (like ChatGPT)
AI language models, better known as Large Language Models, such as ChatGPT are hot. For some, they are a fine piece of pastime, for others an important tool to achieve business goals – not in the least for SEO and SEA. As they gain plenty of popularity, the complexity of the picture is also becoming clear, just the capabilities of AI. It becomes important to fully understand their potential, and their limitations, before you start working with them.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, Glenn Weuts - Head of Marketing Technology at iO, shares seven marketing budget insights, with recommendations for how to determine your budget for 2025.Read moreBlog
Opinion article: Will our marketing plans ever be free of the 'gamble'?
Summer is slowly changing into autumn, the annual cue for the opening of the "budget season." Time to fire up the roulette wheel; redistribute marketing investments on gut feel, driven by the resources provided by management. Or are you doing it differently this year?Read moreBlog
Everything you need to know about Consent Management Platforms (CMP)
Organisations often store user data on their websites and apps, usually in the form of cookies. But every organisation has to be transparent about how they handle this data, and let users know if their data is shared with external parties. A Consent Management Platform (CMP) can help with this. We'll tell you all about it in this blog.Read moreBlog
4 tips to develop a successful measurement plan
More and more organisations want to measure the return on investment of digital platforms accurately. But how do you develop a successful measurement plan?Read moreBlog
Why Google Consent Mode V2 is crucial to marketing in 2024
The marketing world keeps turning faster, with new updates or guidelines at every turn. It’s a world that forces businesses to change with it. A recent change by this organization includes, among other things, that Google Consent Mode must receive an update by March 2024 to enhance user privacy. Take the Digital Markets Act, for instance. This European legislative body regulates digital platforms by creating laws. A recent legislative change includes that Google Consent Mode is required to carry out an update by March 2024 at the latest to better protect users’ privacy.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
Why is always-on gaining ground over ad hoc campaigns?
In the marketing optimisation of larger iO clients - such as Brussels Airport and Lidl - we see a shift from ad hoc campaigns to always-on. There are a few logical explanations for this trend. And both the elimination of cookies and the focus on the customer experience (CX) have a lot to do with 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 moreCase
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.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 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 guarantee swift intervention for water and gas leaks through a centralized business app?
Discover how we customised a business app that semi-automatically schedules the most efficient solution and produces quick reporting.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
Repositioning a meat brand in full transition
Discover how iO helped Imperial transform into a future-proof food brandLook at this client storyCase
How to catch the attention of students who swipe away every ad?
Discover how Avans University of Applied Sciences and iO attracted over 20,000 new student choosers with creative, data-driven campaigns. Learn strategies that hold Gen Z's attention and create strong brand connections. Get inspired and discover how to entice your target audience.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 storyCase
How do you double your mobile conversion within 4 years?
What it takes to make booking as easy as possible for you? Discover the power of a strong management vision, a streamlined work process, and long-term, open, and transparent collaboration between Landal GreenParks and iO.Look at this client storyStack
OneTrust: all-in-one privacy solution
Manage and monitor your privacy preferences easily with OneTrust. Our experts are happy to help you.Read moreStack
iO - Usercentrics partner for Data Consent Management
Usercentrics (or Cookiebot) offers easy, transparent, GDPR compliant management of user consent and data.Read moreStack
iO, your CookieHub partner for smart consent management | iO
CookieHub is the Consent Management Platform that puts privacy and transparency first in your organisation.Read moreWhat we do
Creating business value with AI - AI workshops & trainings
iO helps you to turn AI into action. Discover our AI workshops & trainings to find the potential in your business.Read moreWhat we do
Data analysis: get useful insights from your data
By analysing raw data correctly, you get stronger results. Our experts will help you get started with data analysis.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: AI - The future is not what it used to be
Do you remember when ... the invention of the computer caused a seismic shift in the job market? People unwilling to work with computers were quickly replaced by people who were; and today everyone carries a laptop. Today the same thing is happening with AI. In this webinar, Rodger Werkhoven will share his passion for Artificial Intelligence and introduce you to OpenAI as a love brand.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: Alternatives for Google Analytics 4
Google Analytics 4 is the undisputed king of analytics platforms. Still, alternative tools are increasingly finding their way into organisations — thanks to different features, a greater focus on privacy, or better customer support. Want to know more about the analytics landscape of 2023? In this webinar, Glenn Weuts (Head of Marketing Technology at iO) takes you into the wonderful world of web analytics. That way, you will soon be able to make an informed choice that perfectly suits your needs.Read moreWebinar
AI adding value to your business processes
When you understand what AI can and cannot do, you can use it purposefully. But how do you translate the possibilities of AI into the specific context of your daily business operations? In this webinar we cut through the hype, share insights, learnings, first proof-points and more great reasons to believe that AI isn't just part of the hype cycle, but is essential for every organisation.Read moreWebinar
INBOUND 23 recap: a customer-centric approach in the age of AI
Curious about the latest developments in customer-oriented strategies, AI, digital transformation, leadership, and storytelling? Our iO colleagues Jolien Struyf and Evelyne Berden travelled to Boston to attend HubSpot's annual INBOUND conference and are sharing their highlights in a bite-sized webinar.Read moreWebinar
Crucial for your marketing in 2024: Google Consent Mode V2
The marketing world is changing faster and faster, with a new update or new guidelines to discover every day. Google Consent Mode version 2 is an upcoming update from Google that aims to help website owners comply with increasingly stringent privacy legislation (AVG/GDPR). This implementation is mandated by Google from March 2024. So be sure not to hesitate and get informed in this webinar so that you can set up the right actions in preparation.Read moreWebinar
Ad Tech: Take your media strategy to the next level
Now that cookies are disappearing, the biggest challenge for everyone in marketing today lies in measuring and analyzing marketing efforts. Companies currently find themselves facing a bit of a dilemma: on one hand, they want a transparent view of the results of their investments, on the other hand, they know that they need to rely more on data to make their advertising more relevant and efficient.Read moreWebinar
What is the impact of AI on SEO?
Watch the webinar now.Read moreWhitepaper
Customer Data Platforms (CDP)
A Customer Data Platform collects your customers’ data and is mainly at home in the more ‘mature’ marketing departments of the organisation. A CDP combines customer data from different platforms and hands it back to you in a 360° package. This whitepaper illustrates how a CDP gets assembled, where its added value lies CDP can be for your organisation and which conditions best serve a CDP.Read moreWhitepaper
Getting started with Google Analytics 4
Universal Analytics, the older brother of Google Analytics 4, will stop collecting data in July 2023. In other words: marketers will need to find an alternative. In this whitepaper, we discuss the most recent version of Google's data analysis tool: Google Analytics 4. With Google Analytics 4, Google is committed to scalability, privacy-centric measurement, machine learning, and expanding the integration features of the platform. This makes the latest version of GA fully future-proof — as will you be, after reading this whitepaper.Read moreWhitepaper
MACH - how do you know if it's right for your business?
Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native SaaS and Headless have secured their place in the business world. These concepts have existed in their own right for some time and are already fairly well known, but the umbrella term MACH is new. Will it soon be mentioned in the same breath as Cloud and SaaS? And when will it be worth investing in it? Find out in this white paper.Read moreWhitepaper
Impact of the cookieless future on marketing
In this whitepaper, we will immerse you in the world of cookies, discuss what exactly is about to happen and how you can prepare your company for it. Enjoy!Read moreWhitepaper
Alternatives to Google Analytics 4
How well do you know today’s web analytics landscape?When talking about web analytics, Google Analytics is usually at the top of the list. Google Analytics 4, is the undisputed king of web analytics tools. Or is it?Read moreWhitepaper
The ultimate end-of-year guide (with checklist)
With cyber week (starting Friday, Nov. 29) and the end-of-year period upon us, there are some great opportunities ahead to give sales another boost, whether you're in B2C or B2B. With this guide and checklist of no less than 61 pages (!), we help you fine-tune your marketing, communication and advertising strategy so that you catch the eye of your target audience. With this guide & checklist, compiled by our +2000 experts from different departments, you'll roll out the digital red carpet for your customers in the year-end period. Download it now.Read moreWhitepaper
No more marketingcookies: calculate the impact on your sales and visitors
Soon, third-party cookies will disappear. Use our calculator and get an estimate of the potential loss of sales and website visitors. You will also get tailored advice on the next steps to take to minimise that loss. Go directly to the calculator via the button below or scroll down for more background information.Read moreWhitepaper
How to develop a first-party data strategy?
But how do you get started with a first-party data strategy? What do you pay attention to? Can you still rely on third-party data? And which stakeholders do you best involve in this 'new' phase? In this whitepaper, we help you out.Read moreWhitepaper
Get more insights into the effectiveness of media with Marketing Mix Modelling
Digital marketing offers enormous opportunities in the field of data-driven working. We often fail to take advantage of these opportunities. That's means you miss out on a lot of opportunities to maximise the impact of your budget.Read moreWhitepaper
Whitepaper: Creating exceptional customer journeys with a Digital Experience Platform
In markets that are saturated with options and with customers that are overloaded with choices, it's an exceptional customer experience set will set you apart. A Digital Experience Platform can help you accomplish this - and we'll tell you how.Read moreBlog
Conversion optimisation after Google Optimize: the end of an era?
CRO (Conversion Rate Optimisation) is important to generate more conversions from website users. However, Google will soon be taking its special CRO tool, Google Optimize, offline. So what are the alternatives?Read moreBlog
Data & Intelligence: removing emotion from the boardroom
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
How do you develop distinctive marketing campaigns?
Marketing campaigns are becoming more standardised and less distinctive due to automation. Today, you have to differentiate your campaigns on a strategic and creative level, where we are still better than the machine. What impact does that have on marketing organisations?Read moreBlog
Digital advertising is experiencing a metamorphosis
Now that third-party cookies are on their way out, companies have to start using their own data. Expert Jacob Eeckhout, who leads the Center of Excellence Marketing at iO, sees opportunities for many companies to build closer customer relationships after the initial panic. "When companies have to build campaign strategies using their own first-party data, their users can easily become less open. Transparency and control will restore trust between brands and consumers."Read moreBlog
Discover TikTok’s innovative advertising opportunities
iO's social advertising team visited TikTok HQ for the first Benelux agency workshop. TikTok is Gen-Z's search engine, and an exciting platform that’s constantly developing new features. We’ll be highlighting the most interesting insights and opportunities we learned from TikTok in this article.Read moreBlog
'Get a taste of AI' #1: Innovating with Large Language Models (LLM) as taste-maker
Anyone who has tried ChatGPT knows that we are at the dawn of a new era. A lot of businesses want to respond to these developments, but often still regard generative AI as a black box. The complexity and lack of transparency can lead to timidity and restraint, while AI as a technology offers a lot of unique opportunities and possibilities. Do you want your business to get ahead of the curve? Then you have to give AI a try: experiment, learn and apply. Experimentation is the only way to learn how and when AI can deliver value to your business operations.Read moreBlog
'Get a taste of AI' #2: Generative AI in practice - How to create business value from day 1
When you understand AI’s full potential you can use it purposefully. But how do you translate the versatile possibilities of AI into the specific context of your everyday business operations?Read moreBlog
How to choose an appropriate data analytics platform?
A data analytics platform extracts data from websites and apps and processes it into actionable insights for your business operations. At the beginning of 2023, Google Analytics still had a market share of over 85% in our region and the choice was often an easy one. However, after a series of complaints and questions about its compatibility with GDPR legislation, Google Analytics is balancing on the edge of legality. Consequently, the following question arises: what should you pay attention to when choosing another data analysis platform?Read moreBlog
AI tools that add real value to your business processes
Technology is in a constant state of change. The great evolution of recent years has been AI. Today, it's a powerful tool that can radically change the way we solve problems and create value. But how should we really look at AI? And how can we make sure it becomes more than just an empty gimmick?Read moreBlog
2023: a year in an era of change
Does the name Leonhard Huizinga still ring a bell for anyone? Once a popular Dutch writer, now forgotten. He made his debut in 1936 with the book 'De Gestroomlijnde Wereld'. Already a wanderer at a young age, Huizinga's book opened an unknown world to many readers. An exotic world, which seemed to be getting smaller and smaller, because it was more accessible by car, train, boat, and airplane. Faster, more comfortable and with more and more streamlining — quite literally. Curious, boundless, full of wonder. Not realising, as early as 1936, that over that same world lay the shadows of tomorrow.Read moreBlog
The future of AI: which 5 trends make their mark on 2024?
We are standing at the beginning of a new economic era with AI and automation as driving forces. Customer interaction is radically being transformed, and the rise of generative AI heralds one of the biggest revolutions ever. As far as AI is concerned, the near future is still a bit unpredictable, but one thing is certain: companies that really want to make a difference should resolutely opt for a digital strategy built upon resilience, productivity and efficiency. Let’s delve into the five most remarkable AI trends for 2024.Read moreBlog
‘Get a taste of AI’ #3: How vectors add flavour and value
Every new era requires new fuel, and the AI era is no exception. Simply collecting raw data is not enough to effectively utilise generative AI – you also need to process and interpret the data. The vector database bridges the gap between data and AI, enabling valuable output and optimal customer experiences. In this article in our ‘Get a taste of AI’ series, you will learn how vectors work and gain the tools to apply them in your daily practice. The term “vector” may not be familiar to the general public, but its impact certainly is. Vectors provide more accurate results and recommendations in search engines and recommendation engines, improving the user experience. They add context and relevance, making the difference between a positive and a negative experience. But how does this work exactly? And how can your organisation leverage vectors for AI?Read moreBlog
Work smarter, not harder: your guide to masterful productivity with AI
Are you tired of all the grand promises surrounding AI? Do trends come and go without leaving a lasting impact? Are you yearning for a down-to-earth answer to the question, "What can I truly gain from AI in my daily work?" Our Art Director and AI pioneer, Gijs guides you in this blog interview. Why can he only guide you? Because there's no one-size-fits-all approach. AI is tailor-made, but it can significantly simplify and enhance your work. Within minutes, promises Gijs, you can achieve powerful mass production. His practical tips might just transform your daily workflow or, at the very least, encourage you to rethink it. Discover how in this interview.Read moreBlog
How to create an AI copywriting assistant with custom GPT
Is AI the big monster some make it out to be? The one waiting in line to take over our job of content marketeer? One thing’s for sure: artificial intelligence is no hype. It’s here to stay, and it’s up to us to deal with it. At iO, we’re always looking at new ways to create value. AI turns out not to be a solution, but rather a means to an end. In this blog post, we explain how we use an AI copy assistant to write large volumes of copy in a cost-effective way.Read moreBlog
Migrating to Sitecore XM Cloud: The step towards a Composable DXP
XM Cloud is the CMS of Sitecore’s new Composable DXP. It is a further development of their original CMS, but packed and serviced completely different. It’s SaaS, less hassle to maintain, quicker and easier to develop on, a lot easier to work with for content editors, but still as powerful and versatile as before. So when starting a new Sitecore implementation, choosing XM Cloud over the original Platform DXP is a no-brainer. But what about migrating your existing implementation to XM Cloud? There is no set upgrade path and your starting position greatly influences the desired route to take, but also the business case behind such a migration. In this article I will share my view on the important differences, challenges, benefits, caveats, possible approaches for a migration roadmap, and everything you would like to know and consider before embarking on this journey.Read moreBlog
Conversational search: what is it and why do you want it?
Conversational search in the form of an AI chatbot lets your website visitors interact with your content, resulting in a better customer experience. Conversational search is an advanced search method that uses natural language processing to understand search queries and provide relevant results. Instead of entering search terms, users can formulate searches as they would in a normal conversation.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
How AI is enhancing creative processes
Is generative AI (GenAI) only useful for automating boring tasks or producing mediocre visuals and lacklustre, uninspired texts? Or can it add real value to the creative process? And if so, how do you use it to come up with new concepts and create unique stories? Gijs Besselink, Art Director and AI expert at iO, uses his experience to answer these questions and more.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 moreDossier
Dossier: Get a taste of AI – Discover the endless possibilities of AI
Read moreCase
How do you build a scalable digital infrastructure?
iO helped Nutricia Worldwide with a digital infrastructure to manage content for 45+ countries — bringing formula to the people who need it most.Look at this client storyCase
How to make online learning materials accessible for 1.6 million primary school students?
With Single Sign On, over 1.6 million primary school pupils and teachers have easy access to digital learning materials.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 support employees in their professional and personal growth?
The Lifelong Learning Program by Kemin is an employee development initiative, designed to support colleagues and partners in their personal and professional growth.Look at this client storyCase
How a down-to-earth audit paves the way to the ideal digital tools?
With an efficient platform audit, our experts helped Ebema make the most appropriate choices.Look at this client storyCase
How can you teach children about the dangers of social media?
The tool will help children learn about the impact of high screen time on their mental and physical health.Look at this client storyCase
How do you launch a completely new brand for a global leader in marine recreation?
Read how we worked with Brunswick to create a full branding and international go-to-market strategy to launch their latest brand Navan.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 a virtual museum highlights Flemish heritage
How do you develop a virtual experience platform that takes your customer experience to the next level?Look at this client storyCase
How do you make customers salivate for your brand again?
Find out how we helped cheese brand CAMBOZOLA reactivate its existing customers and attract younger generations. Read the case.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
Finding and offering the right location to turn a special event into a favourite memory
Discover how iO made the websites and the personal admin portal of High Profile Locaties more manageable, findable and scalable. Read the case study.Look at this client storyPage
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 moreStack
Take back control of your data with Piwik PRO
Privacy and data security are the highest priority at Piwik PRO, the GDPR-compliant alternative to Google Analytics.Read moreStack
Migrate to the cloud with Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Migrating your app or platform to the cloud? Our AWS specialists will be happy to help you with a customised roadmap!Read moreStack
iO & Criteo, powerful automated online advertising platform
At iO we work with Criteo: an advanced platform for digital advertising and targeted, data-driven campaigns. Find out more about what we can do for your organisation.Read moreStack
iO: Salesforce partner for implementation and consulting.
As a Salesforce partner, iO helps you align your sales, marketing, service, and commerce teams with a central CRM system.Read moreStack
Meta Advertising – Facebook & Instagram
Our +150 digital advertising specialists know how to make platforms such as Facebook and Instagram an essential part of your media mix.Read moreWhat we do
Nurture relationships with a strong CRM and loyalty strategy
Keep it personal with the proper tools. iO will help you build a strong CRM and loyalty strategy.Read moreWhat we do
A marketing strategy that works
With a strong marketing strategy, you will reach your business goals. Our experts are happy to guide you along the way.Read moreWhat we do
Digital marketing and advertising
Intelligent growth won't happen without digital marketing and advertising — and much more. Find out what our agency marketeers can offer you.Read moreWhat we do
Secure applications for all: user and access management
Identify users quickly and safely and give them the necessary access to your platform. Our experts will help you.Read moreWhat we do
Cloud and infrastructure
The right high-performance environment for data and techRead moreWhat we do
Cloud, Data & Integration: technology fueling digital experiences
We make your IT, data and marketing infrastructure scalable. And integrate it with the right cloud partnerships and data setups.Read morePress
George Moses new Technology Director at iO
Read morePress
iO named the most customer-focused digital agency in the Netherlands
Read morePress
iO creates future-proof look for Assuralia
Read morePress
11.11.11 chooses iO as digital partner
Read morePress
iO appoints Marco Merola as Managing Director on Campus Herentals
Read morePress
4 out of 10 Belgians are digitally vulnerable
Read morePress
Two top experts of iO win the exclusive Sitecore MVP Award of 2024
Read morePress
iO welcomes Martine Lemans as Managing Director of Consultancy Division in the Netherlands
Read morePress
NMBS picks iO as innovation partner and service design expert
Read morePress
Nagelmackers strengthens long-term relationships with a brand-new platform
Read morePress
Plopsa and iO join forces to create magical digital experiences
Read morePress
Brussels Airport Company and iO create the ultimate traveller experience
Read morePress
VRT joins forces with iO’s digital experts
Read morePress
Golf.nl app 2.0 makes golf accessible to everyone
Read moreWebinar
Webinar: Life after Universal Analytics
Universal Analytics, Google Analytics 4's predecessor, will stop collecting data on 1 July 2023. That is what Google recently announced. In this Dutch webinar Glenn Weuts, Head of Marketing Technology at iO, explains what exactly will happen and how to best prepare for a migration to a new analytics platform.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: Life after Universal Analytics
Universal Analytics, Google Analytics 4's predecessor, will stop collecting data on 1 July 2023. That is what Google recently announced. In this English webinar Glenn Weuts, Head of Marketing Technology at iO, explains what exactly will happen and how to best prepare for a migration to a new analytics platform.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: the future of data-driven content strategy
A content strategy is often based on your own insights and those of the client. At iO, we like to link data to this that confirms or corrects those assumptions. In this webinar, data expert Michael will show how he generates the right data to build his strategy based on keyword and competition analyses and content dashboards, and what a data-driven content strategy will look like in the future.Read moreWebinar
The TikTok effect for brands
Are you thinking of TikTok? Chances are that the image of Gen Z – young people with smartphones scrolling from video to video at record speeds – starts racing through your mind. Because isn't that what sets TikTok apart? Content created by hip brands aimed at a young audience, including limited ROI for brands targeting adults?Read moreWebinar
Webinar: first-party data collection with HubSpot
The cookieless future is coming. Soon, marketers will no longer be able to collect third-party data — so they need to find new solutions to balance data collection, privacy, security, and customised user experiences.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: Increase your sales with affiliate marketing
Want to increase your sales from anywhere — even when you're sleeping? If so, affiliate marketing might be right for your organisation. Tim van Hout (Team Lead Affiliate Marketing at iO) tells you everything you need to know about affiliate marketing in this webinar.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: Make your B2B customer acquisition strategy digital and authentic
Who says digital and authentic don’t mix? With SEO, content marketing, affiliate marketing and personalised email campaigns, organisations like ours are generating leads en masse. These tools are ours to use to convert, turn our users into brand ambassadors and design flawless customer experiences. We know what digital can do, can it do it authentically? Marketing expert Glenn Weuts will answer that question in his webinar (in English) on 20 April.Read moreWebinar
How do you implement a first-party data strategy for e-commerce?
The death of the third-party cookie. For a moment, it seemed like the world would end. But fortunately, there are alternatives for marketers and their organisations, including first-party data. A thoughtful first-party data strategy can help you build close relationships with your customers, create value, and streamline your marketing activities.Read moreWebinar
From branding to brand experience: how to create a coherent brand experience
In today's crowded marketplace, consumers are faced with a multitude of options. It's vital that your brand not only stands out but is also seen as positive and consistent. Additionally, you must be able to adapt seamlessly to market changes, all while maintaining your credibility and authenticity. Are you interested in discovering how to achieve brand experience excellence? Watch the recording now.Read moreWebinar
MarTech stack, from sprawl to essentials
How do you navigate through the jungle of tooling? How do you maintain an overview of your MarTech stack? This webinar will show you how to navigate your MarTech stack in simple steps and get to the essence: tools you really need.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: Increase your online impact with strategic SEO
Is your website not being properly found by relevant visitors? Is your SEO traffic not generating enough conversions? But do you think you already have an SEO-friendly website? Then it's time to switch from tactical to strategic SEO. Find out how during our webinar on 23 August.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: discover how digitally mature your business really is (and what steps to take next)
As a CEO, managing director or marketing manager, you’re steering your ship towards the digital future. But here’s the challenge: how do you ensure you’re on the right course? Which aspects are thriving, and which ones need a boost? Register for our webinar and discover exactly how your company can move towards complete digital maturity.Read moreEvent
Enhance your municipality's digital services with smart solutions
Do you want to elevate your municipality's digital services? Save the date and join us on November 25th to discover how you can use digital tools work more efficiently and better serve the residents and businesses in your municipality.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: How to easily gain complete control over the Woo publications of your organisation
With the introduction of the Open Government Act (Woo), the disclosure of information has become of greater importance. It’s wise to have a solid process and powerful digital tools in place to help your organisation comply to the Woo. But where to start? In the webinar ‘How to easily gain complete control over the Woo publications of your organisation’ we’ll show you how to set up this in a sufficient and user-friendly way.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: How to easily gain complete control over the Woo publications of your organisation
With the introduction of the Open Government Act (Woo), the disclosure of information has become of greater importance. It’s wise to have a solid process and powerful digital tools in place to help your organisation comply to the Woo. But where to start? In the webinar ‘How to easily gain complete control over the Woo publications of your organisation’ we’ll show you how to set up this in a sufficient and user-friendly way.Read moreWebinar
Discover what's new in HubSpot: your quick guide to the INBOUND '24 updates
With over fifty new features every month, the HubSpot express train shows no signs of slowing down. Last month at the annual INBOUND event in Boston, you could explore all the latest updates and get an exclusive preview of the roadmap for the coming year. Couldn't make it? Sign up quickly for our free webinar to get a concise overview of all the highlights from INBOUND '24.Read moreWebinar
An ultimate customer experience with a composable architecture
Discover how a composable architecture provides the flexibility to quickly respond to market changes and deliver an exceptional customer experience.Read moreWebinar
MarTech stack, from sprawl to essentials
How do you navigate through the jungle of tooling? How do you maintain an overview of your MarTech stack? This webinar will show you how to navigate your MarTech stack in simple steps and get to the essence: tools you really need.Read moreWebinar
Inclusivity at the forefront: Embracing digital accessibility
Discover how prioritising accessibility can transform digital presence and drive business success.Read moreEvent
The Automation Success Framework
A strategic step-by-step plan that drives results.Powered by HubSpot & iORead moreWhitepaper
Get more out of your marketing budget
By using dashboards efficiently and automating your data analysis, better results are within your reach.Read moreWhitepaper
Headless systems
A headless platform offers a lot of new possibilities for companies. It fits into a digital landscape that connects your customers with your business processes. But what exactly does it mean? And can your company handle the complexity of headless systems? In this white paper we will separate the facts from the fiction and guide you through your first steps in the headless world.Read moreWhitepaper
Upgrade to Drupal 10 with ease
Are you aiming to keep your Drupal website fast and secure? Then it's time to start planning your upgrade to Drupal 10 now. Our Drupal experts will tell you why it's a wise choice, how to approach it, and the benefits that the upgrade brings.Read moreWhitepaper
Efficiently manage and publish content with Storyblok
The world is evolving faster than ever. Consumers and stakeholders expect more and more flexibility from companies and organisations. As a result, you need IT solutions that can grow with you.Read moreWhitepaper
Four years of GDPR: where do we stand today?
Four years ago, GDPR turned our digital processes upside down like a battering ram. Both in our private lives and in our professional environments: our data was never better cared for, seemingly overnight. At the risk of enormous fines, that is. Today, no organisation can afford to disregard GDPR. How has it changed, today - four years later?Read moreWhitepaper
Flexible and dynamic e-commerce with Shopware
In a world where customers are finding their products online at an increasing rate, it’s impossible to ignore e-commerce. Moreover, we’ve become so demanding that businesses need to be able to continuously evolve and improve the user experience. But not every system is equipped to grow along with you in a world that moves at warp speed. Shopware 6 is.Read moreWhitepaper
The significance of data in digital marketing
Data help the marketeer implement digital marketing techniques in customer communication. But how do you use that data, exactly? And how can you enjoy the full force of data? In this whitepaper, we will show you how to optimise your customer and prospect communication through segmentation and personalisation. Moreover, we’ll show you how AI supports these processes.Read moreWhitepaper
Digitalisation - the key to unlock B2B business growth
The digital revolution has profoundly changed the B2C market, and B2B soon followed. None of it happened overnight, by the way. In fact, the trend was initially slow to take off in the B2B sector. Today, digitalisation reached essential status in B2B for anyone wishing to stay ahead of the competition. Its secret? An omnichannel approach, the new standard for B2B sales.Today, B2B customers expect the same standards as B2C customers do in terms of access and service from self-service platforms and digital portals. They expect to find the right products, services or ecosystems across all stages of the customer journey. How do you manage B2C expectations in a B2B context?Read moreWhitepaper
Increase your webshop turnover
Webshops have reached the status of shopping standard in the digital age. Users are just a few clicks away from their favourite items. Anywhere, at any time of the day, from the comforts of home. This is why online advertising on digital channels has become key to webshop owners: channels allowing you to maintain your margins and successfully activate consumers throughout the purchase process.Read moreWhitepaper
Sales, leads, goals: your guide to Performance Marketing
Performance marketing is a branch of marketing where you focus on results. Which results? How can you measure it and - more importantly - how do you achieve it? This is different for every organisation, but the potential of performance marketing to deliver results? That’s universal. The efficient combination of leads, sales and targets is crucial.Read moreWhitepaper
Get more revenue from Google Shopping with Google CSS Managed Service
In 2017, Google was fined €2.4 billion by the European Commission for abuse of power. The internet giant was pushing comparison websites (Comparison Shopping Services, or CSS) lower in search results with Google Shopping. That fine was bad news for Google, but good news for organisations looking to make more online sales.Read moreWhitepaper
Successful digital transformation: 5 pitfalls you should avoid
Globally, only 30 percent of companies successfully implement digital transformation. This is because digital transformation touches every aspect of a business: from people and processes to infrastructure and customer relationships. The key to a successful transformation is to pay attention to all these aspects - but that doesn't always happen. In this white paper, we take you through five common pitfalls in digital transformation and give advice on how to avoid them.Read moreWhitepaper
Score on socials with the Social Benchmark Report 2023
When setting goals for social content campaigns, it's crucial to ensure they are achievable and have a tangible foundation. The iO Social Benchmark Report provides you with valuable insights into the world of social content performance, so that you can make data-driven choices to optimise your social content strategy.Read moreWhitepaper
6 best practices for successful business innovation
How will your organisation challenge the status quo? What role do you hold in a market where the lines between different domains are becoming less distinct? How are you going to shape a future-proof business model that ensures that you are still relevant the day after tomorrow? The challenges of innovation aren't so much centered around refining your existing business model, but about responding smartly to a dynamic market where the rules are constantly changing. Therefore, innovation within your company remains essential: it enables you to tap into new markets, address new target groups and develop new propositions. Unfortunately, not every form of innovation actually leads to improvement. Our white paper shares 6 best practices for successful business innovation so that innovation does not remain a buzzword but delivers tangible results.Read moreWhitepaper
Flawless content migrations
Do you want to rebrand your organisation? Is an acquisition or merger imminent? Or do you want to improve your customer experience, and does this require an organisational change? For these types of digital transformations, changing technology is often a challenging and crucial part for organisations of all sizes. Whether you need to upgrade the CMS system to a newer version, or you want to increase your innovation speed with a headless CMS, there is often one element that receives little attention: the content migration. Far too often, a content migration is nothing more than the last thing on the list, because it’s the technology that requires a lot of attention and budget, isn’t it? How complex can it be to lift and shift the content from the old system to the new?Read moreWhitepaper
How to successfully develop a platform
Facebook is a media company that does not create content. Airbnb has turned the hotel industry upside down without owning any accommodation. Two well-known examples of fast-growing platforms that enable transactions and bring users and products together. The main factor for success in this is their appeal to the right users and adding value by solving problems, providing convenience or introducing new services. They do this using a very strong User Experience (UX) and Developer Experience (DX).Read moreWhitepaper
Whitepaper: How to unburden your business with ‘first time right’ marketing execution
Ideally, as a (Digital) Marketing Manager, you focus on developing and executing your strategy to achieve your organisation's goals. But what if your strategic focus is constantly disrupted by operational issues?Read moreWhitepaper
From compliance to inclusion: why digital accessibility matters
In our increasingly digital world, accessibility is more important than ever. This whitepaper highlights why digital accessibility is not only a legal requirement, but also an ethical necessity. With more than 25% of the European population having some form of disability, it is essential to design inclusive digital products.Read moreWhitepaper
7 strategic considerations for building powerful platforms
For many companies, digital platforms are the backbone of their operations and critical to exceptional customer experiences. This white paper offers strategic insights and practical solutions to address digital challenges such as agility, scalability and security. Download now to take your digital platform to the next level and seamlessly align with your business goals.Read moreWhitepaper
Get ahead of the curve: make digital accessibility your priority
In an increasingly digital world, accessibility is more important than ever. This whitepaper will show you why digital accessibility is not only a legal requirement, but also an ethical necessity. With more than 32.2% of the Dutch population having some kind of disability, it is essential that you design inclusive digital products. This whitepaper explores:Read moreWhitepaper
The CTO guide to a composable architecture
Instead of depending on one big software suite, the ‘composable approach’ enables organisations to customise their IT infrastructure by selecting and integrating the most suitable components for their specific needs. However, composable is not a universal solution. In this whitepaper we break down the composable concept, explain the core principles and its potential impact on your organisation’s digital ecosystem. We help you determine a realistic timeframe for transitioning to a composable architecture and evaluate whether your business is ready to embrace composability. Finally, we explore diverse migration strategies for a smooth and seamless transition.Read moreWhitepaper
Every experience matters: Unravel customer experiences with the Experience Model
Your brand has to compete with an unprecedented number of messages and stimuli for attention. To stand head and shoulders above the rest, it is essential to offer distinctive customer experiences. And that starts with a deep understanding of customer experiences.Read moreWhitepaper
How content and creation delivers brand success
A brand's story is shaped by content. In the coming years it isn’t just about what content you create, but about how your brand retains authenticity and flexibility in an ever-growing digital landscape. Platforms are diverse, audiences are fragmented, and attention spans are shorter than ever. Today the central question is: "How can you be sure that your brand is communicating in an authentic and effective way?" It's about communication that doesn’t just connect with people, but actually touches them. After reading this Insights Paper, you will have an in-depth understanding of the complexity of target audiences, the dynamics of platforms, the impact of AI, evolving content formats, and the value of content to brands.Read moreWhitepaper
AI beyond technology, your AI guide to business value
AI is everywhere. The challenge is how to make it tangible. It is no longer just about the technology, but about the business value and integration into processes. In this white paper we take you through the developments that affect your business and revenue.Read moreBlog
Creativity is the differentiating factor for brands
How do you ensure that your brand stands out in the avalanche of content that consumers receive every day? According to the iO Opportunity Report , the key lies in creativity. "If you succeed in formulating answers to the questions, needs and problems of your target group with creative, audience-oriented content experiences, then you are just as creative as if you come up with an original advertising campaign that blows everyone's socks off," says strategy director content Ruth Nys. She has been working on content all her professional life and she regards creativity as an essential constant.Read moreBlog
The importance of offline media in your media mix
Despite the increasing popularity of digital media, offline still plays an important role in the media mix for companies and brands. Offline media - also known as traditional media - such as print, radio, and TV, among others, is still a powerful way to share information with the public. A way of communicating that should not be underestimated. Why is offline media important to your brand? And how can offline and online media support your brand?Read moreBlog
Why graphs are great: the power of infographics
Will you publish a story online using only text? Good luck. Chances are your reader will tune out before it even gets interesting. Don’t beat yourself up, it’s not your fault. The online world is dominantly visual: images keep the scrolling audience captivated. The alphabet alone won't cut it: when presenting data you can’t do without infographics.Read moreBlog
Anchor your brand in your target group's culture with social media
The added value of social media is sometimes difficult for marketers to determine, apart from the results it has to offer the sales team. As a result, some tend to consider a 'must do', while it actually offers a wonderful way to gain a place in people's lives. The key is to identify your brand with the culture of your target audience, and for that, social works best. However, this requires a certain amount of courage from your brand.Read moreBlog
The Future is Modelled: strengthening Online Marketing with Data Modelling
We notice that, in the dynamic world of digital data, modelling marketing data is taking an increasingly prominent role. The ability to model data and gain valuable insights is becoming more and more accessible to organisations. In this blog, we explore what makes data modelling so important and what has contributed to its increased accessibility. We’ll also share our experiences with helping our clients discover the potential of data modelling during our Data Discovery workshops.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
How do you guarantee that innovation is successful in your organisation?
Exploring new markets, creating new revenue models, developing new products and solutions: there is consensus in most companies about the need for innovation. But guaranteeing the success of your innovation interventions is not a straightforward process. In this article we share 5 tips that you can use to increase the chances of your innovation process being successful.Read 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
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
Hot in 2024: sustainable websites
“Refresh your website every five years.” Sound familiar? Well, listen carefully. Because in 2024, things have changed. The tech keeping your website up and running used to be out-of-date after five years. But now, it’s become more stable. So, don’t jump on the new website bandwagon just yet, and do your homework to see what you can repurpose first.Read moreBlog
Why WordPress is the perfect CMS for marketers
At iO, we partner with some major players and market leaders in marketing and technology. One of these partners is WordPress, world's largest Content Management System (CMS). There are several reasons why WordPress tops the list of CMS platforms. For one, the platform has a lot to offer for all its target audiences. In this blog, we list its main advantages for marketers.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
Drupal Starshot announced: 5 things you need to know
Earlier this month, Drupal founder Dries Buytaert took the stage during the annual DrupalCon North America in Portland (Oregon, USA). He delivered what some call the biggest Drupal news in a long time: the official announcement of Drupal Starshot. Being the largest Drupal partner in the Benelux, we at iO would like to shed some light on this upcoming launch.Read moreBlog
Drupal sets new standards with Starshot
iO and Drupal go way back. We have been using the CMS since our early days, so it is fair to say it holds few secrets for our developers. In recent years, the CMS market has evolved enormously, with new systems springing up like mushrooms. And even though many did not survive, there are still a lot of new CMS systems standing strong today. An unusual situation for Drupal, but with the announcement of Drupal Starshot, the answer is now finally here.Read moreBlog
Why a seamless partner experience is crucial for your organisation
The fact that a flawless digital experience is crucial to consumers, is not new — every day we experience this ourselves when using apps or ordering things online. Less known, but just as crucial, is the partner experience (PX). Especially for financial institutions (such as banks, insurers or payment companies) a seamless PX is invaluable. Friso Geerlings, Technology Director at iO, explains why this is the case and how you can safeguard your PX.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
Discover conversational AI search
Conversational search in the form of an AI chatbot lets your website visitors interact with your content, resulting in a better customer experience.Read moreBlog
Drupal 11: innovative features for better UX, performance and development
Drupal recently launched the latest version of its unsurpassed CMS: Drupal 11. As a Certified Drupal Partner, our 130-strong Drupal team is eager to get started helping companies find their way around. After all, Drupal 11 offers a lot of new features that improve the user experience, increase performance and streamline development processes.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 moreDossier
Dossier: Google Analytics 4
Read moreDossier
Dossier: Maximize your marketing efforts with HubSpot
Read moreDossier
Dossier: Drupal. Why big brands rely on Drupal CMS.
Read moreDossier
Dossier: Composable, the key to flexible business architecture
Read moreDossier
Dossier: The Opportunity Report
Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Tim Colman (Proximus)
Creative concepts can elevate a campaign, says Tim Colman (Head of Digital Communication at Proximus). He talks about the importance of creativity at every stage of the customer journey.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: Steven De Deyne (Proximus)
"With digital transformation, you can deliver added value to your customers," says Steven De Deyne, Head of Media and Production Competence Center Proximus), it in this video.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
Transforming technology into a catalyst for innovation
How fast can you launch new products and services, scale up or scale down sales channels, or provide a better customer experience? The technical complexity of a business often determines its innovation speed. We look at how to transform the 5 key blockers in technology into accelerators for your business. Expert:Raymond Muilwijk, Center of Excellence Lead TechnologyRead moreVideo
Steven Van Belleghem: The cost of poor 'Customer Experience' is frequently underestimated.
Companies are unaware of the enormous the cost of bad customer experiences. Out-of-pocket costs such as customer service are being pushed up, at a time when it’s becoming more difficult and expensive to find new customers.And this is happening while the brand credibility is declining and there is erosion in terms of new business development. In the video below, Steven Van Belleghem calls for more investment in customer focus, as a driver for a successful 2025.Read moreVideo
AI - The future is not what it used to be
Do you remember when ... the invention of the computer caused a seismic shift in the job market? People unwilling to work with computers were quickly replaced by people who were; and today everyone carries a laptop. Today the same thing is happening with AI. In this webinar, Rodger Werkhoven will share his passion for Artificial Intelligence and introduce you to OpenAI as a love brand.Read moreVideo
The Canon of Flanders: from Van Eyck’s brothers' Ghent Altarpiece to Rock Werchter.
From Van Eyck’s brothers' Ghent Altarpiece to Rock Werchter: the Canon of Flanders is finally here. The much-discussed list resulted in a bulky book of more than 300 pages and includes an overview of the Flemish language, culture, and history from the end of the last ice age to today. But there is also an online version: www.canonvanvlaanderen.be . iO developed this on behalf of the Commission Canon of Flanders, which received a mandate from the Flemish Government, Department of Education & Training.Read moreVideo
Primagaz & iO: a shared journey of growth and success
Discover the fruitful collaboration between Primagaz and iO in this 'Walk and Talk' video. In this video, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the collaborative dynamics between Primagaz and iO. We discuss how we dealt with challenges, how we exploited opportunities and what strategies we developed. We'll take you through our shared journey of growth and success, where trust and a commitment to excellence are central. This Walk and Talk is more than just a conversation - it is a celebration of a collaboration that has stood the test of time. It is a story of mutual growth, of learning and evolving, and of creating value for both organizations.Read moreCase
How does a creative brand campaign support ambitious recruitment goals?
iO created two creative and multifaceted communication campaigns to strengthen the ACLVB’s image and recruitment. Click the link to find out more.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 do you engage with education professionals online?
Find out how we connected 78 editors and authors with hundreds of visitors through Zendesk to increase the quality of education.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 do you disrupt the traditional golf world with an AI golf rules exam??
NGF and iO change the rules: from antiquated exam to groundbreaking experience with AI. Discover their story.Look at this client storyCase
how do you enhance the impact of the newsletter for a telecom giant?
Optimizing Content and Presentation: How iO Transformed Proximus' Newsletter Engagement. Read the case 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 to combine rebranding and site redesign for a better user experience?
Creating a Cohesive Platform: Assuralia's Rebranding and Site Redesign for Enhanced User Experience Read the 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 make port jobs more appealing?
For Port of Antwerp-Bruges, we brought a brand-new job platform to the market with a creative, multimedia campaign. Read more.Look at this client storyCase
How to future-proof and secure a European dealer intranet?
Discover how the JLR Gateway, built in Drupal, acts as a central hub for dealer communication, processes, and collaboration.Look at this client storyCase
Finding, customising and ordering the perfect promotional gift in as few clicks as possible
Find out how iO developed one powerful and scalable e-commerce platform for the web shops of all Favorite Gifts' brands. Read the case study.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 to deliver a consistent brand experience across 35 countries
How do you develop a digital and internationally deployable retailer concept that takes your customer experience to the next level?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
How we put Brussels Airport on the map with influencer marketing
iO takes Brussels Airport to new heights with influencer marketing. Read how we did it.Look at this client storyCase
How do you ensure a flawless guest experience at a renowned holiday park?
iO helped Landal Greenparks create a hospitality experience that seamlessly integrates top personal service with digital convenience. Discover the case.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 storyCase
How do you stimulate requests for co-branded credit cards?
Web, app, and integration platform for co-branded credit card programmesLook at this client storyCase
How do you provide customers with flexible retail financing without a card?
Flexible credit, without a card and with all the omnichannel advantages of a credit card.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 morePage
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 more