Blog
What kind of year was 2023? A bit meh perhaps? With misery and wars, not really something to look back at fondly. But more importantly, what kind of Christmas commercial year is 2023? Do we see wars in Christmas communication? The quick answer: not really. Of course, they’ve reached for the stars, but the most striking change compared to 2022 is that the (financial) crisis is very, very remote. Last year it was all about loneliness and spending less. This year (with one exception) it's about throwing parties, squandering money, buying (or giving) gifts, having fun. In short: there is nothing to worry about anymore. Consumer society in overdrive.
That doesn't necessarily lead to instant creativity, in and of itself. The atmosphere everywhere is positive and cosy, but is there any creative progress? Are we going to be pleasantly surprised? Nope. It looks like a collective decision has been made: we won’t make much of it. It's almost all on standby mode. 'We know what works, so that’s what we’ll do'. By the way, even on standard mode, the British are still light years ahead of us.
Much of the same, but there were indeed some shining stars among them again this year. I've watched them all; the good, the bad and the neither. Enjoy, and spread that Christmas commercial spirit.
About Patrick Severein
Patrick is a marketing and content strategist. Within iO, he is head of content marketing & video in our Utrecht campus.
But above all, Patrick is our CCO: Chief Christmas Officer. Patrick is a real Christmas fanatic, and is only too happy to combine his professional knowledge with his love for the holidays.
For several years now, he has been following and analysing, for Adformatie.nl and others, the various Christmas commercials broadcast on television in the UK, the US and the Netherlands.
Enjoy!
A list of surprises
Disney connects their Christmas campaign to their new movie, Wish (making the link to Make a wish). Surprise: Disney doesn’t go for animation for the first time in years! Lots of diversity, beautiful song. But I don’t understand it. Might just be just me.
M&S Food
Dawn French is back as a fairy for M&S Food. But more importantly... the heroes of Wrexham FC (oh yes, and Hollywood stars) Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney also play a role. Like mittens on a string. And that is indeed as great as it sounds. And for the rest: Well made, funny and entertaining.
Coca Cola! They can still do it! What a relief compared to the last few years. Lovely Christmas atmosphere (short summary: everyone is Santa Claus and just be nice). With a guest appearance by... the Coca Cola Christmas Truck. Great song (an original) by the British artist Celeste.
John Lewis
John Lewis, the king of the Christmas commercials. The question is the same every year. Is it any good? Well, to be honest... I don't like it. It's creative, absolutely. There's a twist to it. A beautiful message about making your own traditions and growing new traditions ('When you make traditions your own, they are more special'). But a carnivorous plant? And Andrea Bocelli? It just doesn’t do it for me though. And that's strange, because I'm always calling for creativity and boundary pushing, but it’s all-in the execution, and this is not it... It's well made (the first from Saatchi & Saatchi for John Lewis), but I don't get goosebumps and it doesn’t make me smile. No warmth anywhere. No real sense of Christmas. Surprising, but as far as I am concerned this is a failure.
Vodafone
Vodafone made a really nice commercial. Completely aligned with the brand, good casting, positive vibes. And with a light-hearted story: girl wants to 'catch' Santa Claus on camera, thanks to Vodafone's network that works of course. More than well done.
Lego
Familiar recipe for Lego. Grandma with Yoda doll steals the show. Again – this is just very well made.
Zalando
Unwrap your story. That's Zalando's message this year. Everyone has multiple sides: what's your story? Simple, effective, completely aligned with the brand. Well done, without the bells and whistles.
Heathrow
Kind of in the same vein as Zalando, this commercial from Heathrow. Short story, no frills, nice message, and on brand. Hits the mark.
Michael Hill took a very good look at the 2022 Plus commercial. And gave it its own twist. Girl is not happy with stepmom. Acts annoying. Will work itself out in the end. Ok, I confess, a bit of a lump in my throat, as I predicted the ending from a mile off.
Kroger
Eating (and therefore cooking) brings people together. Krogers' message. Delicious Christmas entertainment.
Hobby Lobby
Hard-working, single nurse is surprised by teenage son with house full of Christmas decorations, thanks in part to Hobby Lobby (50% Off Christmas!). Sweet. Not bad. But not memorable.
Duracell
Oh no! Rudolf's batteries are empty. That means no red nose. But luckily, the Duracell rabbit comes to the rescue. Nicely made, quite Christmassy.
Sweet, the German Milka commercial. Boy Becomes Best Friends With Chocolate Santa, Little Sister Destroys Poinsettia. Tears. Boy gives Chocolate Santa Claus to sister: Geben ist das schönste Cadeau. (Giving is the best gift). What can I say? Sounds a bit bizarre. It is.
Lovehoney
Funny approach. Lovehoney (sex toys) uses customer experiences in their Christmas commercial. Between the lines, all kinds of things are said, but nothing is shown. Well done. Different.
IGA
Good animation, from IGA. Good narrative voice. Story is a bit too far-fetched (something with a beaver sharing food).
Brilliant (sometimes in all its simplicity)
Epic. Truly epic. The American credit card company Capital One commercial. Because: John Travolta as Santa Claus in a Saturday Night Fever reprise: Holiday Night Fever. With the same scenes, the same actors (Donna Pescow!). With the same music (Bee Gees of course). Absolutely amazing.
Charity Shelter
Instant tears watching the charity Shelter’s commercial. This one really hits home. Happy, excited girl. Christmas is coming. Helping others and being good in the hope of getting lots of gifts. And then... Christmas morning, she wakes up to nothing. Ouch.
Canadian BC Children's Hospital Foundation
Another one coming in, the commercial from the Canadian BC Children's Hospital Foundation. Sick children doing everything they can to be 'just' at home for Christmas. Help get us home.
Boots
Amazing, the Christmas commercial for Boots. Stunning production values, nice story (mother and daughter travel around the world to give Santa Claus present), brand perfectly positioned (without irritating), good actors. And with a nice joke at the end. A Christmas commercial that doesn’t lay it on too thickly. The music is really great: Val Doonican with I'm going to Get There Somehow (from 1965!). What a bold and surprising choice. And what a wonderful song. In recent years Boots has produced the most consistent Christmas commercials. Consistent quality.
Amazon
Amazon has put (almost) everything I like into their Christmas commercial. Nostalgia, humour, just-a-little-bit-different-music-than-you-expect, good casting, emotion. Three elderly ladies go down the hill one last time on a sledge. Sledge is too hard: buy cushions from Amazon. Amusing. Light. Funny. Warm. Not too complicated.
Deutsche Telekom
'Mom wants grandkids desperately and questions my fertility'. With this phrase alone, Deutsche Telekom has fought its way into the top echelons with their international campaign. Recognisable for everyone: family talking about everything during Christmas dinner (about education, relationship, children). Grandma comes to the rescue ('Are you happy?'). With the message: Questions that matter connect us more. Almost perfect.
M&S Clothing & Home
Craftsmanship, just a shame...
Well-known Brits throw all the Christmas clichés in the bin For M&S Clothing & Home. With a brilliant campaign phrase: Love thismas (not thatmas). Other than that, nothing special (also because of the tortured rendition of the song Meatloaf made famous).
Very
Beautifully made, Very's animation, including logo flamingos. Branding at its best. The nicest of them I've seen in years. But a Slade cover? Really?
Lidl UK
Is a raccoon Christmas? No, I don't think so. Lidl UK thinks so. The commercial is beautifully made, but that's the only thing. Everything else is just not quite there. Storyline, casting, animals, cuddly toy. Everything is just meh.
Sports Direct
Nope, Christmas is very hard to find in the Sports Direct commercial. Just like last year, actually. Spot on brand communication. Good commercial in itself. But just not giving me any hint of Christmas feeling. I don't like it.
Morrisons
Oven gloves sing Starship song. Sounds lame. But it still works for Morrisons. A little. 33 seconds too long. And zero Christmas spirit. Did I mention it took too long?
Trust
Touching, that's the National Trust commercial. Well made but far from dazzling.
Ocean Spray
OK, not as good as last year, Ocean Spray. It’s weird and awkward and that's fine. Too bad they didn't top 2022.
Will this ever be okay?
What's going on with Sainsbury's? An unbelievable disappointment. Again. A weak attempt at humour and only food and products in the leading role. Special mention to the star Rick Astley, and for the pun charcuter-tree. But for the rest? Nothing at all.
Argos
Argos was so good last year! And how bad Argos is this year! Nice idea. But a good idea doesn't make a good commercial. Nothing happens. Yes, a doll dances. Filmed by a dinosaur. It just doesn't make any sense. Just like the whole commercial.
Dobbies
Dobbies and Christmas, I'm not a fan. Not this one either. Find your Christmust. Miss.
Golden Corral
How unattractive this food looks. So unattractive, it's repulsive. The American Golden Corral (a buffet restaurant) has achieved at least one thing: I will never go there. And certainly not at Christmas.
Etsy's
So, Etsy's is really cringe-inducingly bad. For these creatives, the Christmas feeling had clearly not yet resonated. By the way, there is a whole series of commercials. Worse.
Allison Hammond is Debenhams' biggest asset. (last year, by the way, she was in the Sainsbury's Christmas commercial). If you're a superfan: watch. If not: skip (the latter is highly recommended).
Aldi
Guess what? Aldi is doing it again this year with that gnawed carrot (Kevin the Carrot). Even more vague than in previous years. Even less funny. I'll quote myself: I'm so done with that carrot. Ok, ok, 2 positives: the animation is really very, very well made. And a nod to Willy Wonka is nice. (By the way... Aldi scores well in the other surveys, so who am I to judge?).
Kohl's
How nice, Kohl's fished the commercial out of a stock video archive this year. What a bucket of dullness. What are they thinking? How dare you release this?
Waitrose
The atmosphere is good at Waitrose. But the commercial itself? Neither meat nor fish. Party. Product plugs. An ok role for Graham Norton. And Depeche Mode is always plus one.
TK Maxx
I was really looking forward to TK Maxx. Especially after last year. Still a bit of a let-down. Nicely made. A few jokes, but it doesn't really resonate. It just doesn’t land. The music does by the way (which has nothing to do with Christmas, so good choice).
Asda
Make this Christmas Incredibublé. Yep, it's Michael Bublé, in Asda's Christmas commercial. He checks all the food. Fortunately with a little self-mockery. At the end, he sings a line. Totally irrelevant this commercial. I suspect Michael needed money.
Macy's
Protagonist is top notch. Music (The Moonglows from 1953!) is simply awesome. But other than that, , Macy's isn't very creative this year. Looking for a present for Santa Claus. It's as if AI comes up with an 'idea for a Christmas commercial'. See also Boots.
Barbour
Paddington is out, Shaun the sheep is in. With the leading role in the Barbour commercial 2023 (and with the jacket, of course). I don't like that sheep... But great commercial otherwise. Animation craftsmanship from Aardman. Unfortunately, not very memorable.
Bailey's
The positive thing about Bailey's is that it makes you want Bailey's. A forgettable Christmas commercial.
Smyth Toys
The best part of Smyth Toys' Christmas commercial is the real life Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Commercial starts very much a dime a dozen, gradually it all improves a bit, but it never really gets spectacular or Christmassy.
Dior
Anya Taylor Joy is back for Dior. Again elusive, again beautifully made. But a lot flatter than last year, pushing products in your face. What a pity.
Greggs
Also pushing products, but just a little differently (drone light show in the sky). Tight enough for Greggs because of the attempt to do something else. That's it.
And the winner is....
Time for the big conclusion. It's actually not much different from my intro. A lot of craftsmanship, high quality, but little innovation and creativity. And of course, we have a winner. I have two this year, tied for first place. Boots and Deutsche Telekom are making the best Christmas commercial of 2023. With Capital One and Shelter very close behind. Honourable mentions for Coca Cola, Amazon and Zalando.
The award for best Christmas commercial song (a new category, introduced this year) also goes to Boots (Val Doonican), Macy's (The Moonglows) takes silver and Coca Cola (Celeste) gold.
My Christmas wish for 2024? It could be a little more abrasive. Challenging. Pushing the boundaries. Shaking things up a bit. Without forgetting Christmas. How? I don't know. But they're going to get there somehow. While maintaining quality, of course. Because it has to be said: overall, the quality of the Christmas commercials in the UK is as high as the fairy at the top of the Christmas tree. And please, Sainsbury's, come home for Christmas. And be as brilliant as ever. That's all we ask.
The ultimate end-of-year guide
Cyber week and the end-of-year are approaching fast. There's still a lot of great opportunities to boost your sales. This guide, will help you fine-tune your communication and advertising strategy so that you can grab your target audience's attention and keep it. We will teach you how to sell through external platforms and marketplaces like Bol.com and Amazon, and how to roll out the digital red carpet for your customers.
Need help with your end of year campaign? Contact us.
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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 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 storyStack
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
A strong brand design to inspire
A recognisable brand identity helps you get more revenue, stronger reputation and greater brand preference.Read moreWhat we do
Event booths that match your brand identity
Make the perfect first impression with your booth at any trade show or event. Read on and discover how our expertise helps your business.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
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 moreWebinar
How to become a Social Brand - Building your business with social media
Learn how to move from merely being present on social media to making an impact with an effective social strategy.Read moreWhitepaper
Tell your story with video
Making and distributing fun and striking videos isn’t just for the wealthy, happy few. Today, creating quality video content is technologically and financially feasible for every budget and every message. In a market that’s overflowing with content, where smartphones have high quality, film-worthy cameras and on the back of the positive inspiration from YouTube and TikTok, any barriers that people might have felt that held back their video creativity were blown away. Discover everything there is to know about video in our white paper.Read moreWhitepaper
Video content in your marketing mix: the definitive guide
Spoiler alert: video is at home in your marketing mix,ideally with its own unique approach – video marketing. Video stands out, you can do a lot with it and the information it carries sticks better. It doesn’t just grab your target group’s attention, it also has an inherent credibility. For these reasons and more, video offers endless possibilities and should be more than 'just' an element in your content marketing strategy.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
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
Employer branding insights - How to recruit talent in 2024?
A tight job market and a short attention span from your target audience, who are also bombarded with content on a daily basis. Does recruiting new talent sometimes feel like a lost battle to you? We believe it doesn't have to be! Break through your target audience's content overload: invest in in-depth content to reach them and strengthen your employer brand. How can you successfully recruit and retain new talent for your brand? Discover it in "From Employer Branding to Recruitment - Insights 2024".Read moreWhitepaper
Whitepaper: Discover the power of branded podcasts
Branded podcasts offer organisations the opportunity to reach and stand out to their target audience in a unique way. Learn more about creating a successful branded podcast in this whitepaper, and discover inspiring examples from the market.Read moreWhitepaper
Make ecommerce more personal and tangible using online configurators
Consumers are increasingly used to communication that is tailored to them. An ad for 30% discount on cat food after you searched for the best kibble is an example. But so is the online purchase process of those kibbles. After all, today we want an online purchase to feel just like its physical counterpart. Online configurators are a great way to replace the eager shop assistant.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
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
How behavioural science can help marketers understand (and influence) their customers' behaviour
Humans are not as rational as we think. To protect our brain from structural overload, we make a large part of our daily decisions 'on autopilot'. And by a large part I mean: more than 95%. Believe me, no matter how blue (DISC personality type) you are, this applies to everyone.Read moreBlog
Webcare: put your company in a good light with Random Acts of Kindness
Social media is the virtual landscape where people go to share, ask questions, and complain. Webcare offers companies the possibility to monitor online messages and provide service where necessary. But how can you give someone a pleasant surprise someone using webcare? And build positivity towards your brand at the same time? The answer: Random Acts of Kindness.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
5 reasons your branded podcast won’t succeed
Two microphones, a recording device, a little jingle to top it off. Your branded podcast is ready to go viral, right? Not quite. Let’s discuss several pitfalls that come with creating a branded podcast, along with tips on how to avoid them.Read moreBlog
Get the latest updates from iO through our WhatsApp Channel
Yay! There's a new way to get bite-sized content and insights from iO. In the fall of 2023, Meta launched WhatsApp Channels in more than 150 countries - including ours.Read moreBlog
How do you add a podcast to your media mix?
Is a podcast one of the content assets in your campaign? It's easy. Exploit the podcast’s special qualities: a chance to go deeper.Read 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
Your (company) podcast in the charts? Read on.
You’ve made a cool podcast, but it is completely overshadowed by podcasts made by the big media companies. How do you avoid your branded podcast online dying a slow death, ignored in its own lonely corner of the internet?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
3 trends in content marketing for 2024
Users are becoming increasingly mobile: they're freely moving from channel to channel, looking for the content they want to consume. So keeping an eye on trends and taking full advantage of them is more important than ever. After all, trends offer a perfect opportunity to be creative. But what can we expect in 2024? In this blog, you'll discover three trends you can address to increase your impact with your target groups.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 moreDossier
Dossier: Holiday marketing: how to score as a brand with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas
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: Wies De Graeve (Amnesty International)
Amnesty International shines a light on issues that would otherwise remain in darkness. According to Wies De Graeve (Director Amnesty International) creativity is essential for this. It helps people see that there are solutions to the world's problems —and how they can help.Read 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 moreCase
How do you promote the local furniture industry with a creative spin?
In the middle of the 2020 covid crisis, Fedustria and iO collaborated on a successful campaign, with a talking home taking the lead.Look at this client storyCase
How 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 do you generate attention for the silent engine behind the World Cup?
For Amnesty International, iO created a sharp creative concept ahead of the Qatar World Cup and brought it to the general public.Look at this client storyCase
How do you start the conversation about inheritance and legacy?
Adopting a thoughtful strategy, our experts created relevant content about inheritance in the 'Erfgenamen' campaign.Look at this client storyCase
How to translate brand values into engaging stories?
iO created a content strategy for Audi that gives the brand values an emotional charge through storytelling.Look at this client storyCase
How can you turn a government instance into one of the country’s star employers?
The experts at iO made UWV an attractive employer thanks to this multi-channel employer branding campaign.Look at this client storyCase
How do you launch a new brand in the mobility industry?
iO and AutoRepairGroup ‘we restore everything, even your smile’ – partnering to build brand awareness in the mobility sector.Look at this client storyCase
How do you support expats moving around the world?
Gosselin, active in international relocations, wanted more leads to boost growth. Our experts helped to bolster their digital presence.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 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 storyWhat we do
Branding & marketing strategy: tell your brand story convincingly
Take control of your brand story with a sophisticated brand and marketing strategy. Power to the people, right? Get to know iO's take on things.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
Pick the right advertising platforms and grow online
We have experience with all kinds of advertising platforms, like display, search, social, video, and affiliate. Make the right choices with our advice.Read moreWhat 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 morePress
iO named the most customer-focused digital agency in the Netherlands
Read morePress
iO launches magical end-of-year campaign for Brussels Airport
Read moreWebinar
Webinar: #tiktokmademebuyit? Meet Generation Z
Generation Z is one of the first generations to grow up in the digital world – have they already found their way to your brand? Flash forward to April 21st: iO Creative Director Clarck Masschelein’s webinar will take you on a tour of the world of Generation Z. Prepare to meet an entire generation of digital natives – we’ll teach you how to reach them through meaningful connections.Read moreWebinar
Ready, click, action! Get started with interactive video
Video, a one-way medium? A thing of the past with the arrival of interactive video: video footage at the control of the viewer, by means of clicks, choices, and forms. We all recognize video’s power as a medium, interactive video is the next big thing. On June 23nd iO Service Line Director Clarck Masschelein will share with you the ins and outs of interactive video’s potential, all in a single webinar. This webinar is given in English.Read moreWebinar
How to tackle the top 10 challenges in sales and marketing
The digitalisation wave has helped many organisations with their online presence. But at the same time, this wave has also brought several crucial problems to the surface within sales and marketing. In this webinar(in Dutch), we look at the 10 most common sales and marketing challenges and give you concrete next steps to solve them.Read moreWebinar
Modern sales and marketing with HubSpot
The way customers make purchasing decisions is changing fast. Too fast, for many organisations. It's becoming increasingly difficult for entrepreneurs to adapt to this evolution. In this webinar, Steven Van Duyse (Senior Business Strategist at iO) explains how you can transform into a truly sales-focused organisation. By streamlining your sales and marketing teams, you prepare everyone for a new way of selling — in terms of data capture, contacting, and influencing.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
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
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
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
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 moreEvent
Content Marketing & Web Editing Congress - People for content, content for people
Will everything soon be done by AI? And how will we still speak to each other's hearts? Spoiler: the human touch remains crucial. That's why this year's Content Marketing & Web Editing Congress revolves around humans. Thursday, November 14, 2024, we will gather more than 300 content professionals from all kinds of industries and organizations around the theme: people for content, content for people. Are you also interested in creating - with the help of AI – high quality content with and for people? Don’t miss out, get your ticket today. Get your ticket nowRead moreEvent
AdTech and MarTech: with the perfect blend, your marketing is ready for the future
Feel like your online ads don’t always reach your target audience? Or that your marketing analyses and campaigns could be much more efficient if you had the right tools? A blend of AdTech and MarTech is the answer to both those challenges. On October 15, we will show you how it will fire up your marketing in 2025.Read moreWhitepaper
Event-triggered multichannel marketing
Event-triggered marketing, the process of identifying, prioritising, categorising, monitoring, optimising and executing, is the most effective exercise multichannel marketers can do to reach audiences at the right moment. In this whitepaper we take you through five quintessential steps for event-triggered multichannel marketing.Read moreWhitepaper
Get started with marketing automation
Marketing automation is an efficient way to identify anonymous online visitors and convert them into qualified leads. It automates repetitive marketing tasks, allowing you to focus on what’s important. In this white paper, we’ll guide you through the basics of this marketing tool.Read moreWhitepaper
5 easy steps towards improved webshop conversion
Conversion optimisation is a must-have, today more than ever - especially since the global wave of digitalisation following the COVID-19 pandemic took place. The same can be said of the (international) web shop competition, still increasing to this day. As a result, each (new) visitor has become a lot more valuable. This whitepaper shows you how to set up CRO in a data-driven, well-founded way - using the CRO cycle.Read moreWhitepaper
How do you target the untargetable? Approaching Gen Z
Gen Z is known as the most inaccessible generation ever. For brands and their commercial messages, at least. Gen Z grew up in the digital world, and the average member of Gen Z has a strong radar for brands with misleading messages or brands that communicate inauthentically.Read moreWhitepaper
5 common challenges in life sciences marketing
Given its vast expertise in the digital sphere of the broader life sciences industry, iO has identified 5 critical - but all too common - pitfalls that prevent your company from using digital marketing as a true business accelerator.Read moreWhitepaper
All about inbound marketing with HubSpot
Which types of marketing are sure to serve your organisation well, instead of only making things harder? If you are consciously aiming for quality B2B leads, then inbound marketing makes up the proper course. In fact, this goes for digital marketing in general: approximately 90% of all B2B research is conducted via digital, online sources.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
The e-commerce kick-start guide
The evolution in the e-commerce world moves at an incredible speed. That’s why the e-commerce issue becomes more and more complex, with new technologies, products and strategies to deploy. And companies have no choice but to try to keep up with this rapid evolution.Read moreWhitepaper
3 steps to build a successful B2B inbound marketing strategy
Shouldn’t the client be at the heart of every marketing campaign? When it comes to good inbound marketing, the same is clearly true for B2B marketing. Inbound marketing is an effective way to gather everything you need to build a successful campaign: the right, qualitative leads - collected in a way that does not disturb the user experience, using data that’s willingly shared. It’s a fitting approach, not only for acquiring new customers, but for turning them into enthusiastic brand ambassadors in the process.Read moreWhitepaper
Sell & advertise on bol.com
Most of us have probably already ordered a product or two at bol.com. But the platform also offers merchants interesting opportunities to sell and advertise products, in Belgium and the Netherlands. In this white paper we will tell you more about the possibilities of the platform.Read moreWhitepaper
E-detailing in the life sciences
In this crowded and competitive environment amidst reduced budgets, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies must resort to new strategies to significantly improve the efficiency of their direct-to-physician marketing initiatives. As such, e-detailing came fully into effect.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 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
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
Why you should use video and visual storytelling in your content approach
Visual storytelling and video hit the right notes with your target audience – using words, images, and sounds. With an approach of 'less selling, more telling' you transcend the product level and tell your audience a story. This makes visual storytelling an intuitive and attractive format to create authentic bonds with your customers, employees, or prospects.Read moreWhitepaper
The 2024 iO content calendar
“Create ridiculously good content”, an undeniably strong mantra for everyone in the business of content creation. After all, content is a unique way to share relevant and interesting stories with others and therefore forms a bridge between the company and the audience.Read moreWhitepaper
A user-friendly self-service portal in 5 steps
Does your organisation spend a lot of time providing customers with support and service? Think about scheduling appointments, contract management, or changing customer data — exactly the kind of things you can digitalise in a self-service portal. Only, how do you go about it?Read moreWhitepaper
Why email marketing still works
Whether you’re a small business or a large multinational, it’s worth considering email marketing.Read moreWhitepaper
Creativity – how to stand out in B2B communication
Creativity in B2B communication is an important way to engage and connect with your audience. The era of the pure sales pitch is long gone, and today B2B communication is also looking for new ways to add value in the long term. Creativity builds the bridge between story, feeling and individuality. And this translates into positive business results.Read moreWhitepaper
Win the battle for the consumer with marketing automation
In 2023, consumers’ expectations are higher than ever. They reject generic messages and communication. More so; they want to be put on a digital pedestal. To be personally addressed and only shown content that is relevant to them. In other words, they want companies and brands to give them an experience. And that experience has become just as important as a product or service.Read moreWhitepaper
Your channel mix only has value if you manage it effectively
To make your online business run smoothly, there are several aspects you can focus on. One of them is your channel mix. But how do you know if your mix is the right one? And do you stick to your initial choices or is it better to adjust your mix regularly? Channel management provides answers to these questions. Channel management involves monitoring and adjusting the entire channel mix of your business or client based on predetermined goals. You work on all aspects that ensure better results, at every stage of the funnel.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
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
Download the all-in-one social media checklist
For many organisations, social media is still a Pandora's box. Yes, they are useful online channels, and yes, we might need to have a presence there. But how exactly do you tackle that? What do you need to take into account? This helpful social media checklist will take you a long way.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
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
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
The 2025 iO content calendar
“Create ridiculously good content”, an undeniably strong mantra for everyone in the business of content creation. After all, content is a unique way to share relevant and interesting stories with others and therefore forms a bridge between the company and the audience.Read moreBlog
Public brands must invest in a buffer for their reputation
In episode 1 of the Public Brands series: Tom van Laarhoven (UWV) and Anke Heun (Belastingdienst) on brand thinking in the public sector.Read moreBlog
We don’t campaign with advertising, but with content
The Police and the CBS (Central Statistical Office). Two household names in the Netherlands. They’re established brands. How do you manage them? Mirjam Otten and Mike Ackermans on brand thinking in the public sector.Read moreBlog
Ter Apel is not a brand asset
The IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Two public organisations that are also brands. One is known to the general public, the other to a specific group. How do you manage them from a brand and communication perspective?Read moreBlog
Your organisation’s reputation is determined by your behaviour
In episode 4 of the Public Brands series: Jantien Eising from RDW (National Road Administration) and Maureen Wiersma from the CJIB (Central Judicial Collection Agency) on brand- and reputation thinking in the public sector.Read moreBlog
How to create successful co-creation strategies with influencers
Influencer marketing is becoming an increasingly important part of strong social media strategies. But how do you guarantee the success of your influencer campaigns? In this blog I will tell you how co-creation can make your influencer strategy go viral.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
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
Why you should start preparing your webshop for the holiday season now
After an extended period of online retail growth, both Belgian and Dutch consumers are finding their way back to physical shops. Online shopping is now an established part of the retail landscape, with the biggest platforms continuing to exert their dominance, seducing more and more consumers. As the holiday season comes around again, many retailers are wondering what this year has in store. Alongside Christmas, newer celebrations like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Singles Day are attracting more and more attention in Belgium and the Netherlands. What does this mean for local retailers? We have analysed the market impact of these changes for you.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
15 Reading, listening, and viewing tips for the holiday season (and Beyond)
The end of December is list time. My colleagues at iO invited me to fill the last square of 24till24 with an inspiring list. December 24 is the last day of work before the Christmas holidays for many. That magical time of the year when the professional merry-go-round comes to a complete standstill. It isn’t just the time for family celebrations, it’s also the perfect moment to curl up on the sofa with a good book, a podcast, or a film. So, get into my personal list of the very best viewing, reading, and listening tips. Slide into the holiday season and keep the boredom at bay. Enjoy!Read moreBlog
E-inclusion: how to leave no one behind digitally
There is a digital divide between the personas we use in marketing and the population. In Belgium, this gap is large: almost 50% of the population are considered to be digitally vulnerable. How do you deal with this as an organisation? And how do you ensure that your products and services do not exclude anyone digitally? This blog contains nine practical tips to help you on your way to digital inclusion.Read moreBlog
How Camp Amersfoort National Monument attracted 30% more visitors with a podcast campaign
With the podcast campaign The Missing SS Commander, iO and National Monument Camp Amersfoort succeeded in creating the branded podcast of 2023. Staggering download figures, rave reviews from listeners, an important contribution to Dutch war history and a 30% increase in visitors. Here are the important lessons we learned making the most celebrated Dutch branded podcast of 2023 in a long read.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
Our customers don't have a choice, so we take that obligation seriously
In episode 6 of the Public Brands series: Inge Rohde from CBR and Leonie van der Mark from AVROTROS talk about brand and reputation thinking in the public sector. Read the interview here or listen to the podcast.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
Content marketing has become communication (and that’s bad news)
Does content marketing still serve a purpose in 2024? Patrick Severein (Head of Content and Strategist) raises some questions.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
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 moreDossier
Dossier: SEO strategy
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Dossier: Public Brands
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Dossier: B2B - Turning B2B challenges into solutions
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Dossier: The Opportunity Report
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Infinite opportunities: Leslie Cottenje (CEO Hello Customer)
The decision to digitise has to start from the customer, not from an internal, business perspective. That's what Leslie Cottenje, CEO of Hello Customer thinks. Technology can help improve customer satisfaction, but the human factor has to be central. She tells you all about her vision in this video.Read moreVideo
Are you fed up with boring marketing too?
Our attention spans are shorter, we skip commercials, and we click from video to video all the time. When consumers are bombarded with an avalanche of content every day, how can your brand stand out? Ruth Nys explains how to do creative content marketing without falling into the same old boring marketing tactics trap. Expert:Ruth Nys, Strategy Director ContentRead 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 to ease the workload of your customer service using a chatbot?
Find out how iO supported MediaMarkt’s customer service and brought it to life with four different chatbots in 2022.Look at this client storyCase
How do you 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 PLUS motivated teens to apply for jobs using targeted social campaigning?
Understanding and activating youth culture made a PLUS recruitment campaign a great success: 178 potential new PLUSSERS in 6 weeks.Look at this client storyCase
How 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 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
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 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 storyStack
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 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
Get better results with a targeted communication strategy
Build a strong strategy for your business communication. iO experts will help you get your message to your target audience.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 moreWhat we do
Social media management for your business
Social media management that delivers: original social creatives and strong social strategists provide a precise targeting.Read moreWhat we do
Conversation management: be where your customers are
Conversation management or webcare creates, nurtures and strengthens the connection between brand and customer. We’ll share our best practices with you.Read moreWhat we do
Achieve and exceed your KPIs through performance marketing and iO | iO
Get more out of your ad campaigns with performance marketing. Find out how iO can support you, from strategy and setup to follow-up and optimisation.Read moreWhat we do
Media buying: the key to successful advertising
Marketing is so much more than a slogan. Our experts allow your message to shine with strategic media buying.Read morePress
AI without measurable impact? Nothing more than an empty gimmick for your business
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iO and Amnesty International make themselves heard for Write-them-VRIJdag
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AkzoNobel unveils Colour of the Year 2024: Sweet Embrace™ with digital support from iO
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iO brings the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ digital twin to life with AI
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iO study: majority of retail chains missing out on local SEO benefits
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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 focuses on talent: Wouter Dolle becomes HR Director in the Netherlands
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iO appoints Marco Merola as Managing Director on Campus Herentals
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4 out of 10 Belgians are digitally vulnerable
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Nagelmackers strengthens long-term relationships with a brand-new platform
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How can you strengthen your position as a B2B brand
In the past, B2B was too often seen as B2C’s little brother, but nothing could be further from the truth. As is the case for every marketing field, B2B has gone through quite the evolution. But what does that evolution look like? And does that evolution require a different marketing strategy? In this webinar, we’ll show you what B2B looks like today and how you can distinguish your brand from the competition with your marketing strategy.Read moreWebinar
E-inclusion: how to leave no one behind in the digital world
There’s a digital gap between our marketing personas and the real people we service. And that gap is significant: nearly 50% of the population is digitally vulnerable. How do you handle that as an organisation? And how do you make sure your products and services don’t exclude anyone from the digital world? Register for our webinar now and allow David De Block, Public Services Director at iO, to show you the “reason to believe”, so you can take action.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: Boost your online visibility and revenue with local search
Pretty much everyone has a smartphone these days, using navigation systems like Google Maps every day. Leveraging local search has never been this crucial to enhance online visibility and growth. Google reports that nearly half of all search queries on its platform (46%) have a local intent. You need to take advantage of that as a retailer. After all, you want potential customers to be able to find you, especially when you’re nearby. Sign up to join our exclusive webinar on local search to find out how to elevate your local presence.Read moreWebinar
Leveraging customer data in your marketing communications
With the ever-evolving laws and technology, reaching your target audience as a marketer is complex. In this webinar, we'll show you how to make the most of the customer data you already have. During the Dutch webinar on March 19, 2024, Evelyne Berden (Domain Lead Marketing Automation at iO Campus Herentals) explains how you can unlock customer data to take your marketing campaigns to the next level.Read moreWebinar
SEO & TikTok: the dynamic duo for digital success
From libraries to Google to TikTok...in just a few decades, our source of information has shifted to unexpected places. Today, a whopping 40% of young people use TikTok as their primary source of information. Did you know that this platform is increasingly focusing on its own search function? This makes TikTok SEO an essential part of your digital strategy.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 moreEvent
Email Marketing 101 in 2025
Do you want to send emails that your target audience doesn’t just open, but also remembers? Emails that hit like your first sip of coffee early on a Monday morning. Then sign up for our event and discover how to make your emails the highlight of everyone's inbox in 2025. You’ll learn how to set up effective campaigns, what AI can do for you and how to increase your conversion rates. Please note places are limited, so reserve your spot in time.Read moreWhitepaper
How do you find and motivate talent in Belgium?
The battle for talent – in other words, valuable, talented, and motivated employees – is raging harder than ever before. And that's not surprising. For every organisation, the key to success lies with the right talent. Young and old, highly educated, and self-taught, native and immigrant. How do you get them on board? And how do you stop them from looking elsewhere? Instead of using recruitment as a means to attract talent that’s based on financial promises and incentives, in the long term it’s wise to have a sustainable approach that starts from within your own organisation. In this whitepaper we will analyse the importance of your employer value proposition and take you through the recruitment do's and don'ts. Peppered with facts, figures and statistics that are relevant to the Belgian jobs market, and concrete tips, tricks, and trends.Read moreWhitepaper
Get the most out of your social media marketing
Many companies use social media to reach their target audience. Too few companies use social media to engage their target audience. A shame really. Because engaging content is the key to success on social media.Read moreWhitepaper
Composable Commerce: hype or here to stay?
The world of online commerce is becoming increasingly complex. Businesses need to be able to create appropriate and unique customer journeys across multiple channels. But this is proving to be quite a challenge for those still using traditional commerce platforms. Luckily, the world of online commerce is also constantly developing. When new and greater challenges arise, fresh solutions are created. Solutions like composable commerce.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
Download the "2023 Local SEO Benchmark Report"
For the 2023 Local SEO Benchmark, we analysed nearly 100,000 business locations in 36 cities in the Netherlands and Belgium, across 14 different industries. Curious about how the retail sector in the Netherlands and Belgium is doing in terms of Local SEO? Find out in our 2023 Local SEO Benchmark Report . Some key conclusions of the 2023 Local SEO Benchmark Report:Read moreWhitepaper
How to build an effective content marketing strategy
Producing content is a tactic everyone seems to rely on these days. Many organisations are creating content today — they have blogs, are active on social media, and might even publish their own magazine. But the underlying, supporting strategy? Something you rarely come across.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 moreWhitepaper
5 insights from leaders in public communication
Effective communication between government and citizens is crucial in these rapidly-changing times. This whitepaper reveals five essential insights from some leading public communication professionals. Get inspired by these top leaders in the field and learn how to use branding techniques to powerfully communicate your story as a public organisation. After reading this whitepaper, you will knowRead 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 moreBlog
With these new guidelines, Gmail will ensure a safer inbox in 2024
In February 2024, Google and Yahoo's new email guidelines will come into effect. These guidelines have to do with email deliverability and will be made mandatory by Google, unlike now. The guidelines will apply to all emails delivered to Gmail accounts — or, in other words, all emails to gmail.com email addresses and organisations using Google Suite as an email server. In this article, our email experts tell you everything you need to know about the new guidelines.Read moreBlog
Building trust in a cookieless era
We all know third-party cookies, a marketer's bread and butter, are leaving the building. The cookieless future was irrevocably set into motion when Google decided to remove them completely by 2024. This presents us with the unique challenge of tracking an audience that does not only demand an excellent experience but is increasingly privacy-conscious, too – quite paradoxical, we know. You’ve probably also heard that first-party data is the way to go. So, how can you turn leads into returning customers and, more importantly, how will you procure their data? We suggest a trust-first marketing approach that focuses on excellent content to establish a relationship with customers and users, making them more inclined to share their data with you.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
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
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 moreDossier
Dossier: Personalisation
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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: Discover the power of branded podcasts
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Dossier: Maximize your marketing efforts with HubSpot
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Infinite opportunities: Steven Van Belleghem (iO)
Steven Van Belleghem (partner iO) talks about the three main advantages he sees in technology and digital transformation: faster than real-time service, hyper-personalisation, and the ultimate convenience.Read moreVideo
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
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 build a global B2B platform tailored to foodservice professionals?
How to build a multi-site, multi-language, global B2B platform for lead generation and online branding - iOLook 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 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
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 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 Thursday 30 March 2023!
The first day of the Webwinkel Vakdagen (WWVD) is over! Still want to reminisce? Download the presentations of the lightning talks here.Read morePage
Give the Webwinkel Vakdagen (WWVD) a successful follow-up, together with iO!
As far as we are concerned, the Webwinkel Vakdagen (WWVD) was a great success! Did you think so too?Read more