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We sometimes hear: 'People with a disability aren’t in our target group, are they?' But if you look at the figures, it’s easy to conclude that this assumption is most likely incorrect. Have you ever realised that 2.5 million adults in the Netherlands have difficulty with reading, writing and/or arithmetic? And that they also have difficulty with essential digital skills? It’s also quite likely your target group will contain some people that are living with a disability, ranging from vision or auditory limitations, to not fully understanding texts or click paths. In addition, the environment in which someone visits a website can also contribute to limiting accessibility. For example, not everyone watches instructional videos with sound in a public or shared spaces. In short, by not including accessibility as a success criterion in the (further) development of your site, app or webshop, you limit access to your content and products for a large group of visitors. This can negatively impact your bottom line.
Digital accessibility and UX
Accessibility and a webshop, app or site’s user experience go hand in hand. This is something that’s interwoven into the design of the UX and the wireframes. These early interventions are often decisive for the end result, because this is where a lot of user-friendliness comes from. As a general rule of thumb: if something doesn't work as a visitor expects, it's probably not very accessible. Are you deviating from standard web conventions and well-known UX patterns? Then you will run the risk that visitors won’t be able to navigate easily, or you may end up missing out on turnover, because they are confused and don’t understand. Some examples:
An input field that doesn’t highlight when you click on the label in front of it.
A menu that only expands with a double-click.
Or using orange instead of red to indicate that a field is mandatory.
Now you may sometimes think that there are good reasons to deviate from the standards, because you’ve got data that proves that there is a better way. If you deviate from user expectations, it is important to remember that the dev team should pay extra time and attention to the accessibility of the unique components or elements that you introduce. Unfortunately, this is something that is regularly forgotten, which limits accessibility and lead to disappointing results.
Screen readers and other assistive software
In addition to the user experience, accessibility also applies to the HTML. You wouldn’t immediately expect your visitors to read the source code using inspector tools, but auxiliary software like screen readers use the source code structure to describe the elements to the visitor. A menu that only expands with a double click or a mandatory input field in the check-out are examples of things that need to be described technically in the code so that any auxiliary software knows how to deal with it. And this doesn’t just benefit assistance software, but also your visibility in search engines. Which ultimately also contributes to your relevance and findability.
And then another important user group: the visitors without a mouse. They are often forgotten, mouseless users are also the people who visit a website or shop using a mobile device. Things that go wrong for them often include illogical tab order, bad content focus or a pop-up that only disappears after clicking 'exit'.
Accessibility is also influenced by the content team
It’s not just the technical aspects of the website that have to be correct. The content team can also play their part when it comes to accessibility. Some examples:
When deciding on colours, it’s important for designers to look at the contrast and the corresponding readability. Is the text readable by everyone? Also, for people who are colour blind?
The readability of texts is another contributory factor when it comes to accessibility. For example, think about the font size, font, and line spacing, but also the length of the sentences and the use of language.
Accessibility is also influenced by how you input the content in the CMS. Do you use headers and headings correctly? For example, don’t jump from H2 to H4, and make sure that the page only has one H1. Do links open in a new tab automatically when you’re navigating within the same site? And also remember that including alt texts for images assists both the screen reader as it reads the descriptions aloud and is also good for SEO.
Accessibility and WCAG 2.1: how to get started
In short, we can break digital accessibility down to four points that you should always keep in mind:
Observation: is all the information on my website clear and visible to visitors?
Operation: are all components in the interface operable for all types of visitors?
Understanding: is the information and the user interface understandable?
Robustness: is the content sufficiently robust and do you adhere to web standards so that it can be reliably interpreted by a wide range of users? We call these user agents, for example a browser, a printer, beamer, or a screen reader.
The W3C website is home to the WCAG 2.1. accessibility guidelines. You will find explanations of how you can improve your webshop, app or site’s accessibility on the basis of the above four points. A lot of these are technical points that a digital agency can help you with. A good start is to carry out an Accessibility Scan that gives you insights into the stumbling blocks that hinder your visitors and will give you useful tips about improvements you can make, and their impact.
Accessibility for better conversion
The internet is the greatest source of information ever created, made for people, by people. The value of digital transactions continues to grow. E-commerce grew as fast in the first 3 months of the pandemic as had been predicted for the next decade. There is no debate about whether the internet and the digital world are indispensable, and every new development emphasises this. The fact that these important facilities should be accessible to everyone is – if you ask Lucien – also a matter of course rather than a question. By making a website, app or shop accessible to everyone, you don’t just improve the user experience, but also the relevance, findability, and conversion. Are you going to implement digital accessibility today?
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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
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
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
Enhance your brand experience with strong content
Do you want to capture your target audience’s hearts? Well, great content is one way to achieve that. After all, positive content experiences are an essential part of the customer experience. They strengthen your brand and increase your growth opportunities. Find out how to build brand loyalty with consistent, quality content.Read moreBlog
Microcopy: small statements, huge impact
Did you know that the copy on a single button in your online shop can determine your conversion rate, even if it only contains one word? Few people think about this kind of microcopy, even though it can hugely impact the performance of your online platform or app. In this first blog post of our microcopy series, you will learn what microcopy is and why it matters.Read moreBlog
Give your brand an identity with your tone of voice
Your brand’s story may be great, but if you tell it in a way that puts everyone to sleep, you won’t leave a lasting impression. That’s why your brand needs an appealing and fitting tone of voice. In this blog post, you’ll learn why a tone of voice is important and how to outline one for your brand.Read moreBlog
Putting your brand on the map with an effective content strategy
There is a lot to consider when creating a content strategy. From determining your goals, and researching your target groups, to spotting content opportunities and measuring your results. How do you get started? And what should you consider? You'll find out in this blog.Read moreBlog
Message house: the foundation of a strong and consistent content strategy
Today, personalisation and omnichannel marketing are essential. Businesses need a presence on multiple channels so that they can tailor their messages to each of their target groups in a hyper-personalised way. But how do you communicate your brand message consistently and clearly in this fragmented environment? The answer is simple: with a Message House. In this blog post, we explain why this model is essential, how to apply it, and the skills you need to get the most out of it.Read moreBlog
5 guidelines for good microcopy
I already demonstrated in my first blog post of this series on microcopy how the smallest words on your website or app can have a huge impact. In this second part, I want to show you some best practices for writing strong microcopy. Because even though these pieces of text may be unassuming, it can be challenging to write them.Read moreBlog
Click here; or what not to choose for your call to action
A call to action is the determining step between a visitor and a conversion. Still, many companies hardly think about these pieces of text, which is a shame. Because a call to action with the right microcopy can increase your revenue and get you new leads. How? I’ll explain in this blog post.Read moreBlog
Confirmshaming: the dark side of copywriting
Everyone wants their website or app to bring in conversions. But how far will you go to get your user to act? What kind of copywriting techniques should you use, and which should you abandon? In this blog post, we’ll look at one of the most popular dark patterns in copywriting: confirmshaming.Read moreBlog
The professional communication dilemma: To email or not during the festive season.
Email campaigns during December are always a challenge. The volume of email increases steadily every month of the year and reaches a peak during the festive season. For example, MailChimp, the leading email service (according to their 2023 annual report) sends no less than 21.3 billion emails in December. Do you want to know how to make sure your festive emails reach your target audiences?Read moreBlog
From a brilliant seasonal whodunnit, to cringe-worthy singing oven mitts: here’s the very best (and worst...) Christmas commercials of 2024.
It's the most wonderful time of the year again! Christmas! Or no, better still: it’s time to feast our eyes on the spectacular (British) Christmas commercials. They’ve released a tidal wave of clichés (snow, turkey, tears, Santa Claus/women in all shapes and sizes and gifts, lots of gifts). What’s striking about this year: the brands you expect a lot from are disappointing (spoiler 1: Disney...) (spoiler 2: John Lewis...) and brands that you don't expect much from after years of misery and gloom, excel (spoiler 3: Etsy). Let’s get into the festive spirit with 2024’s Christmas offerings.Read moreDossier
Dossier: Personalisation
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Dossier: SEO strategy
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Dossier: Challenger Stories
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Dossier: Public Brands
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Dossier: B2B - Turning B2B challenges into solutions
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Dossier: Ready to pop on social media?
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Dossier: Holiday marketing: how to score as a brand with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas
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Dossier: Discover the power of branded podcasts
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24 insights for 2024
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Dossier: E-inclusion & accessibility
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Dossier: The Opportunity Report
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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
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: BenBits wants to change the entire chewing gum market
BenBits is ambitious, and that's not a secret. The brand stands for plant-based chewing gum without plastic — the first in the Netherlands. But the ambitions don't stop there.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: Tiny Library makes the baby market sustainable
Circular economy: it's not just a matter of using shared cars and collecting batteries. There is room for sustainable initiatives in the baby market too, and Tiny Library is here to prove it. The team works every day on the mission to make the baby market more sustainable — that's better for the world and for parents' wallets.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
Challenger Stories: We Are Eves helps put an end to fake beauty reviews
On average, people buy five products before they find the right beauty product for them. That's a problem. A problem that We Are Eves wants to eliminate from the world. It's a cosmetics platform with hundreds of thousands of honest product reviews, written by real people. In this video, Esther Leloux, Founder & CEO, tells you all about the platform.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
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
Do you take social media seriously?
Social media as a marketing tool is often overlooked, despite their potential, they are frequently underutilised. Nevertheless, a strong social strategy and a brand-oriented focus are the keys to success on social media platforms.Read moreVideo
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 moreVideo
Building brands; yes you can!
Social media extends way beyond performance and direct conversion. It's about building brands, building relationships with the target group and strategically distributing content on relevant platforms. Success requires belief in the power of social media and investment in knowledge building and daring to experiment.Read moreVideo
Who decides if your content has value?
It is sometimes difficult to estimate which content is valuable and which is not because of the influence of subjectivity and different opinions in your marketing team. Fortunately, that responsibility lies entirely with the consumer. All you have to do is create a lot of content that is in line with your organisation’s values.Read moreVideo
Who sees which content? The algorithm decides.
Less is more? Not when it comes to social media content. You need a lot of contact moments to get on the radar and stay there. Then the algorithm decides who sees which content.Read moreVideo
Banish content burnout
Sometimes content marketers suffer from a content burnout: they don't know what to post or how to come up with creative content. The drip model offers a solution: take a look at the 'low-hanging fruit' within your organisation, sector and above all: your target group environment. With social posts that you write from the perspective of your target group, you always deliver engaging content.Read moreVideo
Is Facebook passé? No way!
Many young people are on Snapchat and TikTok today. In spite of that, Facebook, with 70% active users, remains the largest social network in Flanders. Do you want to reach your audience? Then consider using Reels. Facebook can also deliver strong results for B2B marketing, especially in combination with LinkedIn.Read moreVideo
Does your brand have to be on TikTok?
TikTok offers unprecedented potential for organic reach, but also brings challenges: privacy issues, diverse content and users; and a powerful algorithm. Post multiple times a day and focus on native content instead of your own campaign materials.Read moreVideo
Which formats work on social media?
Since TikTok boosted vertical videos, they have dominated all platforms. Using reels strengthens the bond with your video first users and gives you more organic reach and improves your marketing results.Read moreVideo
Conversation management: truth, courage and action
Conversation management is a shift from webcare to webdare. Where in the past, brands mainly responded to negative experiences and complaints on their own channels, now you join conversations with your consumers on your own and other channels. This increases your visibility and positions you in the market.Read moreVideo
Social media marketing: tried and tested by Dewaele
Content strategist Sam talks to Vanessa Loose, marketing manager at Dewaele. For Belgium's largest independent estate agent, social media are incredibly important. With a healthy mix of trends and evergreen topics, they always stay on the radar as a life partner in living and business through social media.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: How Wakuli is turning the coffee chain upside down
When Yorick Bruins lived in Tanzania, he saw a problem: there are too many unnecessary links in the coffee supply chain, preventing coffee farmers from getting a fair price for their beans. He founded Wakuli: an organisation that brings quality coffee from the farmer to the consumer — in the shortest possible chain.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: Wild 'n Zilt targets a shortened North Sea chain
Hendrik Kramer is an Amsterdam-based fisherman and entrepreneur who wants to show that sustainable fishing pays off in the Netherlands. He does this by selling his fish directly to consumers with Wild 'n Zilt.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: Willicroft makes ‘cheese’ from beans and pulses
Research shows that not many people have a positive perception of plant-based cheese. Brad Vanstone wants to change that with his brand Willicroft on Amsterdam's Spiegelgracht.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: BayaBaya guarantees sustainability without compromise
With BayaBaya, founders Dirk Taselaar and Leon Daggenvoorde aim to take the plastic bottle out of the bathroom. Founded in 2021, the brand sells powdered concentrate for body wash with natural, vegan ingredients. Combine that concentrate with tap water and pour it into the aluminium refill bottle, and you've done your part, too.Read moreVideo
Challenger Stories: Hands Off wants to make plant-based chocolate the norm
Hands Off was founded in 2013 to turn the chocolate industry upside down. For example, founder Kitty Smeeten achieved a 42% CO2 reduction by replacing cow's milk with hazelnut praline.Read moreCase
How do you transform from a mail carrier to an e-commerce pioneer?
PostNL has transformed from being a mail delivery service to a digital logistics service provider thanks to a successful collaboration with iO.Look at this client storyCase
How do you simplify ordering medicine online?
Do you want to offer services online in healthcare? Make the application process easier with an app.Look at this client storyCase
How does strong UX help create more love for local products?
Find out how a refreshed Drupal 9 platform delivers better user experience and higher user engagement and satisfaction.Look at this client storyCase
how does Coronaplein.nu enhance the lives of individuals with long-term COVID-19 symptoms?
Learn how iO cooperated with Longfonds and Long Alliantie to create a community platform that supports people with long-term covid repercussions.Look at this client storyCase
How do you increase your conversion rate with thorough UX research?
Improve the User Experience of the entire customer journey with UX researchLook at this client storyCase
How do you assist students in making an informed choice from over 3000 studies?
Studiekeuze123 helps prospective students find the study programme that suits them best — with reliable information and useful tools.Look at this client storyCase
How do you effectively connect, activate, and support lung patients with one platform?
Last year we developed coronalongplein.nl. A new digital strategy and the launch of the new website for Longfonds was the next step.Look at this client storyCase
How do you make music streaming more accessible in B2B?
Read more about how iO helped music streaming service Tunify to improve its platform’s user interface and user experience, as well as revamp its design.Look at this client storyCase
How do you give pet owners the material they need?
We used Shopware to build Flamingo Pet Products’ new B2B webshop. The webshop has been live for 8 months now and is proven to be a success. Read more!Look at this client storyCase
How do you digitise the largest leisure agenda in Flanders and Brussels?
Our developers built an improved digital UiTinVlaanderen with a headless CMS and GraphQL layer. Read how we bring omnichannel ambitions online.Look at this client storyCase
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 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 can a Flemish brand get a foothold in the Walloon market?
iO helps Torfs, the Flemish shoe giant, to position itself better in the Walloon market and as a fashion player. Read more about this case.Look at this client storyCase
how do you 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 use social networks to modernise your digital communication?
Modernizing Automotive Digital Communications: Unleashing the Potential of Social Networks. Read the story here.Look at this client storyCase
How do you transform two telecom giants into one powerful brand?
Entopic/iO rewrote all content to a new tone of voice for the launch of the Odido brand and managed content migration from 2 websites to the new website. Want to know more? Find out in this case.Look at this client storyCase
How do you bring years of delicious creativity to life?
With creative always-on and ad hoc campaigns, our experts help Manna Sauzen grow into a leading Belgian brand.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 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
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
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 to present a unified brand story for multiple companies within the same group?
How do you tell a clear online story that pulls traffic towards your website if you represent multiple businesses? Read the case and find out.Look at this client storyCase
How to disrupt online banking using innovative apps and web portals – for years on end?
Find out how iO developed an online platform and iOS and Android apps for the online bank Knab, from UX/UI design to development. Read the case.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
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 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 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
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
A creative blend of skills
Discover what iO does for airport & travelers: from branding to creative campaigns and content creation.Look at this client storyCase
Transforming the passenger experience through innovation & service design
New technology, internet-of-things and proof-of-concepts. Find out how iO is introducing innovation at Brussels Airport.Look at this client storyCase
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 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 story