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Google feels the pressure
ChatGPT and Bing Generative Search (based on ChatGPT) pose a threat, and Google knows it. The ability to get complete answers to questions without having to click through links is increasing the pressure to stay competitive. And it shows.
Google is rigorously testing and developing AI to display personalised results faster. After a testing period, Google’s Search Generative Experience (Google SGE) rolled out in the United States in May. Known as AI Overview (AIO), it appears at the top and looks like the featured snippet. However, instead of showing a small snippet from another website, you see an AI-generated answer to your question. This has significant implications for the authors of how-to and FAQ content.
The only certainty is uncertainty (about the developments)
At the time of publication, it’s still not entirely clear when this will appear in Europe, but we might not have to wait too long. And that's not the only uncertainty.
Google is continually, perhaps somewhat frantically, updating. A variety of AI-supported functionalities are being launched and tested. Not always successfully (no, glue on your pizza is NOT a good idea), which is probably why there are so many updates. Challenges like dealing with unreliable and inaccurate user-generated content and sensitive topics like news and health are being addressed one by one. A good thing, although all these changes do create extra uncertainty in the SEO world.
What about Google AIO and e-commerce?
For e-commerce organisations, these changes mean something slightly different and often more complex than for organisations in, say, services or information provision. This is because e-commerce organisations face unique challenges such as direct customer conversions, a different type of search intent, and dynamic product information.
Yes, Google SGE will significantly impact how-to and FAQ content. But generally, that’s not the main type of content you want to showcase in e-commerce. You want to put your product in the spotlight.
And there are significant changes expected if we look at what is being tested in the AI Overview. It appears that for e-commerce-related search terms, products are immediately shown, including images and descriptions. Almost like a Product Listing Page (PLP). Even for branded keywords. This has significant implications for your traffic as an e-commerce organisation. Specific product pages are currently excluded from AIO, but for search terms like “What is the best barbecue,” you can get AI results.
So, what now?
It’s all a bit messy. Google AI is still in its infancy. There is extensive testing, and much is changing, but the 'what and when' is not entirely clear. So, what should you do now? Here are some tips to help you navigate the future successfully.
Tip 1: Prioritise user experience
This should always be your number one concern. Regardless of what happens or will happen in SEO, your user is your main priority. In all the uncertainty, it's wise to stick to your own strategy for now, and that should be providing value to your visitors. Make sure that your website is easy to use and loads quickly; make it a place they enjoy visiting (and buying from). Consider:
Optimising for mobile use
Good findability and filter system for products
Fast loading times
Clear and simple navigation
Smooth purchasing process
Valuable and reliable content
Yes, the advent of AI will likely impact how usability is assessed. But an optimal user experience will always have a positive effect.
Where there are also significant opportunities for e-commerce organisations in terms of user experience is the personalisation of content, such as products and special offers. This better alignment with the searcher's needs, results in happier customers. You can also use AI to help you do this better, which leads us to tip 2.
Tip 2: Use AI to your advantage
Regarding AI developments in SEO with some suspicion or considering it a threat is understandable. Because no matter how volatile the SEO field has been in recent years, it's nothing compared to the seismic shifts caused by AI. And on top of that, no one can say with 100% certainty what these crucial changes will be.
But AI is here to stay. So let's use it to our advantage.
AI also offers many opportunities and tools to improve your SEO game. Here are just a few ways you can leverage AI:
Brainstorming topics around specific search terms and subjects that meet your customers' needs
SEO-optimising your product descriptions
Providing personalised product recommendations
Implementing visual search, making it easier for customers to find products
Tip 3: Get your product pages in order
If Google becomes more of a Product Listing Page (PLP) for e-commerce-related search terms, it’s likely to affect the traffic from your PLP and the ratio of direct traffic to your Product Detail Pages (PDP). If this happens, your PDP will become something akin to a landing page.
It is essential that your PDP ranks well in the search results. So, it’s extra important to optimise these. So, get to work on:
Creating detailed and informative product descriptions, including relevant keywords
Implementing structured data to help Google understand your offerings and how to best display them, using rich snippets like price information and reviews
Including alt texts with your product photos
Tip 4: Make AI education part of your routine
Much is changing, and at a rapid pace. If you make keeping up with these developments as part of your routine, you will stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. Subscribe to a newsletter or set a fixed time each week to check the latest news on relevant websites.
Stay up-to-date so that you can respond to developments quickly. Note: there is a difference between keeping up and jumping on every trend. It's good to stay informed, but you don't have to act on everything. Which brings us to the next tip.
Tip 5: Aim for flexibility
You could fully optimise based on how things are today – but tomorrow it could be different. The chances of wasting time and effort are high. Don’t throw your current strategy overboard just yet.
There are too many changes happening too quickly to adapt your entire strategy. Instead, maintain the basics and refine the details along the way. Optimise your product pages gradually so that you can retain your agility and respond to relevant developments with targeted adjustments.
Tip 6: Learn from the best
Google SGE is expected to launch in Europe soon. And that gives you the opportunity to do a little ‘snooping’. If your products aren’t in the AIO, whose are? And what can you learn from them?
See if you can spot patterns among the top results. Are there specific things they mention on their product pages? Is there a particular way they structure these pages? Do these patterns match other 'winning' results? Adapt, analyse and optimise.
Again, this is not a reason to completely overhaul your strategy, but to make incremental optimisations. Because right now, it’s still largely: easy come, easy go. Due to the changing algorithm, you will need to keep optimising to stay at the top.
Tip 7: Be part of the conversation
AI will increasingly provide advice based on information gathered from across a range of sources. Make sure that information about your brand and/or products is not only found on your own website but also elsewhere. How do you do this? By collecting reviews and getting mentions in external publications, blogs, and other relevant platforms.
If AI systems notice consistently positive mentions about you on reliable websites, it's more likely that your brand will be included in recommendations. These signals confirm to the AI that your offering is worthwhile.
Tip 8: Experiment
This is the intersection of flexibility and learning. One of the best things you can do in times of uncertainty is to have an open mind and experiment. So, test, test, test! Experimentation will help you to find out what works for your platform and what doesn’t.
Conclusion
The rise of AI (and AI-driven results) demands a new way of thinking. Your SEO strategy will require a flexible approach. For now, at least, we recommend continuing to focus on the basics, such as user experience. But also, keep an open mind so that you can capitalise on the opportunities AI offers. Want to know more? Our experts are always ready to help.
Got questions about AI or SEO or e-commerce? Let us know.
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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 do you increase conversions and revenue with personalisation?
We increased the conversion and revenue of Verf.nl's webshop with a strong personalisation strategy.Look at this client storyCase
How 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 bring learning to life for preschool and primary school children?
We developed a new online platform that functions as a website, webshop and sales tool for Uitgeverij Zwijsen, a leading publisher in education. Read more.Look at this client storyCase
How to combine rebranding and site redesign for a better user experience?
Creating a Cohesive Platform: Assuralia's Rebranding and Site Redesign for Enhanced User Experience Read the story here.Look at this client storyCase
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 has fresh branding contributed to a stronger position in the market?
For Prowise, an interactive display and educational software expert, iO designed a new WordPress website complemented by a new brand voice and copy.Look at this client storyCase
Finding and offering the right location to turn a special event into a favourite memory
Discover how iO made the websites and the personal admin portal of High Profile Locaties more manageable, findable and scalable. Read the case study.Look at this client 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
Realising growth through marketing
How iO convinces travelers to choose Brussels Airport for their next trip. Discover the marketing campaigns.Look at this client storyCase
Transforming the passenger experience through innovation & service design
New technology, internet-of-things and proof-of-concepts. Find out how iO is introducing innovation at Brussels Airport.Look at this client storyCase
How do you accelerate getting innovative lighting into the living rooms of 47 countries?
iO experts built a brand new D2C website with an advanced Adobe Experience Manager e-commerce platform for lighting specialists Signify. The result: happy users and satisfied teams. Read the full case here.Look at this client storyStack
iO your Sitecore partner — Reach customers like never before
With your Sitecore partner iO, you reach the right people on the right channels. Content, personalisation, and e-commerce in one.Read moreStack
Enhance the search experience with Sitecore Search - the AI-driven functionality
Discover Sitecore Search for hyper-relevant content and lightning-fast search. Optimise now and consult iO's specialists for expert advice!Read moreStack
iO your Sitecore partner — Create meaningful email campaigns at scale
Sitecore Send, a module of the Sitecore DXP helps you to bond with customers more strongly. Want to know more? Schedule a demo!Read moreStack
iO your Sitecore CDP partner — Reach customers like never before
What are the benefits of Sitecore Customer Data Platform (CDP)? Our specialists will be happy to tell you about it during a no-obligation meeting and/or demo.Read moreStack
Boost your online sales with Shopware and iO, Gold Partner
Shopware is a solid e-commerce tool that grows with your organisation. Discover the advantages of Shopware and working with Gold Partner iO.Read moreStack
Work smarter in the cloud with Google Cloud Partner iO
Google Cloud Partner iO helps organisations harness the power of the cloud for storage, analytics, development, and more.Read moreStack
iO & Criteo, powerful automated online advertising platform
At iO we work with Criteo: an advanced platform for digital advertising and targeted, data-driven campaigns. Find out more about what we can do for your organisation.Read moreStack
Tweakwise: smart software for e-commerce
With Tweakwise, your e-commerce approach becomes a success story. We are happy to help you as a Tweakwise Silver Partner.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
A better position in Google results with SEO
Our SEO experts make sure you are found online — by both people and robots.Read moreWhat we do
Request a Local SEO (LSO) Opportunity Scan
Stay ahead of your competitors by focusing on Local SEO. Request a Local SEO (LSO) Opportunity Scan and discover where your optimisation opportunities lie.Read moreWhat we do
Specialist in e-commerce in Belgium and the Netherlands | iO
iO’s experts in e-commerce help you develop a strong B2C or B2B e-commerce approach.Read moreWhat we do
How digital marketplaces grant your brand increased visibility
Modern digital marketplaces are welcoming your audience, time for you to join the competition on that stage? iO has the expert advice to get you off to a right start.Read moreWhat we do
A stronger e-commerce strategy with marketplace integrations
Make your digital ecosystem stronger, faster, and more efficient by integrating marketplaces the right way.Read moreWhat we do
Online self-service portal development with iO
With a self-service portal, you can focus entirely on stimulating valuable digital interactions with your customers.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
Creating business value with AI - AI workshops & trainings
iO helps you to turn AI into action. Discover our AI workshops & trainings to find the potential in your business.Read moreWhat we do
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 moreWhat we do
Better results on your online channels with our content audit
Analyze your web texts, images, and online channels for SEO, comprehensibility, structure, accessibility, and user focus.Read moreWhat we do
Hit the right chord with catchy copywriting and web editing
With strong copywriting and thoughtful web editing, you give substance to your brand story. Our experts are happy to help.Read morePress
George Moses new Technology Director at iO
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AkzoNobel unveils Colour of the Year 2024: Sweet Embrace™ with digital support from iO
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iO creates future-proof look for Assuralia
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11.11.11 chooses iO as digital partner
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iO focuses on talent: Wouter Dolle becomes HR Director in the Netherlands
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iO launches magical end-of-year campaign for Brussels Airport
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4 out of 10 Belgians are digitally vulnerable
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Two top experts of iO win the exclusive Sitecore MVP Award of 2024
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iO helps KNMI keep the Netherlands safe in terms of weather and climate in 2024
Read morePress
Manna boosts brand awareness with a wink
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iO welcomes Martine Lemans as Managing Director of Consultancy Division in the Netherlands
Read morePress
Lidl Belux selects blended agency iO as digital partner
Read morePress
NMBS picks iO as innovation partner and service design expert
Read morePress
Nagelmackers strengthens long-term relationships with a brand-new platform
Read morePress
Plopsa and iO join forces to create magical digital experiences
Read morePress
Brussels Airport Company and iO create the ultimate traveller experience
Read morePress
VRT joins forces with iO’s digital experts
Read morePress
Golf.nl app 2.0 makes golf accessible to everyone
Read moreWebinar
From branding to brand experience: how to create a coherent brand experience
In today's crowded marketplace, consumers are faced with a multitude of options. It's vital that your brand not only stands out but is also seen as positive and consistent. Additionally, you must be able to adapt seamlessly to market changes, all while maintaining your credibility and authenticity. Are you interested in discovering how to achieve brand experience excellence? Watch the recording now.Read 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
Enhance your municipality's digital services with smart solutions
Do you want to elevate your municipality's digital services? Save the date and join us on November 25th to discover how you can use digital tools work more efficiently and better serve the residents and businesses in your municipality.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: How to easily gain complete control over the Woo publications of your organisation
With the introduction of the Open Government Act (Woo), the disclosure of information has become of greater importance. It’s wise to have a solid process and powerful digital tools in place to help your organisation comply to the Woo. But where to start? In the webinar ‘How to easily gain complete control over the Woo publications of your organisation’ we’ll show you how to set up this in a sufficient and user-friendly way.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: How to easily gain complete control over the Woo publications of your organisation
With the introduction of the Open Government Act (Woo), the disclosure of information has become of greater importance. It’s wise to have a solid process and powerful digital tools in place to help your organisation comply to the Woo. But where to start? In the webinar ‘How to easily gain complete control over the Woo publications of your organisation’ we’ll show you how to set up this in a sufficient and user-friendly way.Read moreWebinar
Discover what's new in HubSpot: your quick guide to the INBOUND '24 updates
With over fifty new features every month, the HubSpot express train shows no signs of slowing down. Last month at the annual INBOUND event in Boston, you could explore all the latest updates and get an exclusive preview of the roadmap for the coming year. Couldn't make it? Sign up quickly for our free webinar to get a concise overview of all the highlights from INBOUND '24.Read moreWebinar
An ultimate customer experience with a composable architecture
Discover how a composable architecture provides the flexibility to quickly respond to market changes and deliver an exceptional customer experience.Read moreWebinar
Inclusivity at the forefront: Embracing digital accessibility
Discover how prioritising accessibility can transform digital presence and drive business success.Read moreEvent
The Automation Success Framework
A strategic step-by-step plan that drives results.Powered by HubSpot & iORead moreWhitepaper
The ultimate end-of-year guide (with checklist)
With cyber week (starting Friday, Nov. 29) and the end-of-year period upon us, there are some great opportunities ahead to give sales another boost, whether you're in B2C or B2B. With this guide and checklist of no less than 61 pages (!), we help you fine-tune your marketing, communication and advertising strategy so that you catch the eye of your target audience. With this guide & checklist, compiled by our +2000 experts from different departments, you'll roll out the digital red carpet for your customers in the year-end period. Download it now.Read moreWhitepaper
The complete SEO guide
SEO, or Search Engine Optimisation, is omnipresent and indispensable to the modern marketer. Because paid ads are fleeting, because you always want to findable, or because up to 80% of internet users don’t look beyond the first page of search results. This includes a wide range of factors, from your website structure to the content and links.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
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
Building brands with content
Brands are built with advertising, and content then adds depth to the brand, right? Not if you ask Aart Lensink. As a content expert, he helped several brands tell strong stories, and now he's sharing his knowledge on building brands with content in this e-book— packed with examples and with a concrete step-by-step plan.Read moreWhitepaper
Sales, leads, goals: your guide to Performance Marketing
Performance marketing is a branch of marketing where you focus on results. Which results? How can you measure it and - more importantly - how do you achieve it? This is different for every organisation, but the potential of performance marketing to deliver results? That’s universal. The efficient combination of leads, sales and targets is crucial.Read moreWhitepaper
Get more revenue from Google Shopping with Google CSS Managed Service
In 2017, Google was fined €2.4 billion by the European Commission for abuse of power. The internet giant was pushing comparison websites (Comparison Shopping Services, or CSS) lower in search results with Google Shopping. That fine was bad news for Google, but good news for organisations looking to make more online sales.Read moreWhitepaper
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
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
Successful digital transformation: 5 pitfalls you should avoid
Globally, only 30 percent of companies successfully implement digital transformation. This is because digital transformation touches every aspect of a business: from people and processes to infrastructure and customer relationships. The key to a successful transformation is to pay attention to all these aspects - but that doesn't always happen. In this white paper, we take you through five common pitfalls in digital transformation and give advice on how to avoid them.Read moreWhitepaper
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
How to successfully develop a platform
Facebook is a media company that does not create content. Airbnb has turned the hotel industry upside down without owning any accommodation. Two well-known examples of fast-growing platforms that enable transactions and bring users and products together. The main factor for success in this is their appeal to the right users and adding value by solving problems, providing convenience or introducing new services. They do this using a very strong User Experience (UX) and Developer Experience (DX).Read moreWhitepaper
Whitepaper: How to unburden your business with ‘first time right’ marketing execution
Ideally, as a (Digital) Marketing Manager, you focus on developing and executing your strategy to achieve your organisation's goals. But what if your strategic focus is constantly disrupted by operational issues?Read moreWhitepaper
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
7 strategic considerations for building powerful platforms
For many companies, digital platforms are the backbone of their operations and critical to exceptional customer experiences. This white paper offers strategic insights and practical solutions to address digital challenges such as agility, scalability and security. Download now to take your digital platform to the next level and seamlessly align with your business goals.Read moreWhitepaper
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 moreWhitepaper
The CTO guide to a composable architecture
Instead of depending on one big software suite, the ‘composable approach’ enables organisations to customise their IT infrastructure by selecting and integrating the most suitable components for their specific needs. However, composable is not a universal solution. In this whitepaper we break down the composable concept, explain the core principles and its potential impact on your organisation’s digital ecosystem. We help you determine a realistic timeframe for transitioning to a composable architecture and evaluate whether your business is ready to embrace composability. Finally, we explore diverse migration strategies for a smooth and seamless transition.Read moreWhitepaper
How content and creation delivers brand success
A brand's story is shaped by content. In the coming years it isn’t just about what content you create, but about how your brand retains authenticity and flexibility in an ever-growing digital landscape. Platforms are diverse, audiences are fragmented, and attention spans are shorter than ever. Today the central question is: "How can you be sure that your brand is communicating in an authentic and effective way?" It's about communication that doesn’t just connect with people, but actually touches them. After reading this Insights Paper, you will have an in-depth understanding of the complexity of target audiences, the dynamics of platforms, the impact of AI, evolving content formats, and the value of content to brands.Read moreWhitepaper
16 tips to make your marketing and digitisation budget for 2025 smarter
The 2024 summer holidays are behind us and it's time for organisations to set their budgets for 2025. And that is often a more difficult task than we would like to admit. We wouldn't be iO if we hadn't come up with anything to help you with that tedious task... Get 16 tips to make your marketing and digitisation budget for 2025 smarterRead moreBlog
Boost your SEO with structured data
How Google presents search results has changed a lot in recent years, with an increase in the use of snippets and rich results. The addition of structured data to your content helps Google to understand your website better. That improves your score and gives you more chance of achieving a place at the top of the search results. In this blog iO experts explain how you can make structured data work for your organisation.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
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
Hot in 2024: sustainable websites
“Refresh your website every five years.” Sound familiar? Well, listen carefully. Because in 2024, things have changed. The tech keeping your website up and running used to be out-of-date after five years. But now, it’s become more stable. So, don’t jump on the new website bandwagon just yet, and do your homework to see what you can repurpose first.Read moreBlog
Why WordPress is the perfect CMS for marketers
At iO, we partner with some major players and market leaders in marketing and technology. One of these partners is WordPress, world's largest Content Management System (CMS). There are several reasons why WordPress tops the list of CMS platforms. For one, the platform has a lot to offer for all its target audiences. In this blog, we list its main advantages for marketers.Read moreBlog
Historical data export - Universal Analytics
Deadline for exporting Universal Analytics: 1st of July 2024 After the 1st of July 2024, it will no longer be possible to access data in Universal Analytics. Therefore, it’s essential to take timely action and export the data before that day. By exporting the data before the access is closed, you can gain valuable insights, store the data securely and take any further actions. It is wise not to do this at the last minute, as there may be obstacles, such as errors in extraction or technical challenges. To avoid potential problems, it is advisable to transfer the data in time to environment where it can be stored securely. That way, you can later use the data for further analysis or transformation purposes. By acting now, you can ensure that you don’t lose the valuable data and are well prepared for the future. So don't wait until the last minute - make sure you export the data from Universal Analytics before 1 July to a secure environment, where you can continue to use it.Read moreBlog
Drupal Starshot announced: 5 things you need to know
Earlier this month, Drupal founder Dries Buytaert took the stage during the annual DrupalCon North America in Portland (Oregon, USA). He delivered what some call the biggest Drupal news in a long time: the official announcement of Drupal Starshot. Being the largest Drupal partner in the Benelux, we at iO would like to shed some light on this upcoming launch.Read moreBlog
Drupal sets new standards with Starshot
iO and Drupal go way back. We have been using the CMS since our early days, so it is fair to say it holds few secrets for our developers. In recent years, the CMS market has evolved enormously, with new systems springing up like mushrooms. And even though many did not survive, there are still a lot of new CMS systems standing strong today. An unusual situation for Drupal, but with the announcement of Drupal Starshot, the answer is now finally here.Read moreBlog
Why a seamless partner experience is crucial for your organisation
The fact that a flawless digital experience is crucial to consumers, is not new — every day we experience this ourselves when using apps or ordering things online. Less known, but just as crucial, is the partner experience (PX). Especially for financial institutions (such as banks, insurers or payment companies) a seamless PX is invaluable. Friso Geerlings, Technology Director at iO, explains why this is the case and how you can safeguard your PX.Read moreBlog
Migrating to Sitecore XM Cloud: The step towards a Composable DXP
XM Cloud is the CMS of Sitecore’s new Composable DXP. It is a further development of their original CMS, but packed and serviced completely different. It’s SaaS, less hassle to maintain, quicker and easier to develop on, a lot easier to work with for content editors, but still as powerful and versatile as before. So when starting a new Sitecore implementation, choosing XM Cloud over the original Platform DXP is a no-brainer. But what about migrating your existing implementation to XM Cloud? There is no set upgrade path and your starting position greatly influences the desired route to take, but also the business case behind such a migration. In this article I will share my view on the important differences, challenges, benefits, caveats, possible approaches for a migration roadmap, and everything you would like to know and consider before embarking on this journey.Read moreBlog
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
Why is always-on gaining ground over ad hoc campaigns?
In the marketing optimisation of larger iO clients - such as Brussels Airport and Lidl - we see a shift from ad hoc campaigns to always-on. There are a few logical explanations for this trend. And both the elimination of cookies and the focus on the customer experience (CX) have a lot to do with it.Read moreBlog
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
Drupal 11: innovative features for better UX, performance and development
Drupal recently launched the latest version of its unsurpassed CMS: Drupal 11. As a Certified Drupal Partner, our 130-strong Drupal team is eager to get started helping companies find their way around. After all, Drupal 11 offers a lot of new features that improve the user experience, increase performance and streamline development processes.Read moreBlog
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
Marketing budget allocation for 2025: data driven or a roll of the dice?
For many marketers, allocating budgets for the year ahead is a real headache. Will you carry your budget over from last year – even though technology is evolving at lightning speed and the marketing world could look completely different tomorrow? Or will you follow your intuition and take a chance? Fortunately, data modelling exists allowing you to allocate your budget with the certainty that you are spending it in the right place, and at the right time.Read moreBlog
The energy transition is enormous, how do you make it personal?
How do you explain the energy transition? iO and Enexis developed a permanent campaign with smart tech and several storylines.Read moreDossier
Dossier: Brands & society
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Dossier: E-commerce
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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: B2B - Turning B2B challenges into solutions
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Dossier: Marketing automation
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Dossier: Successful marketing budgets and plans
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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: Maximize your marketing efforts with HubSpot
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Dossier: Drupal. Why big brands rely on Drupal CMS.
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Dossier: Composable, the key to flexible business architecture
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Infinite opportunities: Peter Van Hoecke (Van Hoecke)
According to Peter Van Hoecke (CEO Van Hoecke), the client is always central, especially — in digital transformation. By automating, accelerating, and rationalising processes, you help your clients save time — our most finite and valuable resource.Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Yannick de Bièvre (MediaMarkt)
MediaMarkt is an omnichannel retailer, and that is a very conscious choice. Digital and non-digital channels flow seamlessly into each other, according to Yannick de Bièvre (Head of Marketing BeLux).Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Steven De Deyne (Proximus)
"With digital transformation, you can deliver added value to your customers," says Steven De Deyne, Head of Media and Production Competence Center Proximus), it in this video.Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Paul Smeets (Cadac)
You can't do partial digital transformation, says Paul Smeets (CTO Cadac). In this video, he tells you more about his vision on digitisation.Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Dorien Gevers (Carglass)
The Carglass website is a crucial platform, but other channels — digital and non-digital — are also very important in the omnichannel approach. Giving a personalised experience to every customer, with content tailored to their stage in the customer journey. Dorien Gevers (Email marketer at Carglass) explains every stage.Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Leslie Cottenje (CEO Hello Customer)
The decision to digitise has to start from the customer, not from an internal, business perspective. That's what Leslie Cottenje, CEO of Hello Customer thinks. Technology can help improve customer satisfaction, but the human factor has to be central. She tells you all about her vision in this video.Read 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
Transforming technology into a catalyst for innovation
How fast can you launch new products and services, scale up or scale down sales channels, or provide a better customer experience? The technical complexity of a business often determines its innovation speed. We look at how to transform the 5 key blockers in technology into accelerators for your business. Expert:Raymond Muilwijk, Center of Excellence Lead TechnologyRead moreVideo
Steven Van Belleghem: The cost of poor 'Customer Experience' is frequently underestimated.
Companies are unaware of the enormous the cost of bad customer experiences. Out-of-pocket costs such as customer service are being pushed up, at a time when it’s becoming more difficult and expensive to find new customers.And this is happening while the brand credibility is declining and there is erosion in terms of new business development. In the video below, Steven Van Belleghem calls for more investment in customer focus, as a driver for a successful 2025.Read moreVideo
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 disrupt the traditional golf world with an AI golf rules exam??
NGF and iO change the rules: from antiquated exam to groundbreaking experience with AI. Discover their story.Look at this client storyCase
How 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 to optimise and increase the conversion rate in specific target audience groups?
Maximizing ROI: iO's Approach to Boosting Conversion Rate in Beobank's Campaigns. Read the full story here.Look at this client storyCase
How to manage a range of websites while meeting client expectations?
Enhancing Digital Content Management for D'Ieteren Automotive's Websites? Read the full story here;Look at this client storyCase
How 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 convert festival- goers into active members of your community?
From Festival Wristbands to Online Accounts: Converting Festival-Goers with Effective Paid Media. Read the story here.Look at this client storyCase
How do you 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 to guarantee swift intervention for water and gas leaks through a centralized business app?
Discover how we customised a business app that semi-automatically schedules the most efficient solution and produces quick reporting.Look at this client storyCase
How 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 to future-proof and secure a European dealer intranet?
Discover how the JLR Gateway, built in Drupal, acts as a central hub for dealer communication, processes, and collaboration.Look at this client storyCase
Freedom, self-reliance, and user-friendliness
Discover how the online presence of Firda was revamped with a new Drupal platform. With seamless integrations, simplified forms and an improved design.Look at this client storyCase
How a virtual museum highlights Flemish heritage
How do you develop a virtual experience platform that takes your customer experience to the next level?Look at this client storyCase
How do you make customers salivate for your brand again?
Find out how we helped cheese brand CAMBOZOLA reactivate its existing customers and attract younger generations. Read the case.Look at this client storyCase
How to catch the attention of students who swipe away every ad?
Discover how Avans University of Applied Sciences and iO attracted over 20,000 new student choosers with creative, data-driven campaigns. Learn strategies that hold Gen Z's attention and create strong brand connections. Get inspired and discover how to entice your target audience.Look at this client storyCase
How 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 storyPage
Verschil chatbot, bot en robot
Robots, chatbots, bots. Drie termen die erg op elkaar lijken, maar erg kunnen verschillen. Het zijn weliswaar alledrie technologische vorderingen in de samenleving, maar het is belangrijk om te weten wat ieder kan betekenen voor jou en wellicht je bedrijf.Read morePage
WWVD: Download the presentations of Wednesday 29 March 2023!
The first day of the Webwinkel Vakdagen (WWVD) is over! Still want to reminisce? Download the presentations of the lightning talks here.Read 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