Webinar
How do you make a difference in B2B marketing?
In the past, marketers had a very specific view of B2B: it was rational, often only about product, price, and relationships, and B2B marketing was often a purely executive job that mostly existed to support sales.
Today, B2B marketers are becoming more creative. Just think of the world famous Volvo Trucks campaign in which Jean-Claude Van Damme demonstrates how stable the trucks are by doing the splits, or Slack’s “What it feels like” campaign. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the best B2B brands invest in strong branding and emotional storytelling.
If we track that trend, we will see what B2B marketing will look like tomorrow: the boundary between the professional world and private lives will continue to blur. B2B brands continue to focus more on the emotional value of their services and products rather than just communicating about technical product features. This is where marketers can make a real impact — delivering short-term sales results and building long-term brand equity.
6 steps to eliminate your competition in B2B
Now the question remains: how will you strengthen your B2B brand? The answer: follow these six steps.
Step 1: Identify your focus
To know how to strengthen your B2B brand, the first thing you need to think about is the change you can – and want to – bring about as an organisation. Asking yourself “What do I want to achieve?” is a very different approach from asking “What do I need to finish by tomorrow?”.
To achieve this it is useful to set a fixed moment in the agenda (e.g. every two weeks on Monday morning). At that moment you decide what the focus will be in the coming period. Based on this plan, you can easily evaluate which steps you have already taken and decide what your next steps will be.
Step 2: Take advantage of the challenges in B2B
Just like in B2C marketing, in B2B there are many challenges that you have to face to stay one step ahead of the competition.
For example, competition will come from every side — both from established companies in your sector and small start-ups. You will face local and international competition, and this competition will not only come from your direct competitors.
It’s no longer the case that the organisation with the biggest marketing budget will automatically be the winner. Focus on using your budget in the right way and your impact will be greater with the same euros.
The job of a B2B marketer is becoming increasingly complex. Compare it to a history course: new knowledge is constantly being added, but that new knowledge often does not automatically go hand in hand with more people or resources. The B2B marketer has to be familiar with more and more markets.
Finally, it is becoming increasingly difficult — and more important — for organisations to find the right people.
Step 3: Evaluate your options
There are many models available today that help you to evaluate where you stand as an organisation. One of our favourite models is BAM's Meaningful Marketing Framework .
It’s important to realise that, as a marketer (both B2B and B2C), you have influence on different domains in your organisation. For example, your colleagues in strategy, content and creation, and technology often depend on your knowledge.
In this phase you start by taking a step back to look at the needs of your customers, prospects, and colleagues. At iO, we identify the needs by using the brand key and the Double Diamond method.
Only then is it time to take the next step: ensuring that your investments are effective contributions to the profits and future growth of your organisation.
Step 4: Make the right choices
This is, without a doubt, the most difficult step, but it is also the step in which you can distinguish yourself as a marketer.
If you want to make the right B2B choices, you have to think about two keywords: relevance and performance.
Relevance is all about the end customer: what does your brand mean to them? Why is it useful to invest time and energy in this campaign?
Performance is about results: what are the KPIs? How do we achieve those goals?
By asking these questions, you will discover whether you are making the right choices as a marketer — and as a brand.
Step 5: Integrate the roadmap into your overarching strategy
Now it is time to integrate this roadmap into your marketing and business strategy.
To achieve frictionless integration you should be able to answer four questions key questions:
What are my priorities? Choose 2 to 3 focus points on which your organisation is fully committed. Do not try to be a jack of all trades.
Who are my stakeholders? Which internal and external stakeholders have to agree in order to translate the plan into the correct execution?
What is the ideal timing? Will you opt for an agile approach or work with a hard deadline?
Which touch points will I use? What content do you distribute and on which channels? What is the customer journey you want to achieve with that content?
Step 6: Execute
We would love to show you how we at iO make a difference every day for different B2B brands, with the following two cases.
HAVEP, the original Dutch manufacturer of workwear, needed a rebrand. The brand approached iO and our experts were more than happy to get involved. With a new corporate identity, strong employer branding campaign, and an integrated e-commerce platform, HAVEP is ready for the future.
Bol.com also came to iO. Their challenge? To help Belgian retailers sell online during the 2020 lockdown. We built an online platform with a series of helpful, interactive sessions in which subject matter experts provide retailers with the necessary information. The initiative was supported by Belgian comedian Kamal Kharmach — proving that influencer marketing also has a place in B2B.
3 steps to build a successful B2B inbound marketing strategy
Read on to discover how to build a successful, authentic, content driven B2B inbound marketing strategy. From A to Z, for B2B.
Recap: how to sell smarter in B2B
We’ve summarised everything — in a handy overview that you can refer to later.
Step 1: Determine your focus
Step 2: Respond to the challenges in B2B
Step 3: Evaluate your options
Step 4: Make the right choices
Step 5: Integrate the roadmap into your overarching strategy
Step 6: Execute
Are you ready to get started with B2B branding? Or would you like some extra information? Our experts would love to help you.
Hans Van Eemeren
Strategy director - iOHans is a marketeer pur sang and partner at iO. As a strategist, he advises clients and helps brands become more relevant and perform better in a changing world. 'Imagine tomorrow. Let's build it today!' is a quote from him that sums up his inspiring, hands-on, get the job done mentality.
Related articles
- 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 more
Webinar
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 moreWhitepaper
HubSpot: driving growth and innovation in your organisation
With an end-to-end partner like iO and a tool like HubSpot, complex organisations transform their operations in a flexible way and seamlessly change the mindset of all employees.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
Break silos between sales, marketing and operations with Hubspot
Anticipating customer needs is no longer enough; customers expect companies to truly enrich their lives. Breaking old silos and putting users at the centre is key to becoming an organisation that not only values customers, but puts them at the centre of every decision. After reading this white paper, you'll know:Read moreBlog
Sell smarter with B2B buyer personas
Buyer personas are a great way to understand your prospects' goals and desires. Creating buyer personas is not an end in itself, it's a means to sell smarter, using arguments that are more effective for different target groups. In this blog we explain how to successfully approach this by focusing on the emotions that play a role in buyer’s decision making processes.Read moreBlog
B2B e-commerce is still in its early stages in Europe
B2B e-commerce in Europe is in its infancy when compared to online sales on other continents, such as Asia and America. Hans Maltha, CCO of iO, believes we have a lot of catching up to do. He provides the necessary tips and tricks for a B2B organisation to be prepared and to make rapid progress.Read moreBlog
The importance of e-commerce for B2B
As of 2022, 65% of B2B companies conduct their business exclusively online. In addition, last year—for the first time ever—organisations sold more online than through personal sales. It is therefore about time for your B2B company to move towards—and reap the benefits of—a digital story. Discover the difference e-commerce can make in a B2B context.Read moreBlog
What's in a name: how to choose an iconic brand name
A strong brand identity begins with a strong brand name. So determining your brand’s name has a major impact on your success as a company. How then do you come up with a name that conveys your brand values and feels like a household name to consumers? Discover how our research and creation can help you anchor your new name in your customers' hearts.Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Daan Simonis (Perfetti Van Melle)
Creativity isn't just useful for building a strong campaign — it's essential. Daan Simonis (Global Media & Digital Marketing Director at Perfetti Van Melle) explains why this is the case and how a creative idea has a strong impact, especially on paid media platforms.Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: 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 moreCase
How to make propane irresistible with creative marketing?
Propane as an energy source was in need of recognition, by all who were living off-grid to be more precise. We managed it on behalf of gas specialist Primagaz, with creative 360° campaigns - both online and offline. Read the case study!Look at this client 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 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
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 storyWhat we do
Branding and communication strategy for your business
The modern consumer looks for brands they can connect to. Create brand value that aligns with your DNA – measurable and successful.Read moreWhat we do
Engage your target audience with dynamic online and offline activations
Activate your target audience with dynamic online and offline experiences. At iO, we blend marketing, technology, and strategy to create impactful brand activations.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 moreWhitepaper
Employer branding 101: how you can score with a strong employer brand
A solid employer brand appeals to the employees of today, tomorrow, and yesterday. You attract the right candidates and retain talent. In this whitepaper you will learn how to approach employer branding campaigns from scratch — from strategy to concept and implementation.Read moreWhitepaper
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility is more than a trend that all organisations have to jump on. It is a mindset in which everything revolves around the impact you have as an organisation on people, society, and the environment.Read moreWhitepaper
Rebranding showcase
A rebranding is a powerful tool to (re)showcase the mission, vision, and values of your brand. We translate the strengths of your brand into a clever brand strategy, an expressive tone of voice, and a recognisable visual identity.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
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
Brand positioning on social issues: dos and don'ts
Just about every brand has a mission and a vision. They know very well what they want to stand for. The only problem? They often don't know how to convey that message. How best to translate their brand story into actions.Read moreWhitepaper
Boost growth with digitalisation
Digital transformation may be a buzzword, but that’s because it’s happening right now. Digitalisation has gained momentum every part of society and it’s showing no sign of slowing down. Consumers have high expectations and now it’s for companies to anticipate their digital needs. iO has the expertise and experience your company needs for effective digital transformation. Digitalisation is a mindset that has an impact on the entire company, from business operations and internal processes to marketing and communication. Customer focused and with a clear vision. Do you want to know more about the benefits of digitalisation, and how to embed it into the DNA of your company? Our experts have bundled their insights and experiences into an inspiring ebook that will help you prepare your brand for tomorrow.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
Digitalisation - the key to unlock B2B business growth
The digital revolution has profoundly changed the B2C market, and B2B soon followed. None of it happened overnight, by the way. In fact, the trend was initially slow to take off in the B2B sector. Today, digitalisation reached essential status in B2B for anyone wishing to stay ahead of the competition. Its secret? An omnichannel approach, the new standard for B2B sales.Today, B2B customers expect the same standards as B2C customers do in terms of access and service from self-service platforms and digital portals. They expect to find the right products, services or ecosystems across all stages of the customer journey. How do you manage B2C expectations in a B2B context?Read moreWhitepaper
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
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
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
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
Attract more customers with an efficient omnichannel strategy
Is your business both online and offline? Then an efficient omnichannel strategy is indispensable for growing your business, but how exactly do you do that?Read moreBlog
Generate B2B leads with Account Based Marketing
Account Based Marketing combines targeted content with a clearly defined target group. Curious how you can use ABM to get more leads? Then read on. Inbound marketing continues to be one of the most efficient digital marketing techniques out there. But did you know that you can also combine the content you create for your inbound strategy with a classic outbound sales approach perfectly? Or make it even more specific for certain sectors? This technique is called Account Based Marketing, we will explain what it is and how you can generate extra B2B leads with it here.Read moreBlog
Does video have a place in your B2B content strategy?
Is your content strategy already harnessing the power of video? Video is everywhere. Every month, 1.7 billion unique visitors watch at least one video on YouTube, and visual social media such as Instagram and TikTok are extremely popular. B2B is not immune to this. With the rise of video can we expect to see the decline of the copywriter and the arrival of the video content creator? It's not so black and white, thankfully. But, as marketers say, as a company it’s always better to respond to trends so you don’t get left behind. And video has long ceased to be a 'throwaway' trend. How can you integrate video into your content strategy? And what are the benefits?Read moreBlog
How your brand and social themes are connected
Today most brands have a solid commitment to a mission and vision. That’s good news. But how do you translate your brand story into concrete actions? How do you attract a target audience that supports your brand's vision and consistently picks your products or services over those of your competitors? We would love to help you find your way with social positioning.Read moreBlog
How to develop a first-party data strategy in 4 steps
The digital landscape is in constant motion. We’re in the midst of one of the biggest shifts of the last couple of years. The days of third-party cookies are numbered, consumer expectations keep changing, and data collection and privacy regulations are becoming more strict by the day. Some parts of the industry are sitting idly by, for now, but we believe that now is the best time for organisations to act. Start developing a strong first-party data strategy now, and get a head-start on your competition.Read moreBlog
Balancing your budget between brand building and performance marketing has never been more important
In our work with clients we see that there’s an increasing focus on effective, goal-oriented marketing communications. Data dashboards that show ‘more conversions’ and ‘more sales’ at a glance are preferred when reporting to the boardroom. But this carries a risk too. It might be a good time for brand managers to ask themselves: are the most obvious tactics also the most impactful ones?Read moreBlog
Building strong customer relationships with HubSpot
How does a CRM tool help you build stronger, better relationships with your customers? By making their experience throughout the customer journey as smooth as possible. To make this happen, marketing, sales, and service must work together — with a tool like HubSpot. Steven Van Duyse (iO) and Anneleen Boullart (InSites Consulting) will tell you all about it in this conversation.Read moreBlog
Everything on B2B self-service portals
An online environment to place orders, contact customer service and searching information is a given in B2C. Luckily, we also see an increasing number of B2B companies investing in these kinds of portals. We’ll explain what a B2B self-service portal is and what the benefits for both companies and customers are.Read moreBlog
Data & Intelligence: removing emotion from the boardroom
Data has been vital for some time now in demonstrating whether a marketing and sales strategy is a hit or a miss. However, the discussion is still dominated by gut feeling when analysing why strategies fail and what needs to be radically changed. By removing emotion from the boardroom, we raise marketing and sales efficiency. In the past, marketing strategies were based on what had already happened. Today, we have a high degree of predictability. Digital marketing has never been so close to certainty.Read moreBlog
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
Visual brand design: discover the recipe for a future-proof brand
Your brand identity is your brand's personality, what you stand for and what you want to achieve. It is what sets you apart from your competitors. Astrid Vanwolleghem, design director at iO Antwerp, developed a seven-step plan for designing its outward reflection: the visual brand identity. "Anyone familiar with that step-by-step plan will understand why strong branding does not happen overnight," says Astrid. Take a walk through the plan and, along the way, get rid of some preconceptions about creating your visual brand identity!Read moreBlog
9 ways for your brand to win at Christmas
If you listen closely, you can already hear them. Christmas bells. Seriously. Christmas is coming! By the way, Christmas has already started for me. When I’m lying in my hammock in the South of France, I’m already thinking about Christmas trees, snow and beautifully laid tables. And, of course, I’m thinking about how to win at Christmas, traditionally the busiest commercial period of the year. But how do you make sure that your brand wins at Christmas? And how do you make sure you stand out from all the other Christmas campaigns?Read moreBlog
2023 Christmas commercials: mediocrity, craftsmanship, clichés and sometimes... brilliance
It’s that time again: It’s Christmas commercial season 2023. I’m ready for a wagonload of snow, candy, British stars, and tortured covers of familiar songs. And what did I get? Exactly that. I love it! A (completely objective) overview of the (mostly) British 2023 Christmas commercials. Brace yourself for Rick Astley, kisses, Ryan Reynolds, talking mittens, singing oven gloves, pink flamingos, John Travolta as Santa Claus and... a rediscovered hit from 1965. And... What did John Lewis do?Read moreBlog
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
7 common misconceptions about branding
Branding: a crucial part of a successful brand, yet often confused with marketing. And advertising. And corporate identity, brand strategy, and positioning. There are many assumptions about branding that are not entirely – or even completely – accurate. So, let’s clear them up once and for all.Read moreDossier
Dossier: Brands & society
Read moreDossier
Dossier: Public Brands
Read moreDossier
Dossier: B2B - Turning B2B challenges into solutions
Read moreDossier
Dossier: Successful marketing budgets and plans
Read moreDossier
24 insights for 2024
Read moreVideo
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
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
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 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 create a strong brand that attracts job applicants?
We helped Carglass, Belgium biggest car windscreens specialist, develop an employer brand for job applicants and employees. Read more about this 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 to combine rebranding and site redesign for a better user experience?
Creating a Cohesive Platform: Assuralia's Rebranding and Site Redesign for Enhanced User Experience Read the story here.Look at this client storyCase
How do you strengthen your market position as a recruitment and staffing expert with a new brand?
YER is already big but aspired to double their presence in the world of recruitment and selection and secondment. iO helped them with creating a new brand, internal branding, external activation online and offline and bringing 3 websites into 1 site for all target groups.Look at this client storyCase
How 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 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 do you make customers salivate for your brand again?
Find out how we helped cheese brand CAMBOZOLA reactivate its existing customers and attract younger generations. Read the case.Look at this client storyCase
How has fresh branding contributed to a stronger position in the market?
For Prowise, an interactive display and educational software expert, iO designed a new WordPress website complemented by a new brand voice and copy.Look at this client storyCase
Repositioning a meat brand in full transition
Discover how iO helped Imperial transform into a future-proof food brandLook at this client storyCase
How do you create the best possible experience for Brussels Airport travellers?
Brussels Airport: In this case story, read how iO has become an extension of the airport.Look at this client 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
iO: Your Shopify Partner for the best (online) shopping experiences
Discover how iO can elevate your e-commerce success with a tailored Shopify platform. From seamless integrations to limitless connectivity, we provide full support from technology to marketing, ensuring optimal growth and conversion.Read moreIndustry
Let your B2B offering thrive through digitization
Is your offering a fully automated match for the ‘new’ B2B generation? In today’s digital age, omnichannel is a powerful new way to chase B2B targets. Why not rely on our expertise to assist you in a healthy, always-on approach?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
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
Convince customers and employees with your value proposition
Discover how organizations with a clear employee and customer value proposition (EVP & CVP) stand their ground. Our experts will be happy to help you.Read moreWhat we do
Online games: a win-win situation
Add a little spice to your campaigns with interactive minigames. Excite your audience and collect valuable data!Read moreWhat we do
Use creative concepting to tell an engaging brand story
Creative concepting nests your brand and message firmly in the minds of your target group. How do you do that? Let our experts get you started!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
Radio and television ads, custom to your brand
Use radio and television ads to boost your sales and generate brand awareness. Find out how we can help you.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 moreWhat we do
Campaign creation to capture your audience's attention
Campaigns allow you to generate extra attention for your product, service, event or range. Our experts take care of creation & launch and measure the results.Read morePress
iO bolsters ambition with the arrival of Collin Seyger as new CFO
Read morePress
iO appoints Rachel Vermeulen as Managing Director of Campus Eindhoven
Read morePress
iO named the most customer-focused digital agency in the Netherlands
Read morePress
iO creates future-proof look for Assuralia
Read morePress
4 out of 10 Belgians are digitally vulnerable
Read morePress
iO welcomes Martine Lemans as Managing Director of Consultancy Division in the Netherlands
Read morePress
iO helps companies tap into their innovation potential
Read morePress
Amnesty International Vlaanderen and iO put a human face on hope with ‘the power of the people’
Read morePress
NMBS picks iO as innovation partner and service design expert
Read morePress
Strategic boost for iO with two new senior hires
Read morePress
Amnesty International calls attention to human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of Congo
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
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: Spotting opportunities in times of crisis
The dot-com bubble, the Covid pandemic, the war in Ukraine: crises seem to be coming in quicker and quicker succession. But for marketers, those crises — from local events in specific markets to global phenomena — also always contain an opportunity. In this webinar, Tim Karpisek, Business Strategist at iO, explains how you can find relevant growth opportunities in times of crisis.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
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
Ad Tech: Take your media strategy to the next level
Now that cookies are disappearing, the biggest challenge for everyone in marketing today lies in measuring and analyzing marketing efforts. Companies currently find themselves facing a bit of a dilemma: on one hand, they want a transparent view of the results of their investments, on the other hand, they know that they need to rely more on data to make their advertising more relevant and efficient.Read moreWebinar
Corporate Alt Delete - give your organisation an innovation boost
How do you keep your business dynamics fresh and boost the innovation potential and that pioneering mindset in your organisation? Corporate Alt Delete invites you to take a fresh look at your organisation and jointly rewrite your story. Corporate Alt Delete is a book, a workshop, a mindset, and now also a webinar.Read moreWebinar
From branding to brand experience: how to create a coherent brand experience
In today's crowded marketplace, consumers are faced with a multitude of options. It's vital that your brand not only stands out but is also seen as positive and consistent. Additionally, you must be able to adapt seamlessly to market changes, all while maintaining your credibility and authenticity. Are you interested in discovering how to achieve brand experience excellence? Watch the recording now.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: elevate your brand: mastering the art of content strategy
How can you effectively utilize content to promote your brand? How can you ensure that your brand stands out with persuasive creations across the appropriate platforms? These questions will be answered in our complimentary webinar, where you'll gain insights on developing a content strategy that seamlessly aligns with your marketing channels and target audiences. Watch the recording below.Read moreWebinar
Webinar | Will your organization be ready on 28th June 2025 for the EU's Digital Accessibility Law?
Will your organization be ready on 28th June 2025 for the EU's Digital Accessibility Law? Today, for your organization or business to thrive, a digital presence is essential. However, this online presence also brings about a growing need for digital accessibility. Moreover, the EU expects your organization to be digitally accessible by mid-2025. Discover why this is important and how to approach it during our webinar on 22nd August.Read moreWebinar
Webinar: discover how digitally mature your business really is (and what steps to take next)
As a CEO, managing director or marketing manager, you’re steering your ship towards the digital future. But here’s the challenge: how do you ensure you’re on the right course? Which aspects are thriving, and which ones need a boost? Register for our webinar and discover exactly how your company can move towards complete digital maturity.Read moreEvent
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
The 7 pitfalls of personalisation
Personalisation revolves around adapting the user experience based on the user segment. But setting up a good personalisation strategy is not as straightforward as it seems. We’ll show you 7 pitfalls of personalisation and how to avoid them in this whitepaper.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
Get more out of your marketing budget
By using dashboards efficiently and automating your data analysis, better results are within your reach.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
Selecting and deploying the right marketing automation platform
Through marketing automation, organisations like yours can easily identify anonymous online visitors and convert them into qualified leads. It automates repetitive marketing tasks — effectively eliminating them from your daily operations — allowing you to focus on what matters.Read moreWhitepaper
Employer branding
Does it look as if your organisation is losing the war for talent? Does it start to seem like the right talents consistently prefer to join other companies? Today, unemployment rates in Belgium have hit an historic low (3%). This presents us with opportunities, as well as challenges. Less job seekers, more vacancies, increased competition in the war for talent.Read moreWhitepaper
Four years of GDPR: where do we stand today?
Four years ago, GDPR turned our digital processes upside down like a battering ram. Both in our private lives and in our professional environments: our data was never better cared for, seemingly overnight. At the risk of enormous fines, that is. Today, no organisation can afford to disregard GDPR. How has it changed, today - four years later?Read moreWhitepaper
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
Chasing the spark: emotion and creativity in communication
When was the last time you felt truly touched by an advertisement? Pure, raw creativity in the streets, in a magazine, or a heartwarming commercial. In short: a (rare) moment when a brand boldly entered your comfort zone through emotion. Sounds familiar?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
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
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 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
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
Digital tools: challenges and opportunities for insurers
Naturally, we consider digital to be the future. Do insurance buyers in Belgium and the Netherlands see it that way as well? Together with market research agency BUFFL we asked 1.500 insurance policyholders about their views on digitalisation in the world of insurance. The conclusion? A remarkable one, to say the least. Prepare to read all about in our exclusive 18-page industry paper, including interesting bits of context, nuance, and thorough explanations.Read moreWhitepaper
The Opportunity Report: take advantage of the latest developments in strategy, marketing and technology
How do organisations stay ahead of the pack in a constantly evolving world? With a collection of expert insights in a single guide, to make the most out of new market trends, emerging technologies and upgraded industry standards. This Opportunity Report is created and curated by professionals across marketing, strategy, content, and technology, using their common vision on what will shape the world, the market or their field of expertise.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
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
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
Digitise your trade union services for your sector
Trade unions play a crucial role when new technologies and trends emerge. But how do you ensure that your trade union keeps up with the expectations of your demanding customers, members, and users.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
6 best practices for successful business innovation
How will your organisation challenge the status quo? What role do you hold in a market where the lines between different domains are becoming less distinct? How are you going to shape a future-proof business model that ensures that you are still relevant the day after tomorrow? The challenges of innovation aren't so much centered around refining your existing business model, but about responding smartly to a dynamic market where the rules are constantly changing. Therefore, innovation within your company remains essential: it enables you to tap into new markets, address new target groups and develop new propositions. Unfortunately, not every form of innovation actually leads to improvement. Our white paper shares 6 best practices for successful business innovation so that innovation does not remain a buzzword but delivers tangible results.Read moreWhitepaper
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
The key insights from Corporate Klooien – Back to Tomorrow
If you were to start all over again tomorrow, would you end up where you are today? In the 2023 edition of Corporate Klooien, we worked with professionals from influential organisations to explore their ideal future scenarios. We examined how they can deliver value and determine the right priorities in their specific situations. We did this using our own Corporate Alt Delete method.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
Corporate Alt Delete – Rewrite your organisation’s founding story
Corporate Alt Delete is a book that bridges the gap between two worlds within an organisation: Team Horizon, thinking in opportunities, and Team Business, focused on current results and business value. This book invites you to breathe new life into the old founding story of the organisation, enriching it with today's market knowledge and business capabilities. Why read Corporate Alt Delete?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
From compliance to inclusion: why digital accessibility matters
In our increasingly digital world, accessibility is more important than ever. This whitepaper highlights why digital accessibility is not only a legal requirement, but also an ethical necessity. With more than 25% of the European population having some form of disability, it is essential to design inclusive digital products.Read moreWhitepaper
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
Get ahead of the curve: make digital accessibility your priority
In an increasingly digital world, accessibility is more important than ever. This whitepaper will show you why digital accessibility is not only a legal requirement, but also an ethical necessity. With more than 32.2% of the Dutch population having some kind of disability, it is essential that you design inclusive digital products. This whitepaper explores:Read moreWhitepaper
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
Marketing automation & B2B
Marketing automation and B2C are often considered a ‘match made in heaven’. For retailers with millions of customers marketing automation is an ideal means to communicate with them in a personalised and efficient way. But is marketing automation useful in the B2B market where companies often have only a few hundred customers? We believe the answer is: absolutely!Read moreBlog
Social media and B2B communications: the perfect marriage
We know that social media has greater influence when used for B2B than to B2C communication. Your target audience is more contained, easier to define and you know your network much better, and can therefore make meaningful contacts easily.Read moreBlog
Why brands should have an opinion
Nice toaster. But why do you work with an influencer who, along with being a breakfast guru, is also openly homophobic? What customers expect from brands has changed a lot in recent years. A great product with excellent service is no longer enough: now a brand has to have a meaningful connection to core values. As a brand, don’t just position yourself in the market, but also in society. How exactly do you do that?Read moreBlog
Don't write what you want to say, but what your target audience wants to hear
Texts on your website or social media are your way to convince your target group about your service or product. Are you using the same language as your target audience? If you’re not, your message will miss, and you run the risk that your text will be ignored. A waste of your time and effort, isn't it? Here’s our 6 tips to get your content the attention it deserves.Read moreBlog
How to create a brand voice that works
Many companies have carefully considered design standards and guidelines. Do's-and-don'ts for design language, colour codes, logos, and positioning are clear on paper. But what about your brand voice: does your way of speaking fit your brand? All too often, this turns out to be a mismatch when it’s just as important. Do you want to know how to make a success of your brand voice? Following our seven tips will help you on your way.Read moreBlog
What makes a successful self-service portal?
A self-service portal is a great way to offer your customers better service and set up your sales processes more efficiently. We explain what a self-service portal is and what you need to make it a success.Read moreBlog
Investing in a self-service portal? There are 3 clear benefits for your business
Does your organisation spend a lot of time providing your customers with information and support about services? For example, scheduling delivery or maintenance appointments, contract management, changing customer data or taking orders? In most cases, these common interactions are all related to information that is connected to your services or products. And it is precisely these interactions that you can digitise effectively in a self-service portal.Read moreBlog
Opinion piece: Is ChatGPT the key to creative success in the digital era?
Artificial intelligence is nothing new under the sun. We ask our smart speakers what the weather’s like today, use smart translators and let algorithms decide our choice of entertainment. The general public is clearly ready to accept AI as an everyday part of life. One example of an AI tool that is becoming increasingly popular is ChatGPT.Read moreBlog
Link building 101: Why it matters for SEO
The goal of link building, as a part of SEO is to increase visibility and the number of visitors to your website, by trying to obtain a higher position in (Google) search engines results. But how does link building contribute to your overarching SEO strategy? How do you implement qualitative link building? And why is it a good idea to outsource link building?Read moreBlog
Communicating with Generation Z: go pure, go authentic
'Tomorrow's story' made up the core of the tenth edition of the Content Marketing & Web Editing Congress organised by iO. Today's young adults, also known as Generation Z, play an important role in this story. But what is important to this generation and how do you tie them to your brand? Find out in this blog.Read moreBlog
5 effective tips to improve your employer branding online
Employer branding can be communicated through various channels, such as company websites, social media, employee benefits, and company culture. It is important for companies to focus on employer branding because it can have a significant impact on the success of the business.Read moreBlog
How can you maximise the impact of SEO in your marketing strategy in 2024?
As we navigate through 2024, the seismic shifts in search engine algorithms and user preferences demand that marketers adapt swiftly. The emergence of new search engines alongside Google's evolving algorithms highlights the urgent need for a robust, adaptable SEO strategy. In this rapidly changing digital landscape, integrating SEO holistically into your marketing efforts from the outset isn't just beneficial; it's imperative for staying competitive and visible.Read moreBlog
Do your followers know you? Keep it real on social media with User Generated Content
Social media is a high-velocity train that is met with an increasing number of obstacles. Although social media is finally included in the marketing basics, there’s no simple manual for companies. Still, not unlike a complete marketing strategy, a robust social media strategy offers your brand or organisation many opportunities.Read moreBlog
The most common pitfalls in digitisation and how to avoid them
In the beginning of this year, we launched the Opportunity report 2023. A collection of visions and insights from our experts to help you get the most out of the new year. On the 9th of March during the Opportunity online live event we brought these insights live to an interested audience to speak and discuss how to ‘Accelerate your business in 2023’. In this article, we’ll share the key takeaways of the presentation of Digital Strategist Tom van Mierlo with you.Read moreBlog
6 Tips for creating a successful podcast for your brand
Podcasts are hugely popular nowadays and provide an excellent way to get your brand or business in front of a wide audience. However, creating a podcast can seem intimidating if you have no experience with recording and producing audio. Here are some tips on how you can create your own branded podcast.Read moreBlog
How to measure the value of innovations faster and more clearly
Earlier this year, we launched the Opportunity Report: a collection of visions and insights from our experts to help you stay ahead in the new year. On 9 March, during our online event “Accelerating your business in 2023”, we brought these insights to life. One of the live sessions at this event was hosted by Uilke Duinstra (Service Line Director Strategy), who talked about ways to help businesses and organisations validate innovations faster and gain management’s support. In this article, we’ll share the key takeaways from Uilke’s session with you.Read moreBlog
Reputation is not just the responsibility of the communications department
In episode 5 of the Public Brands series: Iris Reshef from the NS (Dutch railways) and Suzanne Bijkersma from the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) discuss brand and reputation thinking in the public sector.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
Anchor your brand in your target group's culture with social media
The added value of social media is sometimes difficult for marketers to determine, apart from the results it has to offer the sales team. As a result, some tend to consider a 'must do', while it actually offers a wonderful way to gain a place in people's lives. The key is to identify your brand with the culture of your target audience, and for that, social works best. However, this requires a certain amount of courage from your brand.Read moreBlog
How a sophisticated content strategy can boost your business
Having a clear online content strategy is more important than ever before and that is no surprise. The pandemic accelerated the online presence of many brands and increased digital competition. Consumers love shopping online, and we are never far away from our smartphones — we use them to pay, to scan menus, and even to track our health.Read moreBlog
Verbal brand identity: find your own voice and make it heard
Your verbal brand identity is the set of linguistic expressions of your brand. It bundles the tone in which and style with which you communicate to all your target audiences through all mediums. Together with your visual brand expression, your verbal brand expression conveys who you are, what you stand for and what you can do for your customers. In this blog, we will explore your unique voice together.Read moreBlog
7 essential insights to help you determine your marketing budget for 2025
In the ever-changing world of marketing, it can be challenging for CMOs to determine the correct marketing budget. The economic landscape and technological advances in the marketing industry calls for a new approach to budgeting. In this article, Glenn Weuts - Head of Marketing Technology at iO, shares seven marketing budget insights, with recommendations for how to determine your budget for 2025.Read moreBlog
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
Digital transformation: 5 statements that point to potential problems
Digital transformation touches every aspect of a business: people, processes, infrastructure, and customer relationships. Most problems that arise during a transformation process often have their origins in one or more of these aspects. How can you be alert to this?Read moreBlog
'Get a taste of AI' #2: Generative AI in practice - How to create business value from day 1
When you understand AI’s full potential you can use it purposefully. But how do you translate the versatile possibilities of AI into the specific context of your everyday business operations?Read moreBlog
How do you guarantee that innovation is successful in your organisation?
Exploring new markets, creating new revenue models, developing new products and solutions: there is consensus in most companies about the need for innovation. But guaranteeing the success of your innovation interventions is not a straightforward process. In this article we share 5 tips that you can use to increase the chances of your innovation process being successful.Read moreBlog
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
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
How to craft a brand name or tagline in 5 minutes (and whether it's the right one)
Seriously, it's done in no time. And we're about to show you how. The question is: is this what you want? In this blog post, you'll read how we do it at iO, you'll find some tips and tricks to apply on your own work and you'll start to grasp the added value of the human factor.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
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
‘Get a taste of AI’ #3: How vectors add flavour and value
Every new era requires new fuel, and the AI era is no exception. Simply collecting raw data is not enough to effectively utilise generative AI – you also need to process and interpret the data. The vector database bridges the gap between data and AI, enabling valuable output and optimal customer experiences. In this article in our ‘Get a taste of AI’ series, you will learn how vectors work and gain the tools to apply them in your daily practice. The term “vector” may not be familiar to the general public, but its impact certainly is. Vectors provide more accurate results and recommendations in search engines and recommendation engines, improving the user experience. They add context and relevance, making the difference between a positive and a negative experience. But how does this work exactly? And how can your organisation leverage vectors for AI?Read moreBlog
The six digital and marketing trends for 2024
The rise of AI, shifts in the social media landscape, and the end of third-party data...2023 was, to say the least, a tumultuous year. But this year, marketers and their organizations are also facing significant challenges. Discover the six digital and marketing trends that will dominate 2024 and, most importantly, how you can successfully tackle them.Read 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
Four steps toward a flawless customer experience: the Double Diamond model
Good customer experience – say, the positive feeling that occurs and sticks when people interact with your brand – starts with a strong strategy. It requires lots of guessing, thinking, and doubting. Not to mention: hours of deciding and designing how to make it happen. So, how do you develop a strategy tailored to your organisation and goals? At iO, we use the Double Diamond model. It’s our creative guide to thinking from a problem-solver perspective. From product design to UX and far beyond, the Double Diamond model helps solve complex issues efficiently. In this blog post, we shed some light on the model, its pillars, and its possibilities, so that you can start using it to create flawless customer experiences that stick.Read moreBlog
iOS 18 and RCS: a gamechanger for brands and marketers
With the recent launch of iOS 18, the messaging service Rich Communication Services, or RCS, is finally widely available. This can have a huge impact on how brands and marketers reach their customers. In this article, we dive deeper into the ins and outs of RCS and why at iO, we believe that it will provide better experiences.Read moreDossier
Dossier: successful innovation
Read moreDossier
Dossier: Maximize your marketing efforts with HubSpot
Read moreDossier
Dossier: The Opportunity Report
Read moreVideo
Infinite opportunities: Thierry Geerts (Google Belgium)
"Digitisation in Belgium is progressing rapidly, but not as fast as it could or I hoped it would," says Thierry Geerts, CEO Google Belgium. He wrote a book, Digitalis, about his vision on digitisation. He talks about how we can — and should — pick up the pace of digitisation.Read moreVideo
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: 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: Joaquin Zschuschen (KLM Health Services)
Digital transformation isn't just about technology — it’s also about people. Joaquin Zschuschen, Digital Manager at KLM Health Services, talks about customer satisfaction and personalisation.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: 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
Digitising a business: the most common mistakes and how to avoid them
How is it that only 30% of the companies are successful in adopting digital transformation? In large part because it affects every aspect of a business: people, processes, infrastructure, and customers. We walk you through the most common mistakes we see in digital transformation projects so you don’t have to make them yourself. Expert:Tom van Mierlo, Digital StrategistRead moreVideo
How to measure the value of innovations faster and more clearly
In 2024, you will be less likely to make long-term investments. ROI has become a more important factor in innovation compared to recent years. We share ways that will help you validate innovations faster and gain management’s support. Expert: Uilke Duinstra - Service Line Director Strategy at iORead 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
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 communicate smarter and more efficiently with your customers?
Using SharpSpring, our experts developed a smart marketing automation strategy that led to a unified database with 360-degree customer profiles.Look at this client storyCase
How do you bring patients and their doctors closer together?
iO helped pharmaceutical company MSD create two awareness campaigns to improve communications between patients and their doctors. Discover this case.Look at this client storyCase
How do you bring brands and content creators together on one platform?
Famework is a platform where brands and content creators can connect. Our experts delivered the matching engine and algorithms that power the platform.Look at this client storyCase
How can you give a B2B brand the necessary boost to its brand image?
Debic-FrieslandCampina and iO, positioning a love brand through branding campaigns and storytellingLook at this client storyCase
How do you use virtual nature and science tours to win people over during a pandemic?
iO and FrieslandCampina use creative solutions to take virtual nature and science tours from the Netherlands to Mexico.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 to enhance wholesale online ordering without losing personalized pricing?
Translating personal price agreements into online price settings with an Adobe Commerce webshop.Look at this client storyCase
How do you make filing B2B debt collection cases online easier?
For Atradius Collections, iO developed a B2B digital collection platform, the first in the collection market.Look at this client storyCase
How do you reduce manual processes in B2B commerce?
For EDCO, iO developed an omnichannel B2B Magento commerce platform and PIM system.Look at this client storyCase
How do you help determined entrepreneurs launch their business?
We developed a tool to optimise lead generation for Partena Professional. Find out how we did it!Look at this client storyCase
How do you scale a lead gen strategy with affiliate marketing?
Successful affiliate marketing strategy generates leads and conversions. Want to know how we did it? Read our Philips case.Look at this client storyCase
How 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 a down-to-earth audit paves the way to the ideal digital tools?
With an efficient platform audit, our experts helped Ebema make the most appropriate choices.Look at this client storyCase
How can you 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 digitise 133.000 years of history?
In 60 historical windows, the Canon van Vlaanderen depicts Flemish culture - and we provided the interactive website.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 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 do you convert festival- goers into active members of your community?
From Festival Wristbands to Online Accounts: Converting Festival-Goers with Effective Paid Media. Read the story here.Look at this client storyCase
How do you transform two telecom giants into one powerful brand?
Entopic/iO rewrote all content to a new tone of voice for the launch of the Odido brand and managed content migration from 2 websites to the new website. Want to know more? Find out in this case.Look at this client storyCase
How do you 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 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 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
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 double your mobile conversion within 4 years?
What it takes to make booking as easy as possible for you? Discover the power of a strong management vision, a streamlined work process, and long-term, open, and transparent collaboration between Landal GreenParks and iO.Look at this client storyCase
How do you accelerate getting innovative lighting into the living rooms of 47 countries?
iO experts built a brand new D2C website with an advanced Adobe Experience Manager e-commerce platform for lighting specialists Signify. The result: happy users and satisfied teams. Read the full case here.Look at this client storyCase
How do you optimise a colourful campaign with data?
Gaining insight into the customer journey in a data-driven way with journey miningLook at this client storyCase
How to effortlessly manage 140 unique websites for a global paint and coatings giant?
Paint and varnish multinational AkzoNobel managed 140 websites, previously all with local support. iO's specialists ensured successful migrations to Adobe Experience Manager and centralised support with internal teams. Read the full case here.Look at this client story