Expand your business
with digital marketing in Belgium
Starting with digital marketing in Belgium is a smart decision. The market is divided between two main languages—60% of the population speaks Dutch (Flemish), while 40% speak French, including the capital, Brussels. Belgium’s online marketing scene is highly developed, with many E-commerce brands, and the sector saw impressive growth, reaching nearly 11.5 billion in 2020 and continuing to grow at over 15% annually. When it comes to digital marketing in Belgium, Google plays a major role, holding a dominant market share of around 93%.
Internet Penetration in Belgium
Belgium boasts a high internet penetration rate, with about 94% of the population having access to and actively using the internet. This is a key factor for digital marketing in Belgium, as it means that nearly 9 out of 10 people are online. Additionally, 10.8 million people in Belgium own a smartphone. The leading internet service providers in the country include Scarlet, Proximus, and Telenet.
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The E-commerce landscape in Belgium
Let’s explore the growth potential within Belgium’s e-commerce sector, particularly in relation to digital marketing. This industry is a powerful driving force in the nation’s economy, transforming local businesses and shopping behaviors. Prominent players like Bol.com, Coolblue, and Zalando highlight the importance of digital marketing in Belgium.
The Belgian e-commerce market is valued at 11.5 billion, with impressive growth in recent years. This growth is largely driven by the increasing adoption of the internet, digital solutions, and evolving shopping habits. Additionally, the presence of French and Dutch e-commerce companies has further contributed to the market’s expansion, emphasizing the significance of digital marketing in Belgium.
With an annual growth rate of around 15%, the e-commerce market continues to surge forward. This rapid growth reflects the transformative power of digital marketing in Belgium, helping to build consumer trust in online shopping and encouraging businesses to embrace digital tools.
For individuals and businesses looking to enter or expand in Belgium’s e-commerce sector, plenty of opportunities are on the horizon. The large market size offers a vast customer base and room for growth. As more Belgians opt for online shopping, the demand for a wide range of products and services grows, creating even more potential for digital marketing in Belgium. Furthermore, the country’s linguistic diversity has led to an influx of French and Dutch e-commerce businesses targeting the Belgian market.
Search Engine Usage in Belgium and What You Stand To Gain
In Belgium, Google dominates with over 92% of the search engine market share, followed by Bing at almost 5%. Mobile devices account for 47.9% of all search traffic. E-commerce is a key focus, with “bol.com” and “Amazon” being top search queries. The first organic search result on Google gets an average click-through rate of 28.5%. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are also becoming key search tools, with 47% of Belgian consumers using them to research products before purchase. These insights emphasize the importance of digital marketing in Belgium, particularly focusing on Google, mobile optimization, e-commerce, and the growing role of social media in consumer searches.
These are the biggest growth niches in Belgium
Ad Hornets has extensive experience in digital marketing across various sectors in Belgium, offering SEO and SEA services tailored to the French and Flemish (Dutch) parts of the country.
Some of the fastest-growing niches in Belgium include:
Pharmaceutical Industry:
Growing at 10.3% in 2020. (Source: National Bank of Belgium)
E-commerce:
Projected to grow by 8.3% in 2021, with average annual spending per user reaching €1,281. (Source: Statista)
Renewable Energy:
Expected growth of 4.5% annually from 2021 to 2026, driven by investments in wind and solar power. (Source: GlobalData)
FAQs about digital marketing in Belgium
What is the current state of digital marketing in Belgium?
Digital marketing in Belgium is rapidly expanding, focusing on social media marketing, email marketing, and digital ads. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram dominate, followed by email marketing and display advertising, according to Statista.
What are the most effective digital marketing strategies in Belgium?
The top strategies include SEO, social media marketing, and email marketing. HubSpot’s survey reveals that 50% of Belgian marketers find SEO most effective, followed by social media (38%) and email marketing (35%).
What are the most popular social media platforms for digital marketing in Belgium?
Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are the leading platforms. Statista reports that 58% of Belgian businesses use Facebook, followed by Instagram (27%) and LinkedIn (22%).
What is the average digital marketing budget for businesses in Belgium?
Businesses in Belgium allocate around 10% of their total marketing budget to digital marketing. CMO Council’s survey shows that 47% of marketers spend between 10-24% on digital marketing.
How are Belgian businesses measuring the success of their digital marketing campaigns?
Belgian businesses focus on tracking website traffic, leads, and sales. HubSpot found that 57% of Belgian marketers prioritize website traffic, with leads (32%) and sales (29%) following.