Editorial strategy support that drives impact

At smartocto, our analytics are designed to be inherently actionable, giving you clear insights you can act on immediately. But we know that lasting editorial impact comes from combining those insights with the right skills, strategies, and workflows.

That’s why smartocto Academy now brings together two powerful ways to support your newsroom:

  1. The smartocto editorial strategy team: hands-on strategic support to turn data into growth.
  2. The smartocto academy eLearning platform: self-paced interactive learning for you and your team.

Whether you want direct, expert collaboration or prefer to learn at your own pace (or both), the smartocto academy is built to help you turn insights into action.

What you are searching for:

  • Accelerate audience growth through data-backed content strategies
  • Make editorial decisions smarter and faster with support from experienced specialists
  • Strengthen newsroom culture around analytics and user needs
  • Get more value out of their smartocto tooling
  • Turn insights into action and make that action sustainable

Our goal is not to give advice from a distance, but to become your thinking partner in editorial growth.

Want to explore how we can support your newsroom?

Get in touch

The smartocto editorial strategy team

We believe that data is only valuable when it leads to action. Our editorial strategy services are designed to bridge the gap between analytics and editorial strategy. Whether you need strategic advice, training, or fresh inspiration, we’re here to help your newsroom grow with data-driven journalism.

Our portfolio includes clearly defined, scalable services, developed specifically for the realities of modern newsrooms.

1. Baseline reports
A sharp and concise editorial analysis of your newsroom’s performance, based on your own data and content. These reports often use the User Needs Model but can also provide broader editorial insights. You’ll receive clear, actionable recommendations tailored to your goals

2. Superuser training
 Our training sessions help your team work smarter with smart decision-making tools. Editors, analysts and audience specialists will learn how to make the most of our features – so smartocto becomes a natural part of their workflow.

3. Labs programmes
These collaborative, multi-week learning programmes (developed with FT Strategies) connect publishers working on similar challenges. Together, we dive into formats, workflows and audience strategies – guided by experts.

4. Custom editorial consultancy
Looking for something tailored? We offer one-on-one support around newsroom strategy, workflow optimisation, format development, user needs, brand positioning and more. We bring clarity to complex editorial challenges.

5. Inspirational sessions
Our keynotes, webinars and workshops help align teams around data-informed journalism. Perfect for internal kick-offs, strategy days or editorial retreats. Always rooted in editorial judgement.

Meet the team

Together with FT Strategies and smartocto’s internal teams including Data Science, Succes and Support and Strategy, this team ensures that every project delivers real, measurable editorial value.

Stefan ten Teije – senior editorial strategist
A former journalist with a strong editorial instinct and a commitment to audience engagement. Stefan helps publishers grow through smart, practical steps using data to support the essence of journalism and the mission behind it.

Erik van Heeswijk – CEO and co-founder
Previously Digital Director at Dutch public broadcaster VPRO, Erik has spent years advising media companies on strategy and digital transformation. At smartocto, he brings a clear vision and strong editorial foundation to every project.

Rutger Verhoeven – CMO and co-founder
As one of the key architects of the User Needs Model 2.0, Rutger combines a deep understanding of editorial practice with a sharp strategic mindset. He has advised many publishers on how to align audience needs with long-term goals and remains closely involved in both product development and training.

Martijn de Bie – succes manager
With a background in both IT and media, Martijn knows what newsrooms need to succeed and how to unlock the full potential of smartocto’s features. His support helps teams turn insights into results.

Learn more about our collaboration with FT Strategies right here.

Curious what we can do for you?

Whether you’re exploring new formats, optimising your workflow or just want to improve performance: our editorial strategists are here to help.

Let’s talk about what’s possible.

Get in touch

The smartocto academy eLearning platform

The eLearning side of the smartocto academy is your on-demand training hub, giving you and your team the skills to get the most from our tools and from your editorial strategy.

Academy thumbnail
eLearning @ smartocto

In the academy, you’ll find everything you need to support, explain and deepen your online content strategy. Built in partnership with online learning specialist Pluvo, it offers an interactive experience designed for maximum engagement:

  • Test your knowledge with quiz questions and practical assignments
  • Apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios
  • Access the Knowledge College for in-depth learning
  • Use our extensive FAQ section for answers and deeper understanding

Pricing and access

  • Standard Plan: €12.50 per seat per month or €120 per year
  • Volume discounts for teams of 25+ seats
  • Additional discounts for long-term contracts

Manage participants with ease
Easily add or remove seats, monitor progress, and keep your team on track to success. Every participant has an individual account, ensuring a personalised learning journey.

Module topics include:

Real-time modules

  1. Story details page
  2. Stream
  3. Ink
  4. Filtering
  5. Impact radar
  6. Negative sentiment
  7. A/B testing
  8. Homepage orchestration
  9. Tentacles archive
  10. Follow up
  11. Search traffic

Historical insights modules

  1. Metrics
  2. CPI
  3. Overview page
  4. Authors page
  5. Website page
  6. Section page

User needs modules

  1. Introduction to the User Needs Model 2.0
  2. Background with Dmitry
  3. How to implement it in the newsroom
  4. Update me
  5. Educate me
  6. Give me perspective
  7. Divert me
  8. Inspire me
  9. Connect me
  10. Help me
  11. Keep me engaged
  12. How smartocto tools can help
  13. Notifications and user needs
  14. Quadrant model and user needs
  15. Waves and user needs
  16. Goals and user needs

Certificates

Track participant progress and reward achievements with certificates, recognising both skill growth and commitment to excellence.

Do you already have a license?

Then here are some useful links:

Your success is our success

At smartocto, we are committed to supporting the growth and success of journalists. We firmly believe that our technology can empower you, but we understand that true success comes from helping you harness its power effectively. Thus, the creation of smartocto Academy was driven by our desire to see you thrive in the industry.

We invite you to embark on this exciting learning journey with us. Join smartocto Academy today and unlock your full potential as a journalist.

If you are interested in a license to smartocto Academy, please fill in the form below and we will get back to you.