Nowadays, there is noticed a steep increase in data generation. Statistics reveal that total data volume in 2020 was 64.2 zettabytes. By 2025, it is predicted to cross 181 zettabytes. In case you are unsure where to start, then this huge volume of data will prove to be overwhelming. How to ensure data being used is vital and relevant to business problems? Availing correct data is crucial to ensure smooth decision-making process. The right approach will be to collect data.
Data Collection Methods for business analytics
1. Transactional Tracking:
As customers complete a transaction, you can track this data. It helps making vital decisions on targeted marketing efforts. You also get to know better your customer base. POS and eCommerce platforms permit data storage once it is generated. This seamless data collection procedure helps pay off as customer insights.
2. Surveys:
These are digital or physical questionnaires collected for quantitative and qualitative data from subjects. Surveys are conducted after an event to collect attendee feedback. It provides information on what attendees enjoyed, areas to save or improve money and what different things they seek. Surveys do offer opportunity to distribute at scale since they are sent digitally or physically. They are also inexpensive. When creating and running surveys do take into account subject and collection bias.
3. Observation:
You need to consider Data Science. This is possible by observing how people tend to interact with your product or site. It helps with data collection. In case user experience is difficult or confusing, it can be noticed in real-time. But, it can be difficult to establish observation sessions. Third-party tool can be used for recording users’ journeys through the site. User interaction can also be observed through your product or site’s beta version. This allows you to leverage quantitative and qualitative data and come up with improvements.
4. Focus groups and interviews:
This data collection procedure comprises of face-to-face discussions with subjects on a specific issue or topic. Generally interviews are one-to-one. Several people make a focus group. Both can be used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Focus groups and interviews can help collect feedback from target audience. This is concerning new product features. You can notice them in real-time interacting with your products. Also record their responses and reactions made to questions posed.
5. Social media monitoring:
Your business may have presence in diverse social media channels. You can monitor them for follower engagement and Data Science. It can help track data concerning your audience motivation and interests. Majority of the social media platforms come with inbuilt analytics in them. Also are present 3rd party social platforms offering more organized, detailed insights derived from multiple channels. Data collected can be used to determine the issues stated to be vital to your followers.
6. Forms:
Using online forms can help with decision-making process. You can collect qualitative user data, specifically contact information or demographic data. It involves easy setup and being inexpensive. They can also be used for registrations or content purpose like email newsletters and webinars. This data when used can help connect people who might be interested in shopping your products. Develop demographic profiles of such existing customers. It also helps with remarketing efforts like content recommendations and email workflows.
7. Online tracking:
This is another data collection procedure to avail behavioral data. Implement tools like cookies and pixels to track online behavior of users across sites. It also offers insight on what content the users would like to engage with. Also do monitor user behavior on company site. It includes those parts of higher interest. Using collected data helps improve site design and allow easy navigation.
There are numerous Data Collection Methods that can help you to determine the best to suit your budget and timeline. The right method can help you to make wise business decisions.
