Small Business Tips: Top Tools for Data Collection
Learning to leverage data is what gives many small businesses the competitive edge. Even when they’re up against much larger organizations.
In a vast virtual world of online information, businesses that hold the data and know how to implement it into their everyday decision-making processes will be a force to be reckoned with. However, finding relevant data in the first place can be tricky.
Thankfully, there are more than a few ways to start collecting info. Sometimes, all it takes are a few great tools and an eye for opportunity.
Mobile Cloud Solutions
Over the last few years, the digital transformation has led many businesses towards the diverse world of cloud computing.
The many benefits—such as enhanced network security, ease of access, and remote collaboration—make cloud solutions an enticing option, especially for small businesses looking to support a hybrid workforce.
Cloud-based solutions can also be a valuable tool for gathering useful data. For example, introducing cloud based phones to the workplace can be a wonderful way to obtain a wealth of highly beneficial marketing analytics. This effectively enables you to track your campaign with great accuracy.
Your team could access this data from wherever they happen to be. Therefore, increasing collaboration effectiveness and decreasing downtime.
However, choosing and implementing the right cloud solutions can be complex, especially without dedicated IT support. This is where working with a fractional cio can provide significant value. A fractional CIO can offer expert guidance on cloud integration, security, and optimization—without the cost of a full-time IT hire—ensuring that your cloud solutions are tailored to your business needs and help you maximize efficiency.
Incorporating cloud tools like these into your business can enhance operational efficiency and give you the flexibility to scale as needed.
Price Comparison Tools
Implementing free price comparison tools on your website can be a good way to get hold of some important data while increasing the interactivity between you and the customer.
For instance, when the customer enters their email address to utilize the free tool, you can then store their details for later follow-up marketing.
Making sure you do this above board is extremely important. Not only is it a matter of decency and strong work ethics, but it can keep you out of a potentially disastrous situation involving privacy regulations.
The customer needs to know what you are going to do with their details, so explaining your process clearly is a must.
Online Surveys
Putting a new twist on the old-school approach of conducting customer surveys can be a great way to engage your customer. Thus consider offering them some neat bonuses, and acquire valuable data.
For example, you might want to offer feedback opportunities on your website in exchange for some digital vouchers or perhaps even a VIP status.
Incentivizing your customers to complete the survey in the first place can help you increase the chances of connecting with them.
There are some superb survey tools online for this. Consider the immense ROI that data acquisition can offer you, they may be well worth the price.
Analytics Tools
Google Analytics is completely free to access. It is also home to some insightful information regarding current search trends and keywords.
Checking out analytical tools for search engines can be important for anyone who needs to gather data to launch a marketing campaign or work on their SEO.
SEO and analytics often go hand in hand. So, getting hold of as much info as you can should be a priority in this area.
Traffic Monitors
Website trackers can help you figure out just how long visitors spend on your website. They also track which products they show interest in. Some even track where on the internet they are visting from.
This should enable you to better understand your audience’s buying behavior. As successful marketing teams will likely tell you, getting to know the customer is vital in business.
