Small businesses have a smaller margin for error because of their limited resources. They need precision or at least an approximate of it to maintain their competitive advantage and profitability. As an owner, you can leverage data to improve your forecasting and targeting. Your primary data collection efforts enable you to direct your resources on campaigns and audiences that are likely to convert.

 

These are some of the ways you can use data.

 

Know Your Customers Better

Data allows you to develop better customer relationships. The more information you have about them, the more you will be able to deliver the solutions they are looking for. Data such as age, gender, likes, dislikes, shopping behavior, items they often buy or browse, the way they shop, the reasons they choose one brand over another, or their preferred touch points provide you with insights. These allow you to customize your approach and increase the likelihood of conversion. You can personalize your message and include product features your customers will appreciate and find useful.

 

Determine Industry Trends

To beat your competitors, you should be aware of industry trends. Using data allows you to identify the ebbs and flows of your niche. It enables you to determine which products or features customers will like, or if there will be an abrupt change in consumer behavior. Primary data collection of the likes and dislikes, touchpoints and comments of your customers allow you to make changes to your strategy.

 

Studying the Competition

It’s easier to analyze and study your competitors because of the accessibility of data online. You no longer have to go to their store or website. You can learn more about them by accessing financial data online, mentions of them on social media, Google Trends, and other similar sources. This accessibility allows you to determine their strengths and weaknesses, and possible gaps in their products or services to get more customers. However, they can also do the same for your business. Despite the stiff competition, data allows you to gain a competitive advantage as long as you know how to use and analyze it.

 

Find Talent for Your Business

Using data isn’t just about finding customers and getting ahead of your competitors, you can also use it to find potential employees that suit the needs of your small business. Data allows you to identify which recruitment channels to use for finding employees and information about a specific employee’s attendance and performance. All the readily available information enables you to filter candidates quickly and find the one that fits into your company’s culture.

 

Improve Company Processes

Data also allows you to make internal improvements. Conduct primary data collection about the different aspects of your organization. This allows you to identify which parts need improvement and additional resources. You can also determine which processes boost the efficiency and productivity of your staff with the data you collected.

 

Collecting data provides you with insights about your competitors, customers, and internal processes. The information you gathered allows you to allocate resources effectively, improve customer service and products, and make your company more efficient. If ever you need a reliable outsourcing partner for bookkeeping, we at Robookkeeper can assist you. We offer reliable small business accounting services.