How Data Visualization Helps Businesses Grow
We have all seen charts and graphs, but how much do we really think about what goes into these visual representations of information? Probably not a lot. However, as business leaders, we can all benefit from the simplicity of data visualization. Today, Red Gear Works offers insight into how you can use visualized data throughout your organization.
What Is Data Visualization?
Simply stated, data visualization is simply the act of taking complex information and scaling it down into something more easily accessible for everyone. You can see data visualization around you everywhere, but it is not necessarily an advent of the modern age. If you take a scroll through history, you’ll see that visuals were used as far back as the sixth century by Greek academic Anaximander, who is credited for making the world’s first map. We’ve come a long way since then. Today, visual data can be used in our businesses to boost profits and create better enterprises.
Decision-Making
Visualized data can be used to make decisions by helping you see change over time or comparing values between groups. You might, for example, pull information from your website that shows how and when customers shop. You can turn this into a chart or graph and then look for patterns that show when your site is most active. This might prompt you to be more active on social media during these hours or to schedule special sales around your busy time so that you can offload unsold merchandise.
Presentation
Anytime you need to present information to investors, employees, or groups of customers, the easiest and simplest way to do that is through visual data. If you’re presenting on an overhead board or through an interactive online presentation, you want to make this as easy as possible. You can use certain formats, such as PDF, which are easily readable by most devices. For editing your PDF online, use a program that lets you upload each file, make changes, and distribute it effortlessly.
Marketing
Big data can help you strategize your marketing plan as well. As eWeek explains, complex information broken down into a digestible format is easier to understand and analyze. The insights that you receive from these “nuggets” of data can help you better target your customers. One example here is using visual data to narrow down your target demographic. You can quickly and easily see where your customers skew, such as if they are high-income or tend to shop on a whim.
Moving Forward
Obviously, data visualization can have a big impact on your business – and that impact will only grow as technology continues to change and evolve. One way to keep on top of things is to go back to school for a masters degree in data analytics. That will give you an edge over the competition, and thanks to the flexibility of online programs, you’ll be able to learn at your own pace, without having to take time away from work.
Types Of Data Visualization Tools
We’ve already mentioned charts and graphs, but visual data can come in any number of forms. Something as simple as a poster with a caution sign near a dangerous spot on your warehouse floor or an infographic that shows your customers how to use your product are examples of visual data.
Ultimately, visual data can play a role in all aspects of every business. From marketing to decision-making to reducing downtime by improving safety, presenting data in an easy-to-understand format is a benefit to you, your customers, and your employees.
Red Gear Works is a small business that specializes in branding, marketing, and social media. Our goal is to help teach you various aspects in these areas in order to best help your business thrive. Reach out today to get started!