Data Visualization: What it is and How it Can Benefit Your Hartland, WI Business

You may have heard the term data visualization before, but what exactly is it? And how can it benefit your small business? Data visualization is the process of representing data in a visual format, such as a graph or chart. When done correctly, data visualization can be an invaluable tool for understanding complex data sets and making informed decisions. Here are a few ways the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce says that data visualization can help your business.

What is Data Visualization?

As mentioned above, data visualization is the process of representing data in a visual format. This can be anything from a simple bar chart to a more complex network diagram. The goal of data visualization is to take large and complex data sets and make them easier to understand at a glance.

Data Visualization Benefits Operations

One of the most important benefits of data visualization is that it can help streamline internal processes. By representing data in a visually-appealing way, businesses can more easily see where bottlenecks exist and identify opportunities for improvement. Additionally, data visualization can be used to track progress over time and compare different departments or divisions within a company.

Data Visualization Benefits Marketing

Data visualization can also be used to inform marketing decisions. For example, by understanding which marketing channels are performing well and which ones are underperforming, businesses can allocate their marketing budget more effectively. Additionally, data visualization can be used to track customer engagement with various marketing campaigns.

The Best Data Visualization Tools for Small Businesses

Several different software programs offer data visualization capabilities. However, not all of them are well-suited for small businesses. Here are a few of the best data visualization tools for small businesses:

1. Tableau Public:

Tableau Public is a free software program that offers powerful data visualization capabilities. It is easy to use and well-suited for businesses of all sizes.

2. Google Charts:

Google Charts is another free option that offers a wide range of charts and graphs that can be customized to meet your specific needs. Three native integrations enable you to pull data from other software programs' third-party integrations and make it easy to add mapping capabilities. That said, it should be noted that Google Charts does require some coding knowledge to use it effectively.

3. Sisense:

Sisense is a paid software program that offers robust data visualization capabilities. While it is more expensive than some other options, its ease of use and wide range of features make it worth the price tag for many businesses.

4. PDFs:

As simple as it sounds, PDFs remain a great way to share and present data findings. They're easy to create, then you can add a page to your PDF if you need to. If you’re dealing with sensitive information, you can also password-protect them if you want to keep your work private. Plus, you can easily convert them to other formats. And if you're worried about compatibility, don't be—PDFs can be opened on just about any device. 

The Best Data Visualization Tools for Small Businesses

Data visualization is a powerful tool that can benefit businesses of all sizes in a number of different ways—from streamlining internal processes to informing marketing decisions. If you're looking for a way to get more out of your data, consider using one of the four data visualization tools listed above. They can help you capture and share your data in user-friendly formats, and PDF tools can help you send your visualizations with key stakeholders. 

If you’re ready to grow your business with the help of great local resources and partnerships, join the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce.