How-To
Ready, Set, Action! How to Turn Data into Business Growth
How to turn data for into business growth
This is a part 2 of the 3-part guest blog series by guest author Sarah Nell-Rodriquez, CEO of Be Data Lit, on helping small businesses grow and thrive with data. In part 1 of the series, we covered 5 Common Problems Small Businesses Face (And How Data Can Solve Them)
Here’s what most vendors won’t tell you: As a small business owner, you’ve likely been sold on the idea that the tools used by big enterprises will help you succeed. But here’s the truth—those solutions weren’t built with your business in mind. The complex platforms that work for large companies often leave small businesses like yours in the dark, guessing instead of making informed decisions. And let’s be honest—guessing isn’t a strategy, it’s a gamble.
You didn’t start your own business to follow someone else’s playbook. So why rely on expensive, clunky platforms designed for big corporations when your business deserves a smarter, faster solution that won’t drain your wallet?
The good news? You don’t need an expensive, complex platform to create a data strategy that works for your small business. It’s about access, simplicity, and smart tracking. Here’s a 5-step plan to help you build an affordable, efficient data strategy—without getting bogged down by big-business solutions.
1. Identify the Metrics That Actually Matter
Don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on the metrics that are key to your business success, like customer purchases, sales trends, and operational efficiency. You don’t need complex platforms to track this—start with a basic spreadsheet to track these numbers manually. This will give you clarity on what’s happening in your business without all the bells and whistles.
Example
Is your revenue down this month? Look at your spreadsheet to see if it’s a seasonal trend, or maybe it’s time to boost your marketing.
Pro Tip
Track metrics that matter to your goals—not what big companies track. Keep it simple and relevant to your business.
2. Use Free or Low-Cost Tools
Why spend a fortune for data insights? Free options like Google Sheets allow you to track performance, Google Forms lets you collect customer feedback, and free CRMs like HubSpot or Zoho help manage customer interactions. These tools are easy to use, budget-friendly, and highly effective. For those new to data, Querri is a great platform to get started fast and with ease.
Example
Create a Google Form to ask customers what they love about your products. Use the feedback to tweak your offerings based on real customer preferences.
Pro Tip
You don’t need to spend thousands—start with free tools, and upgrade only when necessary.
3. Start Simple With Manual Tracking and Reporting
You don’t need fancy software or automation just yet. Start by manually tracking key metrics like sales, customer feedback, and inventory. Set up a weekly routine, like “Reporting Fridays,” to review your data. This hands-on approach helps you stay connected to the core of your business and spot trends before they become problems.
Example
A small boutique used Google Sheets to manually track their inventory and sales. By reviewing their data weekly, they noticed certain items moved faster during specific seasons and adjusted stock levels accordingly.
Pro Tip
Dedicate just 30 minutes a week to track and review your key metrics manually. Small, consistent actions can reveal big insights over time.
4. Make Customer Feedback Your Best Friend
Your customers know what’s working and what’s not—so listen to them! Use free tools like Google Forms or Typeform to regularly gather customer feedback. This simple step helps you understand what customers love and where you can improve, giving you valuable insights without paying for a fancy system.
Example
If customers keep mentioning that shipping is slow, you know exactly where to focus your efforts for improvement.
Pro Tip:
Customer feedback is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to gather actionable data. Don’t underestimate its value.
5. Focus on Consistency and Behavior
A strong data strategy doesn’t just rely on collecting information—it’s about building the habit of reviewing and acting on it consistently. Behavior matters: the more regularly you review your data, the more comfortable you’ll become with spotting patterns and making informed decisions. Consistency breeds clarity.
Example
If you’re consistently checking sales every week, you’ll be more prepared to handle sudden dips or capitalize on spikes in demand. Over time, this behavior becomes second nature, and you’ll find it easier to make quick, data-driven adjustments.
Pro Tip
Make data review part of your business routine. Whether it’s weekly or bi-weekly, stick to a schedule and watch how your ability to make informed decisions sharpens over time.Build a Strategy That Works for You
You don’t need expensive, complicated platforms to get a handle on your business’s data. By identifying the metrics that matter, using free or low-cost tools, manually tracking your key data points, and focusing on consistent review, you’ll have all the insights you need to make informed, strategic decisions. Remember, the big-business solutions aren’t built for you—in fact, they often complicate things. These simple steps are designed to cut through the noise and work for you. With a bit of consistency and the right focus, you’ll turn data into your secret weapon for growth without the headaches.
Ready to Take Control?
Stop guessing and start making decisions based on what really matters for your business. You don’t need to spend big to get big results—let’s chat about how we can help you create a custom data strategy tailored to your small business. Don’t let the big platforms leave you in the dark.
Need help getting started? Here’s our Data Strategy Refresh for Small Businesses—get started today by visiting Be Data Lit’s Small Business Strategy. Let’s work together to grow your business with data that works for you—without the cost and complexity of the big guys.
Readers can contact Sarah by visiting her website linked below
About the author
Sarah Nell-Rodriquez is a driving force in data education, shaping strategies that empower individuals and organizations to thrive in today’s data-driven landscape. At Tableau, Sarah built out multiple foundational courses and led the product strategy, ensuring that data education aligned with business goals. She also traveled the world, teaching Tableau’s network of partners, customers, and trainers how to effectively teach data. Her global work positioned her as a leader in scaling education and ensuring data became a tool for success across industries.
Through Be Data Lit, Sarah now wants to help others “get lit” with data education. She’s focused on making data accessible to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and data professionals. Her platform-agnostic approach enables organizations to scale internal data education as AI reshapes the landscape, ensuring that data education aligns with real-world goals and customer needs. At Be Data Lit, Sarah is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to use data for growth, empowerment, and long-term success.