Hello DBD crew!
We are thrilled to release our v first data hack. Yes, yes… data hack sounds like typical blogger mumbo jumbo. BUT in the spirit of what Dumb Blonde Data is all about, these will be APPLICABLE tips either covering a data best practice or a how-to for a certain software.
So what did we decide to debut first? Something generic that will help you in all data related tasks… yes, you guessed right! These are the 4 main items to consider when exporting and formatting your data set.
SETTING UP YOUR DATA
- Make it Raw
- Column Format -> Very important
- Headers
- Keep It Simple
1. Make it Raw
Raw data is as finite as possible and is not aggregated (e.g. sum or average). For example, let’s say you want to analyze the sales data for 2019 from your CRM. You go to “Export” and the options are summary by month, by customer, or by transaction. Which should you choose? Export by transaction*. There will be more data, but it allows for deeper insights.
*Exception if pulling from a large database, in which case you only want to query out the information you need.
2. Column Format
By this, we mean each row should have all the data associated with it. Unless there is no data associated with the column for the row, the cell should not be blank. Important so that if the data gets rearranged or pulled into a pivot table, formula, or other software, that information is not lost.
3. Headers
EACH column needs to have a header and there should only be one row of headers.
4. Keep It Simple
Date of export, any extra calculations, or notes… make sure it is deleted from the working file. Sometimes a software will prevent you from importing or it may mess up your final calculations.
Have any additional questions about setting up your data properly? Feel free to email us and we’ll work hard to help you!
xx,
Ell and Cam