Are You Tracking Your Data? If Not, Here’s How to Start
Running a small business like a restaurant or a retail shop means wearing a lot of hats. You’re managing staff, serving customers, and keeping the lights on, but are you tracking your data? Many small businesses aren’t. In 2023, only 51% of U.S. small businesses believe in data-driven analytics, leaving many without clear insights into their operations (ScholarWorks, 2023). Data tracking isn’t about expensive tools or advanced tech; it’s about knowing your numbers to save money, work smarter, and keep customers coming back. Let’s get started with three easy steps to track your data today, even if you’re starting from scratch.
Step 1: Start with What You Have—Paper or POS
You don’t need fancy software to get going. If you use a POS system like Square or Shopify, pull a weekly sales report to see what’s selling or when you’re busiest. No POS? Grab a notebook or open a free Google Sheet to jot down daily sales, customer visits, or expenses. Why it matters: 27% of U.S. small businesses lack an online presence, missing out on digital data like sales trends (Hostinger, Feb 6, 2025).
Action: Track one metric—like daily sales—for three days this week. Use Google Sheets to log it. Grab my free Google Sheet template here to make it simple.
Step 2: Focus on One Key Area—Expenses or Customers
Don’t try to track everything at once. Pick one area, like expenses or customer behavior. For expenses, use receipts or bank statements to list weekly costs in a spreadsheet. For customers, note repeat visits or top items in your POS or a logbook. Since the pandemic, there has been a rise in small businesses utilizing data analytics and digital tools, but that doesn’t mean you have to dive into the deep end just yet. You can start simple and build from there (Ruby, 2025).
Action: Choose one focus—say, expenses—and track it for a week. Look for one cost to cut, like extra supplies. You might be surprised what you find!
Step 3: Use Free Tools to Make Tracking Simple
Free tools can turn your data into clear insights. Google Sheets lets you create charts to spot trends, like a restaurant seeing Friday night spikes. If you use a POS, check its built-in reports for quick wins. Google Forms can collect customer feedback so you can get insights into where you need to make adjustments. 62% of small business owners do not conduct surveys of their customers (SurveyMonkey, 2025). Asking your customers questions can provide a goldmine of information that could pair well with your data tracking.
Action: Set up a Google Sheet this week to track one metric, like weekly expenses, and create a simple bar chart. Need some help? Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call here, and I can help you find the best tools for your business.
Call to Action
Tracking data doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it’s about starting small and seeing big results. With only a segment of U.S. small businesses using analytics today, you’re not alone if you’re just beginning. With these three steps, you can take control of your numbers and make smarter decisions. Whether you’re a retailer or a coffee shop, data can help you make smarter choices.
Get started with our free Daily Sales Tracker or book a free 15-minute Discovery Call to create a custom plan.
Share your biggest data challenge in the comments below or on LinkedIn!
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