We created Mapsimise knowing that the concept of geocoding data for business was fairly new. Not many businesses currently use it and we found that using GEO applications for business has been seen much more in the US than it has in the UK and Europe. However, it’ll be no surprise to see that more and more here will be using it.
So, we wanted to explain how geocoding is blowing up the status quo and how it can benefit you and your business. It’s not a new tool - it’s a new way of business process, it’s a productivity booster, it’s a collaborator, it’s a new way to see your data – it’s everything in one and suitable for all industries with data that holds an address. It’s amazing what you can do and see on a map!
Let’s start with a definition
Geocoding: Geocoding is the process of transforming a description of a location—such as a pair of coordinates, an address, or a name of a place—to a location on the earth's surface.
Geocoding isn’t just being able to see data on a map, it’s a new way of analysis and insight into the way you run your business, the way you handle processes or the way your staff work specific to locations.
So why should you use it and how can it benefit your business?
Geocoding, once you know how to use it effectively can give you a huge competitive advantage. Understanding how your business can use it is the first step. Almost all businesses and industries can make use of it, but many choose not to or don’t see the potential. Seeing the potential in the ways it can be used is how it can give you the most benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the ways it can enhance your business activities…
Marketing
Geocoding uses the addresses of data, therefore due to loyalty schemes and delivery details you can use geocoding to better target your customers when performing marketing activities. Say for example you analysed those customers closest to one of your retail stores, you could target those customers within 3 miles to invite them for an upcoming instore event. This doesn’t just make your life easier, but it increases efficiency in marketing resources. There’s now no need to do a one size fits all approach, but targeting those key customers is easier than ever. Personalised emails receive 14% more click-through rates than standard blanket emails, and with geocoding this is now much more achievable.
Mapsimise gives you the option to use well-known marketing connectors such as DotDigital and MailChimp so that you don’t have to close programs to transfer your data between. Instead, you can easily choose those you would like to target and send an email campaign straight to them from one platform.
Visualise your Locations
Whether it’s your customers, salespeople, delivery drivers, competitors, store locations, assets - whatever it may be, geocoding helps you to visualise what you choose to see by location, on your map. This helps you to analyse, find trends and take action accordingly. It could be how many sales people you have out in the field today, how many assets are being hired and their current locations, how many customers are closest to their nearest store, how many customers are close to an event you are holding. Once you’ve got the hang of all the things you can do with geocoding, the possibilities are endless and now you can see why this really can be used by any industry.
Asset Management
Geospatial tools can help you to better manage your assets like equipment installed or vehicles. Visualising this can make your life a whole lot easier and seeing how all your data connects improves business intelligence. It’s a growing trend now to analyse data to make more informed decisions and visualising your data on a map can significantly improve decision making.
Learn more about asset management and how Mapsimise can help by reading our blog.
We hope this helps with understanding the benefits of geocoding to your business. If you would like to find out more about geocoding or how it could help with the running of your business, we’d be very happy to talk it through.
If you would like to try Mapsimise, our Go subscription is completely FREEto give you a taste of what you can do with your data on a map. Let us know if we can help!
Get Started: https://www.mapsimise.com/Getstarted
