Most business owners open Google Analytics, sales reports, or social media dashboards, hoping insights will jump out at them. This reactive approach leads to costly mistakes.
The problem? Our brains see patterns even when they don’t exist.
Before opening any analytics report, write down one to three questions you want to answer. This simple step transforms assumptions into data-driven decisions.
The Question Framework
Use this structure:
“How did ‘X’ change over a certain time period in relation to a particular initiative?”
Examples:
- How did sales for Product A change in Q1 2025 versus Q1 2024 in relation to our price adjustments?
- How did social media engagement change Q1 versus Q2 with our new content strategy?
Key Elements for Better Questions
Get Specific:
Anchor questions to current business goals or concerns.
Include Time Variables:
Always compare specific time periods.
Connect to Actions:
Link data changes to business initiatives you’ve made.
Why This Works
By asking the right questions first, you:
- Avoid wrong conclusions from incomplete data
- Make evidence-based decisions, not assumptions
- Focus on metrics that matter to your business goals
The next time you’re ready to analyze data, stop. Write down your questions first. Your bottom line will thank you.
