How Businesses use Demographic Data To Increase Sales and ROI

US personal income rose 2.6 percent last month, the largest increase in eight years, according to the Commerce Department. Although tax increases are due to start this month, the increase is still well above the 0.8 percent expectation. How do businesses use income information to increase their own sales and ROI? They look at a demographic map.

Census.gov features tools to visualize certain census data. “Islands of High Income” is an interactive map showing median income across the US. Viewers move the sliders to see counties of the US that have median household income greater than any increment between $18,000 and $110,000. However, data sources are from 2006-2010, so the visualization is a very general overview of the state of median household incomes across the US.

Businesses looking for up-to-date and more accurate data usually have to do the work themselves. With new technology, it’s becoming easier and easier for businesses to receive up-to-date data and maps.  Demographic Wall Maps of any County, State, or custom area in the US show population, median household income, number of households and median age within that area.

Businesses use these maps to understand their target markets in their areas, targeting areas with a certain income level or of a certain age group to increase sales. They add sales and order data to understand where their customers are already located. 

Using demographic data is not only for large businesses with an expert dedicated to geographic information systems (GIS); mapping data is becoming more affordable and easier to use in various formats. A map, report or interactive web application are some of the different ways everyday business analysts or owners are using demographic maps to increase sales!

To Change Up The Fast Food Industry, You Need The Right Customers

A former McDonald’s executive and his investment banker partner are trying to flip the fast food industry on its head.  How?  By targeting the right customers.  mapsales.com takes a look.

What is the biggest complaint that people have about fast food?  It certainly depends on who you ask, but the one you will hear most often is that fast food is unhealthy.  Too many calories, too much salt, and too much grease.  Fast food restaurants like McDonald’s offer cheap, on-the-go meals, and many would say that their quality reflects their rushed, inexpensive preparation. 

But there is one company that takes heed of these customer concerns.  To offer an alternative to the fast food industry, former McDonald’s executive Mike Roberts and former investment banker Stephen Sidwell created LYFE Kitchen.  LYFE (an acronym for Love Your Food Everyday) offers fast and cheap food.  The difference between them and McDonald’s: instead of asking “would you like to supersize that?” LYFE asks “would you like brussel sprouts with that?”

LYFE Kitchen currently has a location in Palo Alto, California where it offers locally grown, sustainable, gourmet meals.  It also offers a line of healthy frozen meals it sells at local grocery stores.  Most of the frozen meals are 600 calories or less and cost under $4. 

LYFE’s customer base includes those who are less-than-satisfied with the unhealthy options at most fast food restaurants.  According to their website, LYFE’s mission is to “bring great-tasting, good-for-you food to as many people as possible, while adhering to principles and policies that help make the world a better place.” 

LYFE is looking to build 250 locations nationwide within the next few years.  So how can this fast food alternative select the right locations and find the right customers?  One way is with a demographic map.  A demographic map will show LYFE where it can find its target market across the country.  Building store locations near your target market is a surefire way to increase foot traffic, gain customers, and build a loyal base. 

Want to learn more about how demographic maps can help your business? Contact us!  mapsales.com carries over 200,000 wall maps…delivered as fast as next day! 

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