How to Monetize Data

📅 28 January 2023

Data monetization is becoming increasingly commonplace in today’s data-driven business world. It involves taking raw data and turning it into a valuable asset, typically by creating new products or services that can be sold to customers. Data monetization enables businesses to capitalize on the data they have created and collected, which can help them generate additional revenue streams and expand their customer base.

In this article, we’ll discuss what data monetization is, how it works, and the best practices for successful data monetization. We’ll also look at some of the challenges associated with data monetization, as well as ways to overcome these challenges. Finally, we’ll provide some tips for achieving successful data monetization.

Data Monetization

Data monetization is the process of turning data into a valuable asset. It can involve creating new products, services, or insights derived from data analysis and selling them to customers or other third parties. Data monetization can also take the form of advertising revenue, subscription fees, or other types of transactions. As seen in the graph below, intangible assets are very valuable to businesses today. Therefore, data monetization is more important than ever.

By monetizing data in this way, businesses can gain additional revenue streams and expand their customer base. For example, a company may use data monetization to create new products or services based on insights gained from big data sets, predictive analytics, and other forms of analysis. This can help them to better understand the needs of their customers and develop more relevant offerings for them. 

Currently, the companies that are most successful in leveraging data monetization are Amazon, Google, Facebook, and Apple. They have used data monetization to launch new products and services and capitalize on their user base. For example, Google uses data monetization to serve relevant ads and increase its overall advertising revenues.

Smaller companies that are successfully leveraging the power of data monetization are also emerging, such as Airbnb and Uber. Airbnb has used data monetization to optimize its user experience and provide more relevant recommendations to customers. On the other hand, Uber has used data monetization to improve its pricing algorithm and better match drivers with riders.

Types of Data Monetization

Data monetization can be divided into three categories: direct monetization, advertising-based monetization, and indirect monetization.

  • Direct Monetization

Direct data monetization involves selling access to the collected data itself. This could involve providing a subscription service that allows customers to view raw data or offering a fee-based service that provides customers with insights based on the analysis of big data sets. It could also involve providing access to historical data, such as past sales information, or even real-time tracking of customer behavior.

  • Advertising-Based Monetization

Advertising-based data monetization involves leveraging collected data to target ads to customers who may be interested in purchasing a particular product or service. For example, if a company collects data on customer buying habits, it can use that data to target ads for related products to those customers.

  • Indirect Monetization

Indirect data monetization involves leveraging collected data to create new products or services that can be sold to customers. This could include creating new software, analytics tools, or even predictive models based on the data collected.

The graphic below highlights the transactions involved in most basic data monetization circumstances. In the most basic example, a company offers a free product or service and, in return, receives the user’s data. The company can then use that data to sell it to its partners and even other companies for money. In the case of Facebook, users are able to use their services for free. However, users also give Facebook some of their data, like their ages, that is sold to third parties for advertising and other uses.

How to Monetize Data

Data monetization can be done in a variety of ways depending on the type of data and its intended use. Here are some key steps to consider when looking to monetize data:

1. Identify Your Customers – To effectively monetize your data, you first need to identify who your customers are and what they need. You should also consider their preferences and behaviors, as this can help you tailor your offerings to better meet their needs.

2. Analyze Your Data – Once you have identified your target customers, it’s time to analyze the data you have collected about them. This step is key for uncovering insights that can help inform your monetization strategy.

3. Determine Your Pricing Model – After you have identified your target customers and analyzed the data, it’s time to decide on a pricing model. This could include subscription fees, pay-for-performance models, or other ways of monetizing your data.

4. Develop Your Products – Once you have a pricing model in place, it’s time to develop the products or services that will be used for data monetization. This could include creating new insights from your data analysis, developing predictive analytics models, or offering personalized services based on customer preferences and behaviors.

5. Market Your Offerings – Finally, you need to market your data monetization products and services. This could involve using digital marketing tactics such as email campaigns, paid search ads, or social media posts. You should also consider ways to leverage existing customers and partners to help spread the word about your new products and services. 

Data monetization can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to leverage their data and generate new sources of revenue. By following the steps outlined above, companies can effectively monetize their data and start creating value for customers.

Conclusion

Data monetization is an increasingly popular way for businesses to leverage their data and generate new sources of revenue. Successful data monetization requires careful consideration of customer needs, thorough analysis of the collected data, and a well-thought-out pricing model. Additionally, companies should consider ways to market their products, such as digital marketing campaigns or leveraging existing customers and partners. By following these steps, businesses can effectively monetize their data and start creating value for their customers.

References

Anmut

BMToolBox

Deloitte

Beepanalytics

Experian

Forbes

CIO

9Lenses

Business2Community

Qlik

Capterra

StrataDecision

Marketing91

ExpertSystem

Strategy Business

Research Gate

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