Organizing a spreadsheet full of data can feel like an intimidating task to anyone.
However, creating visual data that actually means something to your customers is easier to create in Excel than you may think.
This post will show you 5 easy steps to converting your data into digestible chunks to present in your monthly activity website report.
1. Create a table of data
Firstly, input the data you wish to transform into a visual graph or chart into Excel; you can either export this data from elsewhere or input this manually.
The example I have used below highlights the number of visits to a website on a monthly basis from 2013 to 2015.
2. Choose a type of chart or graph
Next, highlight the entire table of data with your mouse, as demonstrated below, then select ‘charts’ on the top toolbar.
This will give you a wide range of choices, from bar graphs, scatter graphs to pie charts.
Below I have selected both a line graph and column chart to show how the data I have imported looks when converted into different visual formats.
3. Switch your axis if desired
If you wish to switch the information that appears along the X and Y axis, simply right click on the bar graph, then click ‘Select Data’.
Once the below grey box appears, select ‘Switch Row/Column’. You will then see your graph transform on the spreadsheet as requested. If you are happy with these changes, select ‘OK’.
4. Add labels to your axis
If you wish to either label your axis or even title your chart/graph for further clarity, select your graph, then click on ‘Chart Layout’ across the top toolbar.
As you can see, this will give you the option to add a chart title, add any axis titles or even label the individual data displayed across your chart or graph.
5. Add graphs to your activity report
Once you are happy with your visual data, right click on your new graph and either save this as an image, or copy it straight into your word document for your website activity report.
Bear in mind that there are many different versions of Excel and these screenshots have been taken from working on a Mac computer, so these screenshot examples may vary slightly depending on what you’re working with.
There are many options for visualizing your data in smart ways on Excel; however this post should provide you with a straightforward step-by-step guide to get you started!
For more advice on using Excel for your Website Activity Report, give us a call on +44 (0) 1908 671707.
