How to Compare Data Sets

Comparing different data sets helps you understand key similarities and differences in customer behavior and performance. Instead of looking at results in isolation, comparisons allow you to quickly identify what is driving changes, what makes certain groups unique, and where meaningful deviations occur.

In RetentionX, you can use the compare feature to analyze two types of data sets side by side: customer segments and time periods.

Why Comparing Data Matters

When you analyze all data combined, you see how customers behave on average. When you narrow the view to a specific segment or time frame, you understand how that group or period performs on its own.

However, comparing data side by side reveals what truly makes one group or period different from another. This approach highlights discrepancies and leads to actionable insights, such as:

• How successful was my last holiday season compared to the previous year?

• How do my Top Customers perform compared to my overall customer base?

• How do subscribers differ from non-subscription customers?

To gain meaningful insights, always change only one parameter at a time—either the customer group or the time frame. This ensures that differences in performance can be clearly attributed to a single factor.

Compare Data for two Segments

Segment comparisons are ideal for understanding differences between customer groups. To compare two different customer segments, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the report you want to analyze.

2. Open the comparison view in the top-right corner.

1. The report will now be displayed twice, side by side.

2. Select the segments you want to compare.
   
   
    

3. To deactivate the comparison view, click Exit.

Compare Data for two Time Periods

Time period comparisons are best suited for measuring progress, seasonality, or the impact of strategic changes over time. To compare performance across different time periods, follow the same workflow:

1. Navigate to the report you’d like to analyze.

2. Open the comparison view in the top-right corner.

   

3. The report is displayed side by side, allowing you to select two different time periods.
   
   
    

4. To deactivate the comparison view, click Exit.

Not using RetentionX yet?