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  • 1.  ZIP Code Tabulation

    Posted 08-22-2017 11:20 AM

    Does anyone know of a good software program to collect visitor zip code data?  We are looking for a program that our staff can use to enter this data, and then generate reports about visitation.  The catch is that our museum does not charge admission or have a membership program that we manage, and so far we have only been able to find this type of software attached to a point of sale/membership system.  Is there a more economical alternative to these options? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

     

    Christopher L. Kolakowski

    Director

    The MacArthur Memorial

    MacArthur Square

    Norfolk, VA 23510

    757-441-2965

    Christopher.Kolakowski@norfolk.gov

    www.macarthurmemorial.org

    www.facebook.com/macarthurmemorial

     

    DUTY  - HONOR  - COUNTRY

     

    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 2.  RE: ZIP Code Tabulation

    Posted 08-23-2017 05:57 AM
    Christopher,

    We collect and tabulate the old fashioned way... while at least older fashioned.  We ask for simple demographics as they enter and then type it onto an excel document for analysis. We also collect time, email if they are willing, and how they heard about us. It could be streamlined using a tablet and easy Google Form to bypass the data entry, however with our volume it isn't too hard to manage. 

    We process the daya in many ways but one of my favorites is Batch Geo which displays the information geographically from a spreadsheet. It is one way to look at the data. As in all data analysis, you have to be answering a question so the display of information depends. Hope this is helpful. If you have any further questions don't hesitate reaching out. 

    Regards,

    ------------------------------
    Max Metz
    mmetz@historicnewton.org
    Manager and Educator
    Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds
    of Historic Newton
    Newton MA
    ------------------------------

    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 3.  RE: ZIP Code Tabulation

    Posted 08-23-2017 07:36 AM
    Just a couple of additions to this discussion. I would recommend a database package for data collection and then a spreadsheet for analysis (it might seem obvious but it is surprising how often data integrity can be or is skewed by the spreadsheet-only option). But if you want to take it a little further, in spatial terms, you could look at a GIS package like Maptitude (one option amongst several, but relatively cheap and lots of free add-ons) which includes US Census data in its offering (or an open source GIS if you have some experience in this area). Then you can do pre and post analysis or simply look at who is in your catchment area(s). Something to consider perhaps.

    ------------------------------
    Hamish Robertson
    ------------------------------

    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 4.  RE: ZIP Code Tabulation

    Posted 08-23-2017 09:56 AM
    If you have Wifi, setting up a free Google or Wufoo form and using a cheap tablet is great. If you don't have Wifi but you have cell service, you can use either of them on a phone, too. Exporting the data to a spreadsheet from either is really easy.

    ------------------------------
    Matt Morgan
    President
    New York NY
    ------------------------------

    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 5.  RE: ZIP Code Tabulation

    Posted 08-23-2017 12:29 PM

    Christopher, this is always a great subject.  Since you don't charge admission you could do periodic visitor surveys in person.  We've done that during our Free Thursday nights to see where people are coming from.  Since you have a store, you could capture this information through your POS system.  Lastly, you could also view your website traffic through Google Analytics and see where your website visitors are coming from and extrapolate info from there. 

    Rich

     

    Richard Rime | Director of Sales
    The Museum of Flight
    9404 East Marginal Way South
    Seattle, WA 98108
    Work: +1 (206) 768-7102
    www.museumofflight.org




    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more