Trendrr: Track, Compare and Share Data

I’m a sucker for data. I love analyzing it, graphing it, inputting it: everything. I also love web trends and their ability to go viral. This is why I started using Trendrr, a data tracking, comparison, and sharing site. It’s graphs and data, a stat geek’s dream.

Trendrr allows you to track 20 different data sets from a number of popular sites around the web. You can track social networking stats like Myspace profile views or Twitter user stats, sales information like Amazon sales rankings and eBay auctions or maybe you just want to track various stock tickers. Currently there are 20 different data sources for you to choose from, with more being added as the site grows.

You’re also able to create custom data sets using either a RESTful API or inputting the data yourself by uploading a spreadsheet or using their web based interface. The API is great for developers who want to use Trendrr’s graphing capabilities. I’m not an expert on APIs so if any of you use it let us all know how it goes.

Each graph can be customized allowing you to have a line, area, area gradient, scatter or bar graph. The colors are customizable, as are the graph titles. Data can also be exported in an xml, json, or excel file.

In the upper right hand corner of your screen you have something called a “Trendrr scratchpad.”

This handy little space allows you to merge 2-3 different data sets for comparison. All you have to do is drag and drop the different data sets into this scratch pad. This particular user used the scratchpad to merge news story data for the top three U.S. Presidential Candidates.

Trendrr’s sharing ability is also pretty cool. You can view other user’s data sets, comment on them, embed the graphs on your blog or website, and vote on popular trends. Don’t worry, you can elect whether or not you want your data sets to be made public so you can keep your private data for your eyes’ only.

The site’s social networking elements are sparse but common. You’re able to friend others and blog on your very own Trendrr blog. RSS feeds are also available so you can keep up to date on your favorite user’s data sets.

Setting up your first dataset is simple. You just click on “Start Tracking” and away you go. My first data sets were from YouTube. I decided I was going to compare two of YouTube’s most viral videos, Tay Zonday’s “Chocolate Rain” video and the infamous Rick Roll video. I was curious to see if there was any correlation between their views per day. I encourage you to try something basic just to get a feel for things. Data can take up to 24 hours to populate.

Trendrr has the potential to be useful for everyone. Bands can track their Myspace data and see how it correlates to their latest blog mentions. Internet marketers can gain some insight into their social marketing efforts or keep an eye on their brands across the social networking landscape. An individual can easily satisfy their narcissistic needs by tracking themselves on all of their social accounts. The list could go on and on.

I have had fun perusing the trends of others and trying to think of different things to track but Trendrr isn’t just for fun. Give it a try and let us know how you were able to use its features for your business. It has tremendous potential.

Written by Renee Valdez, A dot com junkie, music lover and frequent blogger at Shopwiki’s Overlooked, a blog showcasing overlooked products from Shopwiki’s webcrawlers.

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