Google has provided us with lots of data tools over the years. One such tool is Google Looker Studio. Studio gives you the power to visualize your reports easily.
This blog will cover all you need to know before using this fantastic tool by Google. But first, we have to know what it is and what it does.
What is Google Looker Studio?
Looker Studio (formerly Data Studio) is a data visualization platform that helps you to create and understand your reports easily.
You can use the free version or the recently announced paid version of Looker Studio, called Looker Studio Pro. The paid version has extra features, including SLAs, enterprise capabilities, team workspaces, Google Cloud project linking, and technical support.
So what’s the difference between Google Analytics (GA) and Google Looker Studio? Google Analytics collects data about your website’s traffic, while Google Looker Studio helps you visualize and analyze that data.
Looker Studio allows you to connect data sources from various places into one central place and turn that data into a simple report.
You can connect your GA account with Looker Studio using the built-in Looker Studio Google Analytics connector. To do so simply;
- Log In to Google Looker Studio
- Click Create > Data Source
- Select the Google Analytics 4 Property and authorize it
- Create Report
So what can you expect from Looker Studio?
What You Can Do With Looker Studio:
- Use graphics, tables, and bar charts in your reports
- Add text to explain data points in your reports
- Change fonts and colors
- Add client logos to your reports
- Add videos to your client reports
So what are the advantages of using Google Looker Studio?
Benefits of Looker Studio
Connect to a Wide Variety of Data Sources
There are over 600 partner connectors that enable Looker Studio to use virtually any kind of data. You have more data sources than you could possibly use, which means you can get insights from almost all kinds of data you might have.
Interactive Dashboards
As mentioned above, Looker Studio uses various data sources to deliver valuable insights. The insights enable you to create interactive dashboards and reports easily. Then these easily digestible reports help you make smarter business decisions.
Collaboration
Looker Studio has made it easier for you to share your reports. You can now collaborate in real time with your team or even embed your reports via HTML.
Features of Looker Studio
Drag and Drop Features
To make Looker Studio easy to use, Google ensured that you can drag and drop objects in the report editor. In addition, it features a snap-to-grid canvas, and you can customize the property panels.
Report Templates
Looker Studio has plenty of report templates. In addition, you can always customize the Looker Studio Report Templates design to present your data the way you want.
Report Embedding
You can include your report in any web page or intranet via embedding using HTML.
Looker Studio API
You can easily set up an application using the Looker Studio API. With the API, Cloud Identity organizations and Google Workspace can automate the migration of Looker Studio assets.
Data Connectors
Looker Studio has ‘connectors’ that connect reports to data. With these ‘connectors’, you can easily access and use data.
How to Get Started With Google Looker Studio
Accessing Looker Studio
Head to the Google Looker Studio website, and log in or create a new account.
Once you sign in or click “Get started”, You’ll be redirected to the Looker Studio homepage, where you can create a report or data source. On the left-hand side, you can see the Templates option, which shows you all available templates.
For New Users
To understand Looker Studio properly, you should click “Tutorial Report” which will teach you the basics of the tool.
You’ll gain access to step-by-step tutorials about using Looker Studio.
Creating a Report
If it’s your first-time using Looker Studio, you’ll have to complete your account setup by answering a few basic questions like your country, company name, and email preferences.
Once you’ve sorted all that out, you can click “continue,” and Looker Studio will ask you to choose a ‘connector’.
Here you can select your data connectors. You can scroll down to see all the connectors offered.
Once you’ve chosen your connector, you’ll be asked to authorize it, and that means login into your connector, authorizing and connecting it.
In the case of Google Analytics, click your property > Add > Add to Report.
Finally, Looker Studio will show you a blank report.
On the right-hand side, you’ll notice the theme and layout. You can customize your report here.
Get Started With Looker Studio Now
Now that you’ve seen what Looker Studio is all about, you can use its power to improve your business. The best part of Looker Studio is that it is mainly free to use, and there are many tutorials online on how to use it.
So keep learning and improving your Looker Studio skills.
Magesh
Magesh is a distinguished Data Scientist with over 14 years of experience in Advanced Analytics, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. As the Vice President of Analytics, he brings a wealth of expertise in tools such as R, SPSS, Tableau, Power BI, and Google Analytics. Magesh is renowned for his profound analytical problem-solving skills and strategic decision-making abilities, making him a leading force in transforming complex data into actionable insights.