Guide: getting started with Google Data Studio made easy
Data from various sources can be merged and visualized using Google Data Studio. Our guide shows you how to use the Google tool to create professional reports, even if you’re an inexperienced user.
Practical tool for simplified data analysis and visualization
Whether for search engine optimization, online advertising, or website reporting, to make informed decisions, data not only needs to be collected, but also appropriately linked together and accurately visualized. Google’s Data Studio provides an incredibly helpful and easy-to-use technical solution for this purpose. A part of the Analytics 360 Suite, this Google tool helps you prepare your data in a clearly structured and appealing form and create informative reports. All you need is your own Google account, which ideally gives you direct access to your data sources, such as Google Analytics or Google Ad Manager.
Google Data Studio offers numerous benefits, especially for beginners
While Google Analytics, for example, is primarily aimed at experienced users, Google Data Studio is much more user-friendly and intuitive, allowing even novices to quickly get to grips with it. What’s more, Data Studio’s extensive features and configuration options make it possible to create custom reports as well as personalized and interactive dashboards.
The major advantage of the tool is that data from the connected sources can be visualized quickly and clearly. As a result, professional reports can be created in next to no time, even without in-depth expert knowledge. Google Data Studio is also browser-based, so you don’t have to install a local application.
Data Studio supports over 500 data sources
The versatility of Google Data Studio is also reflected in the fact that it supports numerous data sources, which can be analyzed, merged, and presented. These data links are integrated into the tool as connectors. In addition to Google’s 17 “in-house” connectors, such as BigQuery, Search Console, and YouTube Analytics, you can currently use and blend data from 227 partner connectors. These include:
- Adobe Analytics
- Bing Ads
- Criteo
- Facebook Ads
- LinkedIn Ads
- Mentionlytics
- Searchmetrics
- Twitter Ads
- VendSoft
In total, over 500 datasets from more than 240 connectors are therefore available to you in Google Data Studio.
Combine the advantages of this Google tool with optimal preparation
Important note: It is essential to set clear objectives and compile the information in a structured way for the results and data visualizations to be informative. Google Data Studio is like any other web analytics tool: in order to efficiently utilize the application’s features, you need to know what you want to achieve with the data, i.e. what key questions need to be answered. Data Studio provides a vast array of tools for individual evaluation and reporting. Without specifically defined objectives, you could therefore quickly lose focus.
Mention Google Data Studio in your privacy policy
In response to the enactment of the General Data Protection Regulation, Google has adapted many aspects of the data protection measures for its Data Studio. Consequently, you not only have to agree to the data privacy policies and terms and conditions, but you also have to mention the use of Google Data Studio in your company’s own privacy policy.
Free guide for your first project in Google Data Studio
Particularly for beginners, Google Data Studio is a powerful and easy-to-understand tool for processing and professionally visualizing data. In our free guide, we take a closer look at it and walk you through the key steps for your first project.
