Frequently asked questions about Google Data Studio

1. Why use Google Data Studio?

  • Make data-driven decision

  • Improve decision making

  • Established digital reporting

  • Ease of use

  • Combine multiple data sources onto one report

  • Advanced sharing and collaboration

  • It's free

2. What can Google Data Studio do?

With Google Data turns you can turn data into informative and easy to read reports and have great customization capability

3. Which are examples of data sets Data Studio?

Examples of data sets and a list can be viewed here

  • Google Analytics

  • Google Sheets

  • Google Ads

  • Google AdSense

  • YouTube Analytics

  • Facebook Ads, Insights and Public Data

  • Twitter Ads

  • Instagram Insights

  • LinkedIn Pages

  • Amazon sales data

  • A data source based on a CSV file.

  • BigQuery and more

4. Why should I purchase a template?

Building a template from scratch takes time, and a well-designed dashboard requires an analytical and business understanding of the data sources. You can save development time and focus on making a business decision.

5. What is data sources for Google Ads Template Dashboard?

Google Ads, formerly known as Google AdWords

6. What is the data sources for E-Commerce Funnel and Revenue Template Dashboard?

Google Analytics

7. What is the data sources for Google Analytics Acquisition and Behaviors Template Dashboard?

Google Analytics

8. Is it possible to have the same kind of dashboard for Facebook and Bing Ads?

Yes, and you would require a data studio connector like Supermetrics or you can export raw data from Facebook and Bing Ads as CSV or Excel and upload it to the Google Spreadsheet.

9. Should I combine/blend data from Google and Facebook Ads?

Personally, I would recommend keeping the Google and Facebook Ads data separately and comparing them side by side. I have experienced Google and Facebook is fighting for leads and the same lead reported by both platforms and a single lead becoming two in your report.

10. Does Google Data Studio refresh automatically?

There are two types of data source one that refreshes automatically which requires data source connection feed directly into the data studio and the second that updates on a change such as Google Spreadsheet.

Please note once you have configured your Data Studio reports you will only need to update the Data Source (Such as Google Spreadsheet) and changes will be reflected and updated in Data Studio.

11. Is Google Data Studio real-time?

Yes, for data sources like Google Analytics, you can almost have reported in real-time, but some data sources that don't provide data in real-time will be reflected once the source is updated.

12. What if a bought template doesn't work as shown in your dashboard?

Please get in touch with me; I will look into it and fix it without an additional cost.

13. What is your profile and project you have worked on?

Currently working as a Data Analyst for Mccann Worldwide at Frankfurt office. Responsible for Opel Europe Web and Social Analytics. In the past, I have worked for clients like Jaguar, Land Rover, Ford, and Lincoln.

14. How do I create a dashboard in a data studio?

Suppose you own a website or e-commerce store and collect data through Google Analytics. The best way to start is with a template and see if any free dashboard suits your needs. Make a copy of the report and select your data source, and boom, you have your own Google Data Studio Reports. But if you like to have reports that match your reporting style, start with a blank template and follow the step below

  1. Sign in to Google Data Studio with your Gmail account.

  2. Create a blank dashboard

  3. Click Create a New Data Source

  4. Authorize your data sources such as Google Analytics or Ads

  5. Now you will have a blank dashboard

  6. Select your desired Canvas Size in the layout section. Default set to 1200x900, and for a single-page report, you can change the height to fit your charts.

  7. Navigation Options: Left or Top will help you navigate a particular page if you have a multiple-page report.

  8. Display Mode: Actual Size and Fit to Width (Recommended)

  9. Now all your initial steps are done, and you can start adding the charts and tables

  10. Once you select a chart/table, you will be given an option to select your metrics and dimension or customize it on the right side

15. Is Google Data Studio free to use?

Yes, it's absolutely free to use, and you would only require a Gmail account.

Enjoy reading about Google Data Studio? I have explained every chart available in the new Data Studio Book here. Visual explanations for graphs configurations, style, format, and recommendations. So you can also see how the final result will look and why one design is better than others for the same chart.