Conectar Múltiples Fuentes de Datos en Looker Studio

The integration of multiple data sources in Looker Studio represents a fundamental step in creating complete and automated dashboards that reflect the reality of a business. By connecting cloud databases, JSON files, Google Analytics and Google Ads, we can transform the way we visualize and analyze information from manual processes to scalable and efficient systems.

How to connect multiple data sources in Looker Studio?

Freshmark, like many growing companies, has evolved their system of record for sales. Previously they used CSV files that had to be manually uploaded to Looker Studio, but now they have implemented a new system where:

• Sales records are automatically saved in a cloud database.
• Customer data is exported in JSON format.
• Google Analytics needs to be integrated to analyze web traffic.
• Google Ads campaigns need to be monitored.

This change represents a qualitative leap in data management, moving from a manual process that is not very scalable to an automated and more complete system.

Connecting databases through BigQuery

Looker Studio offers numerous native connectors for databases such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, AWS and Azure. However, when we can't find the specific connector for our database, we can use BigQuery as an intermediary:

1. We access the Google Cloud Console and select BigQuery.
2. Select our project or create a new one.
3. Add a new external data source.

Depending on the type of database, the process varies:

# For AWS- Provide connection ID- Role ID- Region- Descriptive name
 # For MySQL- Database name- User- Password.

For local JSON files, the process is:

1. Select the local file upload option.
2. Browse and select the JSON file.
3. Define the dataset (e.g. "Freshmark").
4. Name the table (e.g. "customers").
5. Set up automatic schema detection.
6. Create the table.

Once configured in BigQuery, we go back to Looker Studio:

1. Select "Add data".
2. Select BigQuery as source.
3. Select the project, dataset and table.
4. Add the source and verify that the fields have been integrated correctly.

Integrating Google Analytics and Google Ads

The connection with Google Analytics follows a similar process:

1. In Looker Studio, we select "Add data".
2. Select Google Analytics.
3. Select the project and the web page.
4. Add the source.

It is important to note that Google Analytics imports numerous fields, many of which may not be necessary. A good practice is to clean up unnecessary fields:

1. Go to "Resources" > "Manage data sources".
2. Edit the Google Analytics source.
3. Remove fields that will not be used in the dashboard.

For Google Ads, the process is almost identical:

1. We select "Add data".
2. Select Google Ads.
3. Select the campaign.
4. Add the source.

As with Google Analytics, it is advisable to clean up unnecessary fields to keep the dashboard organized and efficient.

Managing and modifying data sources

In addition to deleting fields, we can make other important modifications:

1. Change the data type: If a field changes format (for example, from numeric to alphanumeric), we can modify it from the source management section.

2. Replace obsolete fonts: When a new font replaces a previous one, we must update the displays:

   • Select the affected chart.
   • Open the properties section.
   • Change the data source to the new one.

It is important to note that when replacing a source, the charts may not look exactly the same due to differences in data formatting. This problem can be solved by using regular expressions, which will be discussed in later classes.

What other data sources can we integrate?

Looker Studio offers a wide variety of connectors, including:

• Social media platforms such as Meta (Facebook and Instagram).
• LinkedIn for B2B marketing data.
• Shopify for e-commerce data.
• And many other connectors from external partners.

Looker Studio's versatility allows you to centralize data from virtually any source, creating truly comprehensive dashboards that offer a holistic view of the business.

The ability to integrate multiple data sources into a single dashboard transforms the way we analyze information and make data-driven decisions. We invite you to experiment with any of these additional sources and share your experience in the comments.