How can you create custom dashboards with Google Data Studio?

Selecting a data source is crucial for your custom dashboard. Whether opting for a built-in connector like Google Sheets or creating a custom one using Apps Script or the Data Studio API, choose based on your data needs. Access this by clicking the plus sign on the top left of the Data Studio homepage, selecting Data Source, and then configuring your chosen connector after authorization.

Selecting a data source for your dashboard is the initial step. You have the option to utilize built-in connectors like Google Sheets or craft a personalized connector using Apps Script or the Data Studio API. Simply click the plus sign on the Data Studio homepage, choose Data Source, select your preferred connector, and proceed to authorize and configure it by following the provided instructions. This sets the foundation for integrating data into your dashboard.

To create a custom dashboard in Google Data Studio: 1. Select Data Source:Open Google Data Studio, click on "Create" and choose a data source. Options include Google Sheets, Google Analytics, and more. 2. Connect Data:Link your chosen data source, configuring it to pull the relevant information for your dashboard. 3. Design Dashboard:Drag and drop components like charts, tables, and scorecards onto the canvas. Customize them with data fields from your connected source. 4. Apply Filters and Date Ranges: Enhance interactivity by applying filters and date ranges to refine the displayed data. 5. Preview and Save:Preview your dashboard, ensuring it meets your requirements. Save and share your custom dashboard with others.

Creating custom dashboards with Google Data Studio involves: 1. Data Integration: Connect to various data sources like Google Analytics, Google Sheets, SQL databases, etc. 2. Template Selection: Choose from pre-made templates or start with a blank report. 3. Layout Design: Customize the layout by arranging charts, graphs, and tables. 4. Visualization Tools: Utilize various visualization tools to display your data effectively. 5. Data Filtering: Add filters for interactive data exploration. 6. Styling and Branding: Apply styles and branding elements to match your organization's theme. 7. Sharing and Collaboration: Share dashboards with team members for collaboration or with stakeholders for reporting. 8. Regular Updates: Set up your dashboar

To pick the right data source, ask yourself: 1. What am I trying to learn? (focus your data search) 2. Is the data relevant, accurate, and accessible? (check quality and technical aspects) 3. Does it fit my budget and licensing needs? (consider costs and restrictions) 4. Can I combine it with other sources? (broaden your data reach)

Now, let's shape your insights into a compelling report. After selecting your data source, initiate the creation of a report by clicking the plus sign on the top left of the Data Studio homepage, choosing Report, and selecting your data source. Click "Create Report" to access a blank canvas where your creative journey begins. This is where you can seamlessly add and fine-tune elements to craft a visually engaging and informative report.

Proceed by generating a report utilizing your chosen data source. A report consists of pages featuring charts, tables, text, images, and more to visually represent your data. To create a report, click the plus sign on the top left of the Data Studio homepage, choose Report, select your data source, and click Create Report. Utilize the blank canvas to add and edit elements, shaping your report to effectively convey the information.

Identifying metrics that are most crucial to the stakeholders is very important. It is generally suggested to add one or two guardrail metrics as well so as to measure a potential impact on other parameters. Eg. Let's say we are building a dashboard for marketing our key metrics can be: orders and Avg Order Value. Guardrail can be: bounce rate or cancellation rate etc.

Creating custom dashboard in Google Data Studio involves building report: 1. Start a New Report:Open Google Data Studio and click on "Create" to initiate a new report. 2. Choose Data Source:Select a data source for your report. 3. Add Pages: Create multiple pages with the report for different aspects of your data. 4. Insert Components: Drag and drop components like charts, graphs, and tables onto each page. 5. Customize Components:Adjust the properties of each component 6. Apply Filters:Enhance interactivity by applying filters that allow users to dynamically interact with data. 7. Arrange Layout: Organize the layout of your pages to present information logically. 8. Preview and Save: Preview report ensure it meets your expectations.

Start with a blank canvas or template:- Choose a blank canvas for complete customization or leverage pre-built templates for inspiration and a head start. Tip:- I once created a marketing campaign dashboard using a template. It provided basic charts and tables, which I then customized with specific metrics and filters to track our campaign performance.

Now, let's bring your report to life by adding and tailoring elements. Navigate the toolbar on the right side of the canvas, offering a spectrum of options like charts, tables, filters, and controls. Drag and drop these elements onto the canvas, shaping them to your preference in terms of size and position. For that personal touch, delve into customization – click on an element, and unleash your creativity using the properties panel. Here, you can fine-tune style, layout, data, and interactions, transforming your data into a visually engaging narrative.

In the third step, enhance your report by adding and customizing elements. Utilize the toolbar to access various elements like charts, tables, filters, and controls. Drag and drop the chosen element onto the canvas, adjusting its size and position. For personalization, click on the element, and modify its style, layout, data, and interactions using the properties panel on the right side of the canvas. This step allows you to tailor the report to your specific needs and preferences.

In the third step, enhance your report by incorporating and tailoring elements. Access various elements like charts, tables, filters, and controls from the toolbar on the canvas's right side. Drag and drop elements onto the canvas, adjusting their size and position. For customization, click on an element and utilize the properties panel on the right to modify its style, layout, data, and interactions according to your preferences.

Charts and graphs:- Visualize your data using various charts like bar charts, line charts, pie charts, and maps. Use color, size, and annotations to highlight key insights. Tables and text:- Include data tables for detailed breakdowns and add text boxes for explanations, narratives, and calls to action. Filters and controls:- Allow users to interact with your dashboard by adding filters to segment data and controls like date pickers to adjust the timeframe. Tip: Combine different elements to create a well-rounded dashboard. Use charts for trends, tables for breakdowns, and text boxes for additional context.

Custom dashboards in Google Data Studio aren’t just about data; they’re about storytelling. As you drag-and-drop charts, tables, and filters, remember that each element is a chapter in your narrative. Customize styles and layouts not just for aesthetics but for clarity and impact. Pro tip: Invest a bit of time in an online design course. LinkedIn Learning has a trove of them. The marriage of data science and design isn’t just smart, it’s compelling. Your dashboard isn’t just a tool; it’s a data canvas. Paint it well. ??????

Congratulations on reaching the final step! Now, it's time to share your masterpiece. Click the Share button at the top right of the report editor to open up sharing options. Decide whether to grant edit or view access to individuals or groups, or generate a link for broader accessibility. If you're feeling tech-savvy, embed your dashboard on a website or blog using the provided embed code. To revel in the fruits of your labor, simply click the View button at the top right of the report editor, immersing yourself in the interactive and personalized world of your data visualization.

Conclude by sharing and viewing your dashboard. Click the Share button in the top right corner of the report editor to share with specific individuals or groups, granting edit or view access, or generate a link for broader access. Embed your dashboard on a website or blog using the provided code. To view your dashboard, click the View button on the top right corner of the report editor, allowing you to experience your interactive and personalized data visualization.

To share and view your custom dashboard in Google Data Studio: 1. Save Your Report: Ensure your custom dashboard is saved by clicking on the "Save" button. 2. Share the Report: Click on the "Share" button in the top-right corner. 3. Set Permissions: Adjust permissions to control who can view or edit the dashboard. 4. Generate a Shareable Link: Generate a shareable link if you've chosen the "Anyone with the link" option. 5. Viewing the Dashboard: Recipients can open the shared link in their web browser. 6. Interactive Access Viewers can interact with the dashboard, applying filters and exploring data dynamically. 7. Export Options: Consider using export options like PDF or image .

Share with specific users or publicly:- Control who can access your dashboard and set permissions accordingly. Embed in websites or reports:- Share your dashboard via a link or embed it directly into website pages or reports for easy access. Schedule automatic updates:- Set up automatic refreshes to keep your dashboard data consistently up-to-date.

Creating and sharing a custom dashboard in Google Data Studio is the prelude to its true test - usage in decision-making. Share it by granting access or creating a shareable link, and even embed it on websites or blogs. The real magic happens when stakeholders actively use it, turning data into actionable insights. Like the final act of a play, the dashboard's value is measured by its audience's engagement and the decisions they make with it. So, create, share, and then watch as your data takes center stage in the decision-making process.

Google Data Studio allows users to build fully customized data dashboards through a simple drag-and-drop interface. Users can connect a wide variety of data sources, choose from different layouts and add various visualization widgets to the dashboard. Powerful options enable filtering, formatting and customizing how data appears in widgets. Dashboards can contain multiple pages and sections to group related elements logically. Advanced features include calculated fields, custom visualizations, themes and templates for styling consistency. Users have full control over data refresh rates and caching for optimal performance. Publishing and embedding enables viewing dashboards externally, while access controls manage security and collaboration.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a data source: 1. Consult with subject matter experts: Seek advice from individuals familiar with your field to identify relevant and reliable data sources. 2. Read reviews and documentation: Carefully review user reviews and data source documentation to understand the data's limitations and quality. 3. Start small and iterate: Begin with a smaller dataset to test your analysis methods and refine your research question before investing in a larger data source.

In this expansive realm of data storytelling, consider weaving in real-world examples or anecdotes that transcend the structured steps. Unleash the power of your narrative by infusing context, highlighting the 'aha' moments, or shedding light on unexpected findings. Think beyond the dashboard – explore the impact your insights can have on decision-making or the broader context of your data. This is your canvas for going beyond the technical steps, allowing the human side of data to shine through.

1. **Choose a Data Source:** - Select a data source, either a built-in connector like Google Sheets or a custom one using Apps Script or the Data Studio API. Add it by clicking the plus sign on the Data Studio homepage. 2. **Create a Report:** - Generate a report by clicking the plus sign, selecting Report, choosing your data source, and then creating the report. Use a blank canvas to add and edit elements that represent your data. 3. **Add and Customize Elements:** - Enhance the report by adding elements like charts and tables. Utilize the toolbar for various options and customize elements by dragging, resizing, and adjusting properties in the right-side panel. 4. **Share and View Dashboard:**

Theme and branding:- Apply custom themes and colours to match your brand identity and enhance visual appeal. Mobile responsiveness:- Ensure your dashboard adapts well to different screen sizes for mobile viewing. Accessibility:- Make your dashboard accessible for users with disabilities by using alt text for visuals and clear color contrasts.