Many of us find data fascinating, but data alone does not suffice as images play a vital role in the way we consume data. Data visualisation takes a number, transforms it into a story, and communicates it to the audience.
This helps the audience comprehend information quickly as visualisations display data as graphs and maps. Data visualisations can also be used to easily identify patterns and connections and pinpoint trends in data sets.
However, creating these visual objects can be time consuming and businesses may be reluctant to spend time transforming their data and insights. Fortunately, it is now possible to automate reports without having to compromise on visualisation and other aspects.
This is due to Google Data Studio, which allows you to make smarter business decisions with the use of interactive dashboards and beautiful reports. However, Data Studio is not the first programme of this kind and Looker, Tableau, BigQuery, and Power BI are different types of programmes that can be used for data visualisation.
However, Data Studio offers a wide range of features while making the creation of reports a simple process. It is easy to use, starting with a variety of templates. After you select a data source, your visuals will be prepared in no time at all.
The programme goes beyond Google Analytics, however, and Data Studio allows you to access your data from over 800 data sets from over 270 connectors. These connectors include BigQuery, Google Ads, Google Sheets, Cloud SQL for MySQL, YouTube, MySQL, as well as Google Analytics. While there are several connectors to choose from, they act as a link between your data source and Google Data Studio.
There are two types of connectors; built-in connectors and partner connectors. Both types of connectors are built to help you retrieve information from your data sources, but you may encounter problems if installation is not standard or you want granular information. Using a programme like this can also be frustrating when all data sets are not mapped.
If you do not use any of these data sources, you can also use Google Sheets, through which you can link data from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with programmes like Moz, Adobe, and Mailchimp. Supermetrics can also be used to connect to more data sources.
You can also improve or enhance the effects of your data visualisation with the help of a skilled designer and the Data Studio Community Visualisation tool allows you to build and use your own custom visualisations.
This offers you the flexibility to use any visualization library and custom JavaScript and CSS and the capability to define which style elements your visualization requires.