What is Looker Studio?
Looker Studio is an innovative product with a unique approach to Business intelligence of the company based in the United States.
Looker has its own proprietary modeling language called LookML, which is Looker's source of strength but also, oddly enough, its weakness.
It provides a data modeling layer that is both reusable and maintainable, but its steep learning curve makes it less accessible than other alternatives.
Looker Studio is ideal for experienced data teams who value its unique approach to data modeling and need to allow everyone in the organization to slice and slice data by themselves. It also requires an existing data warehouse, which is best for teams of
Features
1. Data connectors
Looker Studio offers a multitude of data connectors to establish effective relationships with your SQL databases.
- Support for Various SQL Databases: Support for common databases such as Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server, as well as other lesser-known databases.
- Advanced Connection Options: Offers advanced settings such as the maximum number of connections and the time to wait for the connection pool.
Although limited to SQL databases, Looker impresses with the range of its data connectors and advanced configuration options.
2. Data modeling with LookML
Looker Studio stands out for its unique requirement for a preliminary data modeling stage using LookML.
- LookML, a Powerful Language: A specific language for describing dimensions, aggregates, calculations, and relationships in an SQL database.
- Views, Explorations, and Models Concepts: Essential components such as views, explorations, and models for effective data modeling.
The need to learn LookML can be an initial challenge, but it provides a solid foundation for accurate and powerful data analysis.
3. Development mode vs production mode
Looker Studio clearly separates development and production modes, providing an organized structure for modeling data.
- Separation of Modes: Clear distinction between the development and production of LookML projects.
- Git integration: Requirement to use Git to manage LookML projects, increasing maintainability and flexibility.
While separating modes can be tedious, it brings greater organization and security to the development process.
4. LookML editor
Looker Studio's LookML editor is a web-based tool for developing data models.
- Advanced Editing Features: Includes autocomplete, keyboard shortcut support, and built-in quick help.
- Long Feedback Cycle: Requires a methodical and precise approach, with validation and registration steps.
The LookML editor is powerful, although the length of the feedback cycle can be a disadvantage compared to other tools.
5. Data Exploration and Visualization
Looker's data mining tool allows for powerful analysis through an intuitive user interface.
- SQL Query Builder: Converts user inputs into SQL queries to retrieve data.
- Standard visualizations: Supports a variety of graphics with basic customization options.
Looker Studio excels at data mining, although the visualizations are less advanced than some competitors.
6. Drilldowns and Data Blending
Looker Studio allows for in-depth analytics and effective data blending for deep understanding.
- Intuitive Drilldowns: Allows detailed analyses on specific measurements via LookML.
- Merged Results: Facilitates the mixing of data across databases for complex analyses.
Looker's drilldown and data blending capabilities are a major asset, offering remarkable flexibility and depth of analysis.
7. Data Delivery and Scheduling
Looker Studio offers versatile options for data delivery and scheduling, meeting a variety of business needs.
- Multiple Delivery Targets: Options for sending data via email, webhooks, Amazon S3, or SFTP servers.
- Custom Alerts: Creation of alerts for data delivery based on specific criteria.
Looker's data delivery and scheduling capabilities are robust, making data management more flexible and automated.
8. Organization and Management of Permissions
Looker Studio offers advanced solutions for organizing data and managing permissions.
- Content Management Spaces: Use of spaces to store and manage views and dashboards.
- Sophisticated Access Control: Complete functionalities for access control and permission management, with LDAP and SAML integration.
Looker's approach to content management and access control is particularly suited to businesses with complex organizational needs.
9. Looker Studio Pro integrations
Looker Studio Pro offers a range of effective integrations with multiple other data sources, allowing for seamless data sync and analysis. These integrations improve Looker's functionality by exploiting the robust capabilities of Google tools.
Google BigQuery
BigQuery, Google's data warehouse for large-scale analytics, integrates seamlessly with Looker Pro.
- Direct Query: Looker Pro can query data stored in BigQuery directly, allowing for rapid, large-scale analytics.
- Performance Optimization: The integration takes advantage of BigQuery's fast processing capabilities for complex data operations.
Integrating with BigQuery opens up significant possibilities for managing and analyzing large amounts of data, making Looker Pro ideal for real-time insights and predictive analytics.
Google Analytics 360
Google Analytics, an essential tool for analysing web traffic, can easily be combined with Looker Pro.
- Access to Web Metrics: Looker Pro can access detailed Google Analytics data, providing a comprehensive view of website performance.
- Deep Analysis: Use Looker Pro to segment, visualize, and analyze traffic data in greater depth than in the standard Google Analytics interface.
This integration allows Looker Pro users to go beyond surface analysis, providing detailed insights into user behavior and website effectiveness.
Google Cloud Storage
Google Cloud Storage, Google's cloud storage solution, works in concert with Looker Pro for effective management of data graphics.
- Secure Data Storage: Store large amounts of data in Google Cloud Storage, accessible for analysis in Looker Pro.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Benefit from a flexible and scalable storage solution for your data that is compatible with Looker Pro's infrastructure.
Integrating Google Cloud Storage with Looker Studio Pro provides your business with a reliable and secure data storage and analytics solution tailored to a variety of business requirements.
Google Sheets
Google Sheets, Google's cloud-based spreadsheet tool, syncs easily with Looker Studio Pro.
- Data Import: Easily import data from Google Sheets into Looker Studio Pro for advanced analysis.
- Data Visualization: Combine the simplicity of Google Sheets with the powerful visualization capabilities of Looker Studio Pro.
This integration is especially useful for businesses that use Google Sheets for data collection and are looking for more sophisticated ways to analyze it.
Other Google Tools
Looker Studio Pro also integrates with other Google tools like Google Ads, Google Ad Manager, Google Chat, Google WorkSpace, Google Search Console, and more.
- Advertising and Marketing: Analyze the performance of advertising campaigns by integrating Looker Pro with Google Ads or Google Ad Manager.
- Data Diversity: Access a broad range of data from different Google services for a comprehensive overview.
Looker Pro's interoperability with a variety of Google products allows businesses to centralize analytics and gain deep insights from a variety of data sources.
Git
Git is the de facto standard distributed version control system, widely used by programmers to manage source code.
Looker Studio is unique in that it requires you to use Git to manage your LookML projects. You can use Looker Studio in development mode without Git integration, but if you want to share it with your business users and do data mining in production mode, you need to set up Git.
Looker Studio's approach is polarizing. Experienced analysts will appreciate the maintainability and flexibility of a powerful version control system like Git. For analysts who are not familiar with Git, it will be necessary to learn Git concepts like commits, branches, etc. to fully understand the entire workflow.
Reflex reaction could be a form of strong resistance to the learning curve involved, wondering why they have to jump through hoops just to do data modeling.
Conclusion
The integration of Looker Studio Pro with Google products provides a unified platform for data analytics, improving efficiency and providing rich insights for businesses. These integrations harness the power of Looker Studio Pro and the versatility of Google tools for optimal user experiences and decisions based on reliable data.
Pricing
Looker Studio does not offer a free trial or provide a public price on its website, but instead chooses to offer a custom template.
The final price will depend on several factors, including the total number of users, the types of users (viewer or publisher), database connections, and the extent of deployment. According to a third-party site, Looker Studio prices start at $3000-5000 per month for 10 users, with an additional $50 per month for each new user.
This pricing structure is similar to that of traditional businesses and therefore may not appeal to prospects who are used to predictable and transparent pricing based on SaaS.
Customer support
Looker Studio Suite customer support, an integral part of Google Cloud Support, is designed to provide a support experience that is both comprehensive and tailored to the needs of platform users.
Availability and Responsiveness
24/7 access: Support is available at any time, offering quick help with urgent questions or issues.
Multiple support options: Users can choose between email support, phone support, or access to an online community rich in resources, training, knowledge base, and advice.
Quality of service
Personalized Support: Looker Studio customer support is distinguished by its personalized approach, tailored to the specific needs of each user.
Technical expertise: Support teams are trained to provide accurate and technical solutions to solve complex problems.
Looker Studio offers superior customer service, marked by a personalized approach and deep technical expertise.
Users can expect to receive fast and efficient support for all questions and issues related to the platform.
Alternatives to Looker
1. Supermetrics
Supermetrics is a platform for automating reporting and data analysis, focused on marketing and the advertising market.
Features
- Easy integration with digital marketing platforms like Google Analytics, or social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
- Automated reports for easy visualization of marketing performance and goals
- Manage advertising and marketing data in one place
- Formatting the style of reports and dashboards
- Simple presentation of a set of volumes of data for each finance, sales or marketing team.
Pricing
- Starter: Starting at 39€/month
- Pro: Starting at 99€/month
- Super Pro: Starting at 299€/month
Supermetrics is perfect for digital marketing professionals looking to centralize and automate the collection and analysis of advertising data from multiple sources.
SEE MORE: Try Supermetrics Today
2. Databox
Databox is a Business Intelligence tool that focuses on performance monitoring and reporting, offering an intuitive user experience and engaging data visualizations.
Features
- Real-time performance monitoring with customizable dashboards
- Easy integrations with hundreds of data sources
- Automated alerts and insights for informed decision-making
Pricing
- Free: Free, with basic features
- Pro: Starting at 49€/month, with advanced options
- Business: Customized rates, for specific needs
Databox is a smart choice for businesses that value simplicity and efficiency in performance monitoring and reporting.
SEE MORE: Try DataBox Today
3. Table
Table is a powerful data visualization tool, known for its ability to create complex and interactive dashboards and visualizations.
Features
- Intuitive drag-and-drop data visualization for everyone
- Integrating multiple data sources
- Advanced predictive analytics and machine learning capabilities
Pricing
- Individual plan: Around 70€/month
- Plan for teams and organizations: Price on request
Tableau is ideal for those looking for advanced data visualizations and in-depth analysis capabilities, but can be more expensive and complex for beginners.
Guide to Getting Started with Looker Studio
Step 1: Create an Account
Before diving into the data, the first step is accessing and setting up your Looker Studio Pro workspace.
- 1. Sign up: Go to Looker Studio Pro in your browser. Sign in with your Google account or create one if needed.
- 2. Getting started interface: Explore the dashboard that shows sample reports, your recent work, and the option to create a new report.
This step is critical to establishing your personal workspace in Looker Studio, giving you access to all of its features.
Step 2: Create a New Report
Now that you have an account, the next appointment step is to start creating your first report.
- 1. Start a new report: Click “+ Create” and choose “Report” to start.
- 2. Data source selection: Looker Studio will require you to connect a data source such as Google Sheets, Analytics, SQL databases, etc.
This step is essential to start creating custom reports by connecting Looker Studio to your data.
Step 3: Exploring the Interface
Get familiar with the Looker Studio environment to navigate effectively and use its tools.
- 1. Toolbar: Learn about options for adding charts, controlling data, and customizing the report.
- 2. Work area: This is where you'll create and organize your report.
Conclusion
Understanding the Looker Studio interface is crucial to effectively use the tool and build visually impacting reports.
Step 4: Add Visualizations
Visualizations are at the heart of Looker Studio. Learn how to add and customize them.
- 1. Select a chart: Use the “Add Chart” icon to choose the type of visualization you want.
- 2. Customization: Change the dimensions, measures, and appearance of the selected chart.
Mastering the addition and customization of charts will allow you to represent your presentation data in a more meaningful way.
Step 5: Add Text and Images
Introduction
Text and images enrich your relationships by providing context and making them more engaging.
- 1. Insert text: Use the “Add text” option for titles and descriptions.
- 2. Insert images: “Add an image” allows you to integrate relevant visuals.
Conclusion
Adding text and images enhances the clarity and visual appeal of your reports.
Step 6: Organization and Layout
A well-organized layout makes your report more readable and professional.
- 1. Layout: Organize graphics, text, and images into a cohesive layout.
- 2. Customization: Adjust colors, fonts, and styles to reflect your brand or preferences.
Good organization and a thoughtful layout significantly improve the readability and impact of your report.
Step 7: Preview and Share
Before finalizing, preview your work and share it with the world or a specific audience.
- 1. Preview mode: Use this feature to see what the final report will look like.
- 2. Report sharing: Share your report for collaboration or public release.
This final step is essential to ensure that your report meets your expectations before sharing it with others.
Overall conclusion
By following these steps, you will quickly become proficient in using Looker Studio.
Each step brings you closer to creating powerful and powerful reports and dashboards, taking full advantage of the data at your disposal.
FAQs
Does Looker Studio integrate with other applications?
Looker Studio connects to any relational data store such as MySQL, Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, etc.
Looker Studio has over 44 technology partners and 50 system integrator and consultant partners.
Does Looker Studio offer an API?
You can use the Looker Studio API with any programming language or application environment that can make HTTPS requests and process JSON responses.
You can also integrate Looker Studio visualizations and explorations into any website and provide limited feature availability to customers or data users.
Final opinion
Looker Studio is an innovative BI product thanks to its unique approach to data modeling. It is ideal for experienced data teams who have complex data modeling needs and who value the ease of maintenance and reuse.
Here are a few key points:
Using LookML allows for quick learning but provides a data modeling layer that is easy to maintain and reuse.
The exploration function is relatively powerful and easy to use once you are familiar with LookML.
Looker Studio does not have its own storage layer but relies on the data warehouses of its customers.
Looker Studio, in essence, is an SQL query building engine that converts drag-and-drop entries from business users into SQL queries.
Looker Studio offers very flexible and sophisticated access control and authorization management, sacrificing simplicity for power.
Looker Studio has limited data preparation capabilities compared to other tools, delegating this task to its partners to provide these capabilities.
