Connecting data sources is a fundamental step in using Google Data Studio. This module will guide you through the process of connecting various data sources to your reports. By the end of this module, you will be able to link your data sources seamlessly and manage them efficiently.

1. Login to Google Data Studio:

   • Open your web browser and go to Google Data Studio.
   • Sign in with your Google account.

2. Create a New Report:

   • Click on the + button or Create button to start a new report.
   • You will be prompted to add a data source.

1. Select Data Source:

   • Click on the Add Data button.
   • You will see a list of available connectors. These connectors include Google products (like Google Analytics, Google Sheets, Google Ads) and third-party connectors.

2. Choose a Connector:

   • Select the appropriate connector for your data source. For example, if you want to connect Google Analytics, click on the Google Analytics connector.

3. Authorize Access:

   • You may need to authorize Google Data Studio to access your data. Click Authorize and follow the prompts to grant the necessary permissions.

4. Configure the Data Source:

   • After authorization, you will be prompted to configure the data source. This may include selecting specific accounts, properties, views, or datasets.
   • For example, in Google Analytics, you will select the account, property, and view you want to use.

5. Add to Report:

   • Once configured, click Add to include the data source in your report.
   • You will see a confirmation message, and the data source will be added to your report.

1. View Connected Data Sources:

   • In your report, click on Resource in the top menu.
   • Select Manage added data sources to view all the data sources connected to your report.

2. Edit Data Source:

   • Click on the pencil icon next to the data source you want to edit.
   • You can change the configuration, such as selecting different metrics or dimensions.

3. Refresh Data Source:

   • To ensure your data is up-to-date, you can refresh the data source.
   • Click on the refresh icon next to the data source in the Manage added data sources panel.

Let's walk through an example of connecting a Google Sheets data source:

Exercise: Connect a Google Analytics Data Source

1. Login to Google Data Studio.
2. Create a new report.
3. Add a data source using the Google Analytics connector.
4. Authorize access and select the appropriate account, property, and view.
5. Add the data source to your report.
6. Verify the data source is connected by viewing the data in your report.

Solution:

1. Login to Google Data Studio:

   • Go to Google Data Studio and sign in.

2. Create a New Report:

   • Click on the + button to create a new report.

3. Add Google Analytics Data Source:

   • Click Add Data.
   • Select Google Analytics from the list of connectors.

4. Authorize Access:

   • Click Authorize and follow the prompts to grant access.

5. Select Account, Property, and View:

   • Choose the appropriate account, property, and view from the dropdown menus.

6. Add to Report:

   • Click Add to include the data source in your report.

7. Verify Connection:

   • Check the data in your report to ensure it is displaying correctly.

Connecting data sources in Google Data Studio is a straightforward process that involves selecting the appropriate connector, authorizing access, and configuring the data source. By following the steps outlined in this module, you can easily link various data sources to your reports, enabling you to create comprehensive and interactive data visualizations. In the next module, we will explore how to manage and update these data sources effectively.