blog post

Connect Matomo to Looker Studio : How-to, templates and metrics

Maxence PERRIN
November 21, 2023
Connect Matomo to Looker Studio : How-to, templates and metrics

Quick steps to create a Matomo report with Google Sheets:

You can easiliy create a Matomo report following this step :

  1. Get informations from the data integration from our Matomo connector.
  2. Create a source on catchr.io.
  3. Download our Google Sheets extensions.
  4. Configure and run your request
If you need more informations, you can follow the tutorial.

How to install Google Sheets Catchr Add-on.

To start exporting your Matomo data to Google Sheets, you need to install the Catchr add-on. You currently have two options :

Option A: Via the marketplace:

  1. Visit the Catchr Add-on page on the Google Workspace Marketplace and click "Install."
  2. Grant the necessary permissions for the add-on.
  3. Upon successful installation, open a Google Sheets to proceed.
Connect Google Sheet to Facebook Ads
Install Catchr Google Sheets Add-on

Option B: Directly within a Google Sheets:

  1. Open a new Google Sheets.
  2. In the top menu, click "Extensions", then hover over "Add-ons" and select "Get add-ons."
  3. Search for "Catchr" and choose "Catchr - data connector."
  4. Click "Install" and grant the required permissions.
  5. Close the installation pop-up when completed.
  6. Start using the Catchr add-on.
Install Catchr Add-on for Google Sheets
Install Catchr Add-on for Google Sheets

Once you have installed the add-on, you can start making requests.

The tutorial

Quick steps to create a Matomo report with Looker Studio:

You can easiliy create a Matomo report following this step :

  1. Get informations from the data integration from our Matomo connector.
  2. Create a datasource and new report on Looker Studio.
  3. Choose your metrics and dimensions.
  4. Use charts with your metrics and dimensions.
If you need more informations, you can follow the tutorial. You can also find a template for Matomo at the end of the page.

The tutorial

Quick steps to create a Matomo report with PowerBI:

You can easiliy create a Matomo report following this step :

  1. Get informations from the data integration from our Matomo connector.
  2. Create a source on catchr.io.
  3. Configure your request on the PowerBI request manager.
  4. Copy the given URL in PowerBI
If you need more informations, you can follow the tutorial. You can also find a template for Matomo at the end of the page.

The tutorial

Welcome to our step-by-step tutorial on how to connect your Matomo source to Looker Studio ( formerly Google Data Studio)! This guide is specifically designed for those who may not be tech-savvy, so we'll be breaking down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps. By the end of this tutorial, you'll be able to visualize and analyze your Matomo data in Google Data Studio like a pro. Let's get started!

What You'll Need

Before we dive into the process, let's make sure you have everything you need:

  1. Matomo Account: You will require a Matomo account with your website analytics data. If you haven't already set up your account, please check https://matomo.org/ and sign up.
  2. Looker Studio Account: To use Looker Studio, you will also require a Google account. If you don't have one, create one at https://accounts.google.com/signup.
  3. Matomo Reporting API Token: This API token will allow Google Data Studio to access your Matomo data. You can find the token by logging into your Matomo account, navigating to the "Administration" tab, and selecting "Personal > Security" from the left-hand menu. In the "Authentication Token" menu, click on the "Create a new token" button. It open a new window, you can put "API Catchr" into the description and create the token. The page display the token, copy it and save it in a secure file for later. Caution, the token is only displayed one time, don't loose it. 
Add a new API Key to Matomo
Add a new API Key to Matomo


Setting Up the Matomo Connector for Looker Studio

Now that you are ready, let's see what you need to do to setup the Matomo connector with Catchr.

  • Step 1: Open Looker Studio

Log in to your Google account and go to https://lookerstudio.google.com/. You'll reach your Looker dashboard.

  • Step 2: Create a New Report

On your dashboard, click the "+ Blank Report" button in the bottom-right corner to create a new report. An empty canvas will appear, and a panel on the bottom will display a list of connectors.

  • Step 3: Add a Data Source

In the search bar at the top, type "Catchr" and press Enter. You'll see the "Matomo" connector appear in the search results. Click on it to start configuring the connection.

Select the Catchr Matomo connector
  • Step 4: Connect Matomo with Looker Studio

Click Authorize to log in or create an account on Catchr.

Login to Catchr
Login to Catchr

Click Authorize again to connect Catchr and your Google account.

Authorize Catchr to connect to a Google account
Authorize Catchr to connect to a Google account

And click Authorize to link Matomo Looker Studio and Catchr. 

A new window will open, asking for your Matomo URL and your Consumer Key. Paste the API token you copied earlier into the "Consumer Key" field. For the "URL of your Matomo analytics" field, enter the URL of your Matomo instance (e.g., https://yourdomain.matomo.cloud/).

Click the "Next" button and wait for the source to connect. When it's done, click on the "Continue" button. The window then indicates that the action is a success. You can close it. 

Add a Matomo Source into catchr
Add a Matomo Source into catchr

You can now choose the account you want by selecting it from the dropdown "Select your account".

Click on the Add button in the bottom right corner

Building the Dashboard

Now you've completed all the necessary configuration steps, you can start constructing your dashboard. 

For now, your new report is empty and contains only your data source. If you don't know every section of the Looker studio interface, take a look at this brief article.

Selecting and Showcasing your KPIs

For a Matomo account, it's crucial to track each phase of the user journey, starting from the entry point page they arrive at, through every event they trigger, and finally to the exit page where they conclude their exploration of your website. You have 2 categories of KPIs: Metrics, containing values, and dimensions, breaking down those values.

Here's a list of metrics KPIs:

  • Visits: Number of unique visits.
  • Country: The country users came from.
  • Bounces: The number of persons that lend on a page and live without taking other action.
  • Actions: Page views outlink and then load.

Here's a list of dimensions KPIs:

  • Entry Page title: The page title the user arrive at your website.
  • Page title: Every page title of your website.
  • Exit Page title: The page title the user exit your website.

Here's how to display these KPIs (with a GIF for better comprehension):

Add a card in a Looker Studio report.
Add a card in a Looker Studio report


Use charts with dimensions and metrics to breakdown the metrics values

For example, create a table to have more details on the metrics by country.


Add a table in a Looker Studio report.
Add a table in Looker Studio report


Caution: only one dimension at a time is allowed in Matomo API. If you have any conflicts with fields, you should have an error like below.


Error on fields
Error on fields


You can set up this table with all dimensions you want if they support the associated metrics.
Feel free to explore the fields in the right-hand column. A better comprehension of these fields and their association will automatically provide you with faster dashboard creation and better data presentation when building it. Don't hesitate to make tests by switching between dimensions and adding/removing/replacing metrics into your chart.

Developing a Layout

You now know a bit more about using charts for presenting data, and you have a better comprehension of the structure of the Matomo API fields. However, to enhance your report's aesthetics, even with additional cards or tables, you need to take it a step further.
To craft an eye-catching dashboard, we'll adjust the dimensions, incorporate a header, place a rectangular background behind the cards, and add colors to our table.

Adjusting the Page's Dimensions

NClick on the "Theme and Layout" button and select the "Layout" tab. The section "Canvas Size" allows you to change the disposition and dimensions of the canvas. Attribute the value of 2000 to the height. You will now have enough space for all tables you will need in this tutorial.

Change page dimensions in Looker Studio.
Change page dimensions in Looker Studio


Please note that this action will set these configurations to all new pages you will add to the report. If you want to override this global configuration for a specific page, you can go to the "Page" -> "Current Page Settings", and select the "Style" tab. The "Canvas Size" category will allow you to make changes to the page currently selected.

Incorporate a Header

Looker Studio provides two options to add some shapes: Rectangles and circles. To use them, you can click on the Shape button, represented by a square in the shortcut bar, and select the desired shape. You now can click anywhere within the report to make your shape appear.
We'll begin by adding a square at the top of the page. Next, resize it to span the entire width of the page. Finally, change its color using the Style menu.

Add a rectangle in Looker Studio
Add a rectangle in Looker Studio


Next, create a new text field to provide a title for your report:

Add a Textfield in Looker Studio
Add a Textfield in Looker Studio


Additionally, you can include images in PNG format, such as your company logo or your client's logo:

Add an image in a report Looker Studio
Add an image in a report Looker Studio

Insert a rectangle as a background for the cards

Some specifics needs require to add some shape to the background of any other item you'll insert in your report. To perform this, insert a new Rectangle, right-click on it, and use the "Order" -> "Send to back." menu.

Incorporate color into the table header

Every Looker Studio component has a "Style" tab that permits you to setup its visual appearance. For example, let's change the header's color of a table.

Change header table color in Looker Studio
Change header table color in Looker Studio


Tip: You can apply the style of one element to another by following these steps: Copy the component whose style you want to reuse, right-click on the target component, and select "Paste Special" -> "Paste Style Only."

Tips for Crafting Your Layout

Alignment Tips: When you select multiple elements and right-click on them, you'll find three options that can help you achieve pixel-perfect layouts:

  1. Vertical Align: Align two or more elements to the top, bottom, or middle of your selection.
  2. Horizontal Align: Align two or more elements to the left, right, or center of your selection.
  3. Distribute: Evenly distribute three or more elements vertically or horizontally.

Shape Tips: Although Looker Studio can only draw two shapes, it accepts all PNG files. You can use Google Draw to create custom shapes tailored to your needs and download them as PNGs for your reports.

Personalizing Your Report

There are various methods to tailor your report to your needs. For instance, you can filter your data by date or campaign or compare KPIs to a previous period.

Additionally, you can provide your viewers with dynamic filters, allowing them to interact with and explore the data more thoroughly.

Creating a Dynamic Filter

  1. In the shortcut bar, click on "Add a Control."
  2. Select the "Drop-down List."
  3. Place it on the page and add the "Campaign Name" dimension.

Now, the viewer can filter the entire report by campaign name.

You can also use the "Fixed-size List" and the "Advanced Filter" to achieve the same outcome with a different appearance.

Comparing KPIs to a Previous Period

For every component, there's a section called "Comparison Date Range." If activated, Looker Studio will compare the data to the previously selected period.

To enable this feature:

Comparison to previous period Looker Studio
Comparison to previous period Looker Studio

Bonus : Your free Template Matomo - Visits / Behaviours / Acquisition Template

In this Matomo template, you will find all the metrics and dimensions you would need to get a better view of your data.

If you need more templates, you could look at our looker studio template gallery.

No items found.

In this Matomo template, you will find all the metrics and dimensions you would need to get a better view of your data thank to our integrations.

If you need more templates, you could look at our PowerBI template gallery.

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