CONCAT Google Sheets & Looker Studio: Simplify Your Data Management and Reporting

Posted on Posted in All articles, Google Sheets, Looker Studio

If you’re managing data across platforms like Google Sheets and Looker Studio (formerly known as Google Data Studio), the ability to manipulate and combine data efficiently is essential. One function that often gets overlooked in this workflow is the CONCAT function in Google Sheets. When paired with Looker Studio, it becomes a powerful tool for data organization and visualization.

In this article, we’ll explore how to use the CONCAT function in Google Sheets and integrate it effectively with Looker Studio to streamline your reporting processes.

What is the CONCAT Function in Google Sheets?

The CONCAT function in Google Sheets is used to combine (or concatenate) two text strings into one. It’s a simplified version of the more flexible CONCATENATE and TEXTJOIN functions. The syntax for CONCAT is straightforward:

=CONCAT(text1, text2)

Why Use CONCAT?

While CONCAT has limitations (it only combines two values and doesn’t allow for delimiters), it’s excellent for simple use cases, such as:

  • Merging first and last names into a full name.
  • Creating unique IDs by combining multiple fields.
  • Formatting data for easier integration with tools like Looker Studio.

Integrating Google Sheets with Looker Studio

Google Sheets and Looker Studio are a dynamic duo for data analysis and visualization. Google Sheets allows for data storage and light manipulation, while Looker Studio transforms that data into insightful dashboards.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using CONCAT in Sheets and leveraging it in Looker Studio:

Step 1: Prepare Your Data in Google Sheets

Before linking Google Sheets to Looker Studio, ensure your data is clean and well-organized. Use the CONCAT function to streamline fields. For example:

  • Merge Names: Combine first and last names into a single column for reports.scssКопіювати код=CONCAT(A2, " ", B2)
  • Create Unique Identifiers: Combine product IDs and categories.scssКопіювати код=CONCAT(C2, "-", D2)
  • Build URLs for Tracking: Merge domain names and UTM parameters.scssКопіювати код=CONCAT("https://example.com?", E2)

Step 2: Link Google Sheets to Looker Studio

  1. Open Looker Studio and create a new report.
  2. Click on Add Data and select Google Sheets as your data source.
  3. Choose the Google Sheets file containing your prepared data.
  4. Select the sheet or range and configure the data connection.

Now, your concatenated data from Google Sheets is ready to be used in Looker Studio.

Step 3: Visualize Data in Looker Studio

With your data imported, you can create interactive charts, graphs, and tables. The concatenated fields from Google Sheets are especially useful for:

  • Grouping Data: Use merged fields (e.g., full names or product codes) as dimensions in your reports.
  • Custom Labels: Create descriptive labels for charts or legends by combining text fields.
  • Streamlined Filters: Use concatenated fields for more specific filtering options.

Best Practices for CONCAT and Looker Studio Integration

1. Use Descriptive Headers

When working with concatenated data, ensure your column headers clearly describe their contents. For instance, name a column “Full Name” instead of “Concat1” for easier identification in Looker Studio.

2. Test Your CONCAT Formulas

Double-check CONCAT formulas for errors. If one of the referenced cells is blank, the result might not appear as expected. You can use the IF function to handle blanks:

lessКопіювати код=IF(A2="", "", CONCAT(A2, B2))

3. Consider Delimiters

If you need to separate concatenated values with spaces, commas, or other characters, use the ampersand & operator or switch to TEXTJOIN:

graphqlКопіювати код=TEXTJOIN(", ", TRUE, A2, B2, C2)

4. Update Data Regularly

Google Sheets connected to Looker Studio updates automatically. However, if your source data changes frequently, ensure proper syncing and version control to prevent discrepancies in reports.

Common Use Cases for CONCAT in Looker Studio Reports

  • Marketing Campaigns: Combine campaign names and codes to create unique identifiers for performance tracking.
  • Sales Reports: Merge client names and regions for better segmentation in dashboards.
  • Inventory Management: Concatenate product categories and IDs for detailed stock reporting.

Conclusion

The CONCAT function in Google Sheets is a simple yet effective tool for merging text data, and when combined with Looker Studio, it becomes a cornerstone for seamless reporting. By preparing your data effectively in Sheets and integrating it with Looker Studio, you can create insightful dashboards that empower decision-making.

Whether you’re a marketer, analyst, or business owner, mastering these tools will help you save time and improve your data workflows. Start using CONCAT and Looker Studio today to transform the way you manage and visualize your data!