How to connect a data source to Google Data Studio?

There are two sorts of data sources and "connectors" that link them together. A connector is a mechanism by which Data Studio accesses a specific data platform, system, or product. More on this subject is here.

1. Google Connectors (aka. free connectors)
2. Partner Connectors (aka. community connectors)

Community Connectors is a developer initiative that allows you to access data from Google Sheets, as well as data from other Data Studio partners. Community connectors may cost money to use.

How to create a data source?

1. Creating a universal data source from the "Create" button.

When on the main panel, click on "Create" and then "Data Source". Make sure that you have logged in to the same Google account which has admin access to other Google Marketing Platform products.

After this, you should find your Google Analytics account from the list and choose it. Click on blue "Connect" button above-right.

2. Creating within the report.

With this method, the data source you create will only be available for this report.

During the creation of the report, you will see a pop-up section with data sources. Pick one among them. In this example, we are using a sample data source from Google Analytics. (a free"Google Connector)

After this, you should find your Google Analytics account from the list and choose it. Click on the blue "Connect" button above-right.