Connecting LinkedIn to Looker Studio requires a third-party connector, since Looker Studio doesn’t offer a native integration with LinkedIn. Through intermediary tools, you can import data from LinkedIn Ads and LinkedIn Pages directly into a custom dashboard, centralizing performance metrics alongside other channels like Google Ads or Meta Ads. This integration is especially valuable for agencies managing B2B campaigns that need unified reports for their clients.
What does connecting LinkedIn to Looker Studio mean and what is it for?
Looker Studio is a Google data visualization tool that allows you to build interactive, customizable dashboards. However, it doesn’t include an official connector for LinkedIn, which forces you to use third-party solutions to import the data.
By establishing this connection, you can combine the performance of your LinkedIn Ads campaigns with data from other advertising and analytics platforms in a single visual report. This eliminates the need to check multiple platforms separately and makes it easier to make decisions based on consolidated data.
This integration is useful for the following profiles and situations:
- Digital marketing agencies that manage B2B campaigns for multiple clients.
- Performance managers who need multichannel reports in one place.
- Freelancers who manage LinkedIn Ads accounts alongside other platforms.
- Marketing directors who need visibility into the full funnel, from impressions to conversions.
- Teams that deliver periodic reports to clients and need to automate data extraction.
What you should know before connecting LinkedIn to Looker Studio
The absence of a native connector
Unlike Google Ads or Google Analytics 4, LinkedIn doesn’t have an official connector within Looker Studio’s catalog. This means that any integration depends on an intermediary tool that pulls data from the LinkedIn API and exposes it as a data source in Looker Studio.
This technical limitation has practical implications:
- You need an active subscription to the third-party connector you choose.
- The data update frequency depends on the plan you’ve contracted.
- Historical data availability may vary depending on the tool.
- The additional monthly cost becomes part of your reporting workflow.
Types of data available from LinkedIn
Depending on the connector you use, you can access data from two different sources within LinkedIn:
| Data type | Source | Metric examples |
|---|---|---|
| Paid data | LinkedIn Ads (Campaign Manager) | Impressions, clicks, CTR, CPC, conversions, cost per conversion |
| Organic data | LinkedIn Pages | Reach, engagement, new followers, website traffic |
Connectors available on the market
There are several options for making this integration. The most widely used ones in the agency ecosystem are:
| Tool | Solution type | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Master Metrics | Centralized dashboard with multiple sources | Agencies that want automated reports without complex setup |
| Supermetrics | Connector for spreadsheets and Looker Studio | Teams with technical experience in Google Sheets or Looker Studio |
| Funnel.io | Marketing data centralization platform | Companies with high data volume and transformation needs |
| Windsor.ai | Multi-source connector | Users looking for more affordable options |
| Porter Metrics | Native connector for Looker Studio | Agencies that work exclusively within Looker Studio |
Key LinkedIn metrics to include in your dashboard
LinkedIn Ads metrics
- Impressions: how many times your ad was displayed on the platform.
- Clicks: total number of interactions with the ad.
- CTR (Click-Through Rate): percentage of users who clicked relative to impressions.
- CPC (Cost Per Click): average investment for each interaction generated.
- Conversions: completed actions such as sign-ups, downloads, or contact requests.
- Cost per conversion: efficiency of your investment relative to the results obtained.
LinkedIn Pages metrics
- Organic reach: unique users who saw your posts.
- Engagement: total likes, comments, and shares of your content.
- New followers: organic audience growth during the analyzed period.
- Clicks to website: visits generated from posts or the company profile.
How to connect LinkedIn to Looker Studio step by step
- Choose a third-party connector. Evaluate options like Master Metrics, Supermetrics, Windsor.ai, or Porter Metrics based on your budget and reporting needs.
- Create an account with the chosen tool. Most offer a free trial period. Check that the plan includes the LinkedIn Ads or LinkedIn Pages connector you need.
- Authorize access to your LinkedIn account. Within the tool, connect your advertising or company account. This step requires admin permissions on the LinkedIn account.
- Select the metrics and dimensions to import. Define what data you want to visualize: campaigns, ad groups, creative assets, dates, geographies, among others.
- Open Looker Studio and create a new data source. Go to “Create” and select “Data source.” Look for the LinkedIn connector you set up.
- Connect the data source to your report. Once linked, use the available fields to build charts, tables, and scorecards on your dashboard.
- Set the update frequency. Determine how often the data will refresh to keep the report automatically up to date.
- Customize the dashboard for the client. Add filters by campaign, date range, or objective type. Apply colors and labels consistent with the client’s brand identity.
Connecting LinkedIn to Looker Studio vs. reporting alternatives
| Criteria | Looker Studio + connector | Master Metrics | Whatagraph | AgencyAnalytics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Native LinkedIn integration | No (requires third party) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Technical setup required | High | Low | Medium | Low |
| Automated multichannel dashboard | Yes, with manual setup | Yes, automated | Yes, automated | Yes, automated |
| Visual customization | High | High | Medium | Medium |
| Implementation cost | Low (Looker Studio is free) + paid connector | Included in the plan | Included in the plan | Included in the plan |
| Ideal for agencies | With technical knowledge | Yes, designed for agencies | Yes | Yes |
Frequently asked questions about connecting LinkedIn to Looker Studio
Does Looker Studio have an official connector for LinkedIn?
No. As of now, Looker Studio doesn’t offer a native connector for LinkedIn Ads or LinkedIn Pages. To import this data you need a third-party tool that acts as an intermediary between the LinkedIn API and Looker Studio.
What LinkedIn data can I visualize in Looker Studio?
You can access paid campaign metrics from LinkedIn Campaign Manager, such as impressions, clicks, CTR, CPC, and conversions. You can also include organic data from LinkedIn Pages, such as reach, engagement, and follower growth, depending on the connector you use.
How often is LinkedIn data updated in Looker Studio?
The update frequency depends on the third-party connector and the plan you’ve contracted. Some connectors update data every hour; others do so once a day. It’s important to check this before choosing a tool, especially if your clients require real-time reports.
Is it complicated to set up this integration without technical knowledge?
The difficulty level varies depending on the tool. Connecting a third-party connector to Looker Studio and building a dashboard from scratch requires some familiarity with the platform. If you’re looking for a ready-to-use solution with a smaller learning curve, there are alternatives like Master Metrics that centralize LinkedIn data alongside other platforms without requiring advanced setup.
Can I combine LinkedIn data with Google Ads or Meta Ads in the same dashboard?
Yes. One of the main advantages of using Looker Studio is that it allows you to combine multiple data sources in a single report. You can display LinkedIn Ads performance alongside Google Ads, Meta Ads, GA4, or other platforms in a unified dashboard, as long as you have the corresponding connectors set up.
What happens if the third-party connector stops working or has outages?
If the connector fails, the data stops updating in Looker Studio and the dashboard shows outdated information. This is a real risk when relying on intermediary tools. To reduce it, choose providers with a proven track record of stability and active support, and set up update alerts whenever possible.
Are there limitations on the historical LinkedIn data available in Looker Studio?
Yes. Historical data availability depends on both the LinkedIn API and the connector used. In general, historical data is limited to the last 24 months for LinkedIn Ads. Some connectors offer greater historical depth, but this may involve an additional cost or special configuration.
How does Master Metrics help report LinkedIn data without relying on complex Looker Studio setups?
Master Metrics centralizes LinkedIn Ads data alongside Meta Ads, Google Ads, TikTok Ads, GA4, and other platforms in an automated dashboard. Unlike the traditional Looker Studio route with third-party connectors, Master Metrics doesn’t require manually setting up data sources or maintaining active connectors. Agencies get automatically updated reports for all their clients from a single platform, reducing the operational time spent on reporting.
Conclusion
Connecting LinkedIn to Looker Studio is a valid solution for agencies and professionals who already work with this tool and want to centralize their reports. However, it requires a time investment in setup, an additional expense for the third-party connector, and ongoing maintenance to ensure the data flows correctly. It’s not an immediate or friction-free integration.
For teams looking to reduce the operational time spent on reporting, it’s worth evaluating whether the Looker Studio plus connector architecture is the most efficient path. Tools like Master Metrics offer an alternative where LinkedIn Ads data is already integrated alongside the rest of your advertising platforms, with no need to set up data sources, maintain connectors, or build dashboards from scratch.
The end goal is the same: having LinkedIn data available and actionable to make better decisions. The difference lies in how much time and resources you invest to get there. If you want to explore a more direct way to achieve this, Master Metrics is designed specifically for agencies managing multiple clients and platforms.
