Build a look and dashboard for a Custom Report

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Build a Look and Dashboard for a Custom Report

In this article, you'll learn how to create a basic look and dashboard for your Custom Reports within ActiveCampaign. This feature is essential for users who want to visualize their data effectively and gain insights from specific metrics. A custom report allows you to tailor the visualization to your needs, facilitating better decision-making based on your data.

How to Access This Feature

To access the Custom Reports feature, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the left-hand menu and click on Reports. 3. Under the Reports menu, select Custom Reports. This will open the Custom Reports builder, where you can create and manage your looks and dashboards.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating a look and dashboard consists of two main parts: building a look and using it to create a dashboard.

Building a Basic Look

1. **Select Custom Reports**: After accessing the Custom Reports section, you will find a pane called "Custom Reports" on the left side, which contains different categories under All Fields.

2. **Choose a Dimension**: Start by selecting your desired dimension for the report. For this example, we'll choose the Tag dimension. Click on Contacts in the left pane, and then select Tag.

3. **Select a Measure**: Every report must include at least one measure. For our example, we will use the Count measure. This is vital as it defines what we want to measure in relation to our selected dimension.

4. **Run the Query**: Click the Run button located at the top right corner of the report builder. This action retrieves the data that will populate your report and allows you to review your options.

5. **Implement Field Filters**: If necessary, you can filter the results to narrow down the dataset. You can select any dimension or measure to apply as a filter. For instance, we may wish to filter the results by specific tags, limiting our dataset to only the relevant tags.

6. **Review Visualization Options**: After retrieving your data, review the various visualization options. You can choose how to present your data based on your preferences and reporting needs.

7. **Customize Your Look**: Once you've selected a visualization option, customize it by clicking the Edit button at the top right corner. Here, you can add titles, change colors, include trend lines, and apply various other customizations to enhance your visualization.

8. **Save Your Look**: When you have completed customizing your look, save it by clicking the Gear icon in the top right corner. You will be given the option to save your report either as a standalone look or directly to a dashboard.

Creating a Dashboard

1. **Save as New Dashboard**: When saving your look, you can choose to save it As a new dashboard. This option allows you to create a new dashboard and also saves your first look (or tile) to it. You will be prompted to name your dashboard and select a folder for it.

2. **Access Your Dashboard**: After saving, a link will direct you to your newly created dashboard page. Here, you can see various customization options. Start by clicking the Add option, where you can incorporate new or existing looks, as well as sections for headings.

3. **Adding Filters**: As part of your dashboard customization, you can add filters that correspond to any dimension or measure. These filters can be configured to apply across multiple looks within your dashboard by navigating to the Tiles to Update configuration during the filter setup.

4. **Save Dashboard Changes**: After adding tiles and filters, ensure to click the Save button to finalize and apply all the changes made to your dashboard.

Configuration Options and Settings

While setting up your Custom Reports, certain configuration options are key to optimizing your reports:

• Tags: Utilize this option to categorize contacts based on their behaviors and interactions.
• Count: A fundamental measure that quantifies how many instances appear within your selected dimension.
• Field Filters: Apply these to filter datasets, ensuring that you only analyze the most relevant results.
• Visualization Options: Various charts and graphs to represent your data visually.
• Edit Button: Use this to modify how your look is presented based on your preferences.

Best Practices and Tips

• **Define Clear Objectives**: Before creating looks and dashboards, clarify what metrics you need to track and why.
• **Regularly Review Data**: Frequently check the data retrieved to ensure accuracy and relevance to your current objectives.
• **Use Filters Effectively**: Leverage filters to avoid clutter and focus on high-priority data, making analysis more straightforward.
• **Test Different Visualizations**: Experiment with different visual formats to determine which one best represents your data insights.
• **Stay Organized**: Properly name and categorize your dashboards and looks to maintain organization, especially as your data grows.

Common Use Cases with Examples

• **Tag Performance Tracking**: By creating a look that visualizes the performance of specific tags, users can assess which campaigns drive engagement.
• **Contact Trends Analysis**: With the Count measure applied to different tags, users can track how contact interactions change over time, helping in strategy adaptations.
• **Customization for Presentation**: Tailor looks for presentations, focusing on specific visual styles that cater to stakeholders' preferences for data interpretation.

Troubleshooting Section

If you encounter issues while creating looks or dashboards, consider the following troubleshooting tips:

• **Data Retrieval Issues**: Double-check selected dimensions and measures if no data appears after clicking Run.
• **Customization Not Saving**: Ensure you're following all prompts and hitting the Save button after making changes.
• **Filters Not Applying**: Confirm that filters are set correctly and review the 'Tiles to Update' setting to ensure they are impacting the desired Looks.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I add multiple looks to a dashboard? A1: Yes, you can add multiple looks to a single dashboard by utilizing the Add option when editing your dashboard.

Q2: What types of visualizations are available for looks? A2: There are various options, including bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts, allowing for tailored presentations of your data.

Q3: Is it possible to share my dashboard with others? A3: Yes, dashboards can be shared within your organization, facilitating collaboration and review of the reports.

Q4: How can I filter looks by date? A4: You can add date filters as part of your dashboard’s customization, allowing you to analyze data over specific periods.

Q5: What should I do if the data seems inaccurate? A5: Verify your filters and configurations, and check if there were any changes in the data or tagging strategy that might affect the results.

Q6: Can I delete a look from my dashboard? A6: Yes, you can remove looks by accessing the dashboard settings and selecting the option to delete them.

Q7: How do I access support if I face technical difficulties? A7: Visit the ActiveCampaign support page or contact customer support for assistance with technical issues related to Custom Reports.

By following this guide, you will be able to effectively build looks and dashboards for custom reports in ActiveCampaign. Utilize these capabilities to harness your data and enhance your marketing strategies. ```