Power BI vs. Looker Studio for agency client reporting
Start with one client and one monthly report. List the sources you need, the questions the client wants answered and who should be able to open the report.
When to start with Power BI
Consider Power BI when your team needs a shared model for campaign spend, site activity and CRM outcomes. Before quoting, confirm the tenant permits external sharing and check which licenses or capacity the client needs.
Microsoft guidance on sharing and licensing
When to start with Looker Studio
Consider Looker Studio when your reporting focuses on campaigns and website activity and suitable connectors cover your sources. Check the data credentials before sharing. Owner credentials can allow report viewers to see data without direct dataset access. Viewer credentials require each viewer to have their own access.
Google guidance on data credentials
How to test the choice
- Connect one client’s sources and reconcile the spend and lead totals.
- Ask a client viewer to open the report and confirm they see the intended data.
- Run a refresh and confirm who will maintain each connection after handover.
- Include licensing, connector fees and ongoing maintenance in the quote.