Connect Fewer Data Sources for Speed

Why Too Many Data Sources Slow You Down

If you want faster Looker Studio dashboards, start by connecting fewer data sources. This is the quickest way to see real results. Every new source, whether it’s Google Analytics, Sheets, BigQuery, or something else, adds extra work behind the scenes. When your dashboard pulls data from several places, every refresh triggers extra queries, queues, and more chances for things to slow down. Slow dashboards aren’t just frustrating—they can actually hurt your business. Decision-makers may stop trusting the reports and start checking them less often.

Looker Studio (previously Data Studio) was designed for scalable, visual analytics. That said, it isn’t totally immune to lag or slowdowns. Here’s why performance can drop:

  • Each data source increases the back-and-forth between Looker Studio and external APIs.
  • Different sources might refresh data at their own pace, which can make things feel out-of-sync or delayed.
  • When you blend data or make complex joins, especially across slow or high-volume connectors, load times can go up really fast.

Your team needs answers, not spinning load wheels. Limiting your data sources is the most straightforward way to improve Looker Studio performance and keep things moving quickly. Fewer connections mean fewer “Why is Looker Studio slow?” complaints during team meetings.

How to Audit and Reduce Sources

Begin by taking a close look at all the connectors on your main dashboards. Here’s a quick method to spot unnecessary clutter:

  1. Open your dashboard. Go to the “Resource” > “Manage added data sources” section.
  2. List each data source you find, and make a note of how often each one is actually used (for example, is that Google Sheet only powering a single pie chart?).
  3. Spot any connectors that are duplicated (such as multiple views of the same GA property) or that bring in duplicate data sets.

After auditing, it’s time to take action:

  • Group similar sources together and only blend data when it’s truly necessary.
  • Remove old data connectors that don’t contribute any real business value.
  • Consider swapping out heavy, real-time connectors for Looker Studio Extract data. This lets you pull in snapshots for reporting windows and cut down waiting times.

At 6th Man, one of our key philosophies is all about efficiency. Every extra connector puts dashboard speed and clarity at risk—two qualities our clients care about deeply. When in doubt, keep things simple.

Best Practices for Data Connector Selection

To consistently speed up Looker Studio dashboards, think carefully about which connectors to use:

  • Stick with native connectors like Google Ads, Google Analytics, and BigQuery wherever possible. These are designed for top-notch performance and reliability.
  • Only use third-party connectors when you truly need them. Many add avoidable delays.
  • For large datasets, pre-aggregate in your database. Run summary queries in BigQuery or SQL before sending data to Looker Studio.
  • If real-time data isn’t required, switch to extract data sources for regular business reports. This keeps dashboards steady and reduces strain.

Remember, dashboards that load instantly are the ones people use most. Fast, dependable data builds trust and leads to better decisions.

Limit Objects per Page for Lightning-Fast Dashboards

Impact of Too Many Charts, Tables, and Widgets

Each chart, table, or scorecard you add to your dashboard sends off another query when you load the page. More visual elements mean more waiting. If your goal is faster Looker Studio dashboards—especially for leadership and sales teams who rely on them—one lesson stands out: less is more. This is one of the core Looker Studio performance best practices.

Packing your dashboard with visuals might seem valuable, but every new object adds to the workload for both your browser and Looker’s backend. This is especially noticeable with things like:

  • Live, interactive filters connected to every chart on a page
  • Scorecards that use complex calculated fields
  • Conditional formatting such as color coding, heatmaps, or custom logic

UX studies show that overloaded dashboards don’t just run slow. They also make it harder to find insights, dilute your main messages, and can turn off decision-makers who need answers quickly.

Benchmark: How Many Objects Is Too Many?

There’s no absolute number, but tests with SMEs and e-commerce businesses show these clear guidelines work:

  • Aim for 5–10 objects per page to keep dashboards fast—even on basic hardware.
  • When you go over 15 visual elements or charts per page, expect lots of slowdowns, no matter where your data comes from.
  • If you use heavy conditional formatting or complex calculations, keep your object count even lower for smooth performance.

At 6th Man, we use the “CEO test”—if a page can’t load (and make sense) in under 3 seconds, it’s just too busy. Fewer objects means fewer queries and, in turn, quicker responses.

Tips for Simplifying Dashboard Design

To optimize Looker performance and roll out dashboards that fit the pace of your team, design with intention:

  1. Group related metrics—summarize with scorecard blocks or tables instead of endless single visuals for each KPI.
  2. Put deep-dive details on secondary pages or tabs rather than up front, with major insights always visible first.
  3. Use interactive features wisely. Only allow cross-filtering on the visuals that truly need it.
  4. Skip flashy but nonessential graphics or heavy formatting. Keep your focus on what’s clear and actionable.

This isn’t just about shaving off a few seconds. It’s about building dashboards that inspire action by keeping what matters most front and center. Want to see how we balance strong design with speed? Take a look at our design & development service page for real-world examples.

Use Google BigQuery as the Ultimate Performance Solution

Why BigQuery Outperforms Other Data Sources

Once your data gets too big for Sheets or Google Analytics, Google BigQuery steps in as the gold standard for incredibly fast Looker Studio dashboards. BigQuery is a scalable, serverless warehouse built to handle huge datasets by the billions in seconds. For Looker Studio users frustrated with slow connectors or hit performance walls, BigQuery is the go-to solution.

What makes BigQuery shine for improving Looker Studio performance?

  • It uses “pushdown processing”—filtering, grouping, and aggregations all happen in BigQuery, not in Looker Studio or in your browser.
  • You’re only charged for the data you process, not the total data stored, making it efficient and cost-effective.
  • BigQuery is built for scale and reliability. In fact, it powers analytics for Google’s own services worldwide.
  • Integration is seamless—the BigQuery-native connector is the most stable and always kept up to date by Google.

Want proof? Dashboards that stall with slow connectors can often load in under two seconds when rebuilt using BigQuery correctly. That’s why analytics teams and agencies like 6th Man rely on it as their foundation.

Is BigQuery Right for Small and Medium Businesses?

You don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company or manage mountains of data to benefit from BigQuery. For European SMEs and digital-first teams with growing needs, it often pays off through time savings and better reporting confidence alone.

Here’s when BigQuery data sources are a smart fit:

  • You’re running into row limits or major lag in Google Sheets, Analytics, or blended connectors.
  • Your teams need more detailed segmentation, maybe even breakdowns by minute or hour.
  • Your reports have to load quickly, even as more users access them at once.

Costs stay very manageable for small and medium data volumes—most SME needs are even covered by BigQuery’s free tier. And as you grow, scaling is seamless. No fuss or disruptive migrations. For the fastest performance, use BigQuery extracts with Looker Studio’s Extract data to cache key tables and significantly cut dashboard refresh times.

Set Up BigQuery for Looker Studio: Key Steps

If you’re ready to try BigQuery with Looker Studio, follow this quick plan:

  1. Organize your data in BigQuery: Clean, pre-aggregate, and index data thoughtfully for your most common queries.
  2. Establish permissions: Set custom access so teams can see the data they need—without opening up sensitive info unnecessarily.
  3. Add BigQuery as a source in Looker Studio: Connect your project natively, and check that your tables and columns have clear, business-friendly names.
  4. Leverage Extract Data: For heavy reporting, set up regular extracts in Looker Studio to store crucial tables (this uses batch refresh rather than live connections) and boost dashboard loading.",
  5. Track performance: Compare load times and user satisfaction before and after. Fine-tune as needed for the best experience.

For extra detail, see Google’s own Looker Studio hub. And if you want to get your setup right from the start, our team at 6th Man Digital builds analytics solutions that deliver both speed and smart business value.

About Google’s Acquisition of Looker Studio

Why This Matters for Dashboard Speed and Reliability

Google’s acquisition of Looker in June 2019 was a big step, showing strong commitment to top-tier analytics, visualization, and performance. The deal, completed in February 2020, was a $2.6 billion investment designed to “help customers analyze their data in a consistent way.” For businesses, it translates into regular platform upgrades, deeper native integrations, and continued investment from the Google ecosystem.

This move brought real benefits in terms of speed and uptime:

  • Dashboard hosting on Google's reliable cloud infrastructure
  • Priority maintenance and updates for connectors such as BigQuery, Analytics, and Google Ads
  • Strong global data compliance—crucial for European-based companies

With Google now supporting Looker Studio, you gain not just faster dashboards but true peace of mind. There’s no worrying about your BI platform being left behind or suddenly discontinued.

How the Acquisition Impacts Roadmap and Features

Since joining Google Cloud, Looker Studio has seen faster innovation cycles. New features and upgrades arrive regularly, focusing on speed, new integrations, and stronger data governance. Some major changes include:

  • Quicker data blending and caching for smoother, more responsive dashboards
  • Improved support for enterprise-grade data and permission controls
  • Advanced visualization and interactivity that don’t sacrifice performance

For B2B companies, retail, and e-commerce teams in Belgium and throughout Europe, this means your Looker Studio investment is modern, safe, and set up for future growth. Want to see how improvements in data infrastructure support real-world business impact? Check out our case studies for practical stories and improvements.

Reach Out for Expert Help with Your Dashboards

You’ve now seen how to create faster Looker Studio dashboards: connect only what you need, limit page objects, and use BigQuery when you want top-tier speed. But putting best practices into action isn’t always simple. Challenges like slow dashboards, data sprawl, and clunky reporting can sap energy from marketing and leadership teams. That’s when expert support proves its value.

  • Boost your dashboard speed—spend less time waiting and more time making smart decisions.
  • Build dashboards that focus on real business goals, not just pretty visuals.
  • Develop analytics systems that stay robust and grow right alongside your business, whether you’re in B2B, e-commerce, or operate across markets.

At 6th Man, we’re far more than just another agency. Think of us as your built-in, on-demand marketing and analytics team. We offer senior-level insight, honest guidance, and an unstoppable drive toward speed and measurable growth. Ready to create Looker Studio dashboards that truly fit your ambitions? Let’s talk. No fluff—just the results you want.