AutomationHow To Create Custom Reports on Shopify
Last updated: November 28 2024
Tracking the right data is crucial for making smart decisions about your Shopify store, but the default reports may not always show what you need. That’s why learning How To Create Custom Reports on Shopify can help you tailor the insights to fit your business goals.
If you want to unlock more personalized and actionable data for your store, let’s follow the topic below!
What is Shopify Custom Reporting?
Shopify Custom Reporting is a type of Shopify document that lets you create tailored reports focusing on the specific data visualization you need to run your business effectively. I find it super helpful because it means I don’t have to rely on generic reports—I can dig into exactly what matters most to my store.
Whether you want to track sales, peek at customer behavior, or unravel inventory mysteries, custom reporting tailors the info just for you.
3 Methods to Create Shopify Custom Reports
Based on my previous experience with the Shopify Custom Reports, here are the ways you can create this customized report for your Shopify store:
- Use Templates: Shopify provides ready-made report templates that you can use straight away, which is great if you want something quick and easy. I like using these templates when I need standard data without spending time building a report from scratch.
- Modify Default Reports: You can take Shopify’s default reports and tweak them to fit your needs, which is perfect for adding or removing specific performance metrics. I find this method useful when the standard reports are almost right but just need a few adjustments.
- Duplicate and Customize: Duplicating a default report and then customizing it allows you to keep the original while creating a version that suits your needs better. I often do this when I need something unique that I can reuse without changing the original Shopify report.
How To Create Custom Reports on Shopify | Desktop version
If you are using desktop devices to create and edit custom Shopify reports, please follow strictly my guide below for a smooth experience:
Step 1: Open Report
Navigate to Analytics > Reports from within your Shopify admin. Click Create Custom Report.
Step 2: Create a custom report
From the Create Custom Report dialog, enter the following information:
- In the Report title area, give the new custom report a descriptive title.
- Under the Report template, choose the type of report you wish to utilize.
- Click the Create Custom Report button once you have made your choice.
Step 3: Edit the custom report
Add filters and change columns to show the information you desire. When you're finished with the report, click Save Report.
Bonus: How To Create Custom Reports on Shopify | Mobile version
With the mobile version, the creation of custom reports is quite similar. Let’s dig into the details below:
- Just like the desktop version, from the Shopify app, tap the Action (…) button and then tap Analytics.
- Tap Reports. Then, choose Create Custom Report.
- From the Create custom report dialog, add the following information:
- In the Report title field, give the new custom report a descriptive name.
- In the Report template section, select the type of report that you want to use.
- Tap Create (for iPhone) or ✓ (For Android).
- Add filters and edit columns to display the information that you want.
- When you're finished creating the report, tap Save report.
Common issues and how to solve them
When you create custom report Shopify, there may be some issues or bugs that you are likely to encounter. Based on my previous experience dealing with such issues, here are the main problems that you need to pay attention to. Don’t worry since I will also provide solutions to each of them so you can easily handle those issues while forming your Shopify reports.
#1 Data Limitations on Basic Plans
If you're on Shopify’s Basic or lower-tier plan, custom reporting tools/ options are limited, which can restrict the insights you need. To solve this, consider upgrading to a higher plan that offers more in-depth reporting capabilities or explore third-party apps that provide extended reporting features compatible with Basic plans.
#2 Choosing the Right Metrics
It can be overwhelming to choose the right metrics for your report. Many store owners struggle with deciding what historical data is actually useful. To address this, focus on metrics that align with your business goals. For example, if you’re aiming to increase customer retention, look at repeat purchase rates and customer demographics.
#3 Data Syncing Delays
Shopify’s reporting system may not update in real time, especially during high-traffic periods. If you’re seeing delays, check back later or use manual data integration exports for immediate insights. Regular syncing will usually catch up and provide the latest data segmentation soon after.
#4 Filter and Grouping Errors
Misconfiguring filters and groups can lead to reports that don’t provide accurate data. If a report doesn’t look right, double-check your settings to ensure you’re filtering the correct data fields and grouping them logically. Always preview the report to catch any issues before saving.
#5 Custom Field Limitations
Shopify doesn’t support all types of custom fields, which can limit specific data/ KPI tracking. For more complex reporting needs, try integrating third-party analytics tools like Google Analytics or specialized reporting apps that offer advanced customization options.
FAQs
Can you create custom forms on Shopify?
Yes, you can use Shopify Forms or explore third-party apps from the Shopify App Store to create custom forms for lead capture and data collection.
Can you automate reports in Shopify?
Yes, you can manually schedule reports within Shopify, but you should consider using third-party apps like Zapier for more robust report automation.
How do you edit reports in Shopify?
You can filter reports by applying specific criteria and customize columns to display relevant data.
How do I create a custom field in Shopify?
Consider using metafields or creating custom metaobjects to extend Shopify’s data models and add additional information to your store.
Final words
Custom reports on Shopify give you the flexibility to see the numbers that matter most to your business, helping you make decisions grounded in real data. By customizing what you track—whether it’s sales performance, customer demographics, or product trends—you can gain clearer insights that support everything from marketing strategies to inventory planning.
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