Automate Google Analytics Reporting with n8n

This n8n workflow collects, processes, and formats Google Analytics data into a comprehensive HTML report. The report is segmented into three primary categories: Engagement Stats, Search Results, and Country Views. The formatted report can be emailed or saved as a document, and the workflow includes error handling and logging for better debugging.

Overview

Purpose

To automate the extraction, processing, and presentation of Google Analytics data in a visually appealing and structured format for easier insights and decision-making.

Features

• Data Parsing: Individual parsers process raw Google Analytics data for different time periods and categories.
• Data Aggregation: Combines parsed data into a single structured JSON object.
• HTML Report Generation: Formats the aggregated data into an HTML table with color-coded segments for better readability.
• Email or Document Output: The formatted report can be emailed or saved as a Google Doc (will need additional setup).
• Error Handling: Includes checks for missing data and detailed error messages for debugging.

Workflow Steps

1. Data Fetching:

   • Six separate Google Analytics data pulls:
     • Page Engagement Stats (This Week and Prior Week)
     • Google Search Results (This Week and Prior Week)
     • Country Views (This Week and Prior Week)

2. Data Parsing:

   • Each data pull is processed using a dedicated parser node to generate a URL-safe string.
   • Example nodes:
     • Parse - Get Page Engagement This Week
     • Parse - Country Views Prior Week

3. Data Aggregation:

   • Aggregates parsed data into a structured JSON object using the Aggregate Data node.
   • Ensures consistency and handles missing or malformed data.

4. HTML Report Generation:

   • Creates a formatted HTML report with color-coded tables for each segment:
     • Engagement Stats: Green
     • Search Results: Blue
     • Country Views: Orange
   • Includes headers and neatly formatted tables for each data set.

5. Output:

   • The report can be sent via email using the Gmail API or saved to Google Docs.
   • Example nodes:
     • Gmail node for email delivery.
     • Google Docs node for saving the report as a document.

Requirements

Prerequisites

• Google Cloud Setup:
  • Enable Google Analytics API.
  • Enable Gmail API (if using email output).
  • Generate OAuth credentials for API access.
• n8n Installation:
  • Self-hosted n8n instance with required nodes (Gmail, Google Docs, etc.).
  • Free Cloud-based n8n account.

Environment Variables

• Ensure API credentials and tokens are set up in the n8n environment.
• Update the respective nodes with client ID, client secret, and access tokens.

Configuration

Google Analytics

• Configure the Get Report nodes with the appropriate property ID and metrics.
• Ensure correct date ranges are selected for each node.

Formatting Node

• The Format Data node processes aggregated data and generates the HTML content.
• Customize the HTML styling and segment colors as needed.

Email Node

• Configure the Gmail node with OAuth credentials.
• Set the recipient email address and subject line dynamically.

Error Handling

Common Issues

1. Authentication Errors:

   • Ensure OAuth credentials are correct.
   • Verify that the APIs are enabled in the Google Cloud Console.

2. Empty Data:

   • Check the raw data from Google Analytics.
   • Validate the property ID and query parameters in the Get Report nodes.

3. Parsing Errors:

   • Ensure the parser nodes are correctly configured and match the expected input format.

Debugging

• Use debug logs in each node to identify data flow issues.
• Add error-handling nodes to capture and log issues during execution.

Example Usage

1. Run the Workflow
   • Trigger the workflow to fetch, process, and format Google Analytics data.
2. Verify Output
   • Check the formatted HTML output in the debug logs.
   • Ensure the email or Google Doc contains the correctly formatted report.

Future Enhancements

• Add support for additional metrics or dimensions.
• Integrate with Slack for notifications.
• Enable scheduling for automated reports.
• Add a visual dashboard for real-time analytics.