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Custom Reports

Create and automate custom analytics reports

9 min read
Updated January 15, 2024

Custom Reports


Create tailored analytics reports that showcase the metrics and insights that matter most to you and your stakeholders.

What are Custom Reports?


Overview

Custom Reports allow you to:

  • Choose Your Metrics: Select specific data points to include
  • Brand Your Reports: Add logos, colors, and company branding
  • Schedule Delivery: Automate report generation and distribution
  • Multiple Formats: Export as PDF, Excel, PowerPoint, or CSV
  • White-Label Options: Remove FameLifter branding (Enterprise)

Why Use Custom Reports?

  • Client Presentations: Professional reports for clients
  • Executive Summaries: High-level insights for stakeholders
  • Detailed Analysis: In-depth data for team review
  • Automated Tracking: Set-and-forget reporting
  • Brand Consistency: Match your company style

Report Builder


Getting Started


#### Access Report Builder
  • Navigate to Reports: Click "Custom Reports" in dashboard
  • Create New: Click "New Custom Report" button
  • Choose Template: Start from scratch or use template
  • Configure Settings: Set up report parameters
  • Preview & Export: Review and download

#### Report Templates

Pre-built templates for common needs:

  • Weekly Summary: Week-over-week performance
  • Monthly Report: Comprehensive monthly overview
  • Competitor Analysis: Multi-channel comparison
  • Growth Tracking: Subscriber and view trends
  • Content Performance: Video-level analytics
  • Executive Dashboard: High-level KPIs

Building Your Report


#### Step 1: General Settings

Configure basics:

  • Report Name: Descriptive title
  • Report Period: Date range (last 7/30/90 days, custom)
  • Channels: Which channels to include
  • Language: Report language
  • Time Zone: For accurate timestamps

#### Step 2: Select Metrics

Choose data to include:

  • Channel Metrics: Subscribers, views, video count
  • Engagement: Likes, comments, shares, engagement rate
  • Growth: Subscriber growth, view growth percentages
  • Content: Upload frequency, video performance
  • Audience: Demographics, geography, device types
  • Trends: Trending videos, viral content

#### Step 3: Visualizations

Add charts and graphs:

  • Line Charts: Trends over time
  • Bar Charts: Metric comparisons
  • Pie Charts: Distribution breakdowns
  • Tables: Detailed data tables
  • Scorecards: KPI highlights
  • Heat Maps: Performance intensity

#### Step 4: Layout

Organize report structure:

  • Cover Page: Title, date, logo
  • Table of Contents: Auto-generated index
  • Executive Summary: Key findings
  • Detailed Sections: Organized metrics
  • Appendix: Methodology, notes

Customization Options


Branding


#### Visual Identity

Personalize appearance:

  • Logo Upload: Add company logo (header/footer)
  • Color Scheme: Choose brand colors
  • Fonts: Select typography
  • Watermark: Background branding
  • White-Label: Remove FameLifter branding (Enterprise)

#### Professional Touch

  • Custom Headers: Company name and info
  • Footers: Contact details, disclaimers
  • Page Numbers: Automatic numbering
  • Cover Design: Professional first impression

Data Presentation


#### Formatting Options
  • Number Formatting: Thousands separators, decimals
  • Date Formats: US, EU, or custom formats
  • Currency: Display monetary values correctly
  • Percentages: Growth rates and proportions
  • Abbreviations: K, M, B for large numbers

#### Data Comparison

  • Period Comparison: Week-over-week, month-over-month
  • Benchmark Comparison: vs. industry average
  • Goal Tracking: Actual vs. target performance
  • Historical Trends: Long-term performance tracking

Export Formats


PDF Reports


#### Professional Documents
  • Print-Ready: High-quality PDF output
  • Interactive: Clickable table of contents
  • Secure: Password protection option
  • Compressed: Optimized file size
  • Bookmarks: Easy navigation

Use cases:

  • Client presentations
  • Email distribution
  • Print copies
  • Archival storage

Excel Spreadsheets


#### Data Analysis
  • Multiple Sheets: Organized data tabs
  • Formulas: Pre-calculated metrics
  • Pivot Tables: Interactive analysis
  • Charts: Embedded visualizations
  • Raw Data: Full dataset access

Use cases:

  • Further data analysis
  • Custom calculations
  • Data manipulation
  • Integration with other tools

PowerPoint Presentations


#### Presentation Decks
  • Slide Format: Ready-to-present
  • Editable: Modify slides as needed
  • Charts: Copyable visualizations
  • Speaker Notes: Presentation guidance
  • Templates: Branded slide master

Use cases:

  • Board meetings
  • Team presentations
  • Client pitches
  • Workshops and training

CSV Data


#### Raw Data Export
  • Comma-Separated: Universal format
  • All Metrics: Complete dataset
  • Custom Delimiters: Semicolon, tab options
  • UTF-8 Encoding: International character support
  • Bulk Export: Multiple reports at once

Use cases:

  • Database import
  • API integration
  • Custom analysis tools
  • Data warehousing

Automation & Scheduling


Scheduled Reports


#### Set Up Recurring Reports
  • Create Report: Build your custom report
  • Save Template: Save configuration
  • Schedule: Set recurrence (daily/weekly/monthly)
  • Recipients: Add email addresses
  • Activate: Turn on automation

#### Schedule Options

  • Frequency: Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly
  • Day of Week: Choose specific days
  • Time: Set delivery time
  • Time Zone: Recipient's time zone
  • Duration: Start and end dates

Email Distribution


#### Automatic Delivery

Configure distribution:

  • Recipient List: Multiple email addresses
  • Email Subject: Customizable subject line
  • Message: Optional email body text
  • Attachments: Report files attached
  • Links: Secure download links option

#### Notification Settings

  • Success Confirmation: Delivery notifications
  • Failure Alerts: Error notifications
  • Preview: Sample report before scheduling
  • Pause/Resume: Temporarily disable

Advanced Features


Dynamic Reports


#### Variable Data

Reports that update automatically:

  • Real-Time Data: Latest metrics always
  • Date Variables: "Last 30 days" auto-updates
  • Conditional Formatting: Highlights based on thresholds
  • Auto-Refresh: Data updates on access
  • Version Control: Track report changes

Multi-Channel Reports


#### Consolidated Analytics

Combine multiple channels:

  • Portfolio View: All channels in one report
  • Comparison Mode: Side-by-side analysis
  • Aggregated Metrics: Combined totals
  • Individual Sections: Per-channel breakdown
  • Summary Statistics: Overall performance

Data Annotations


#### Add Context

Enhance reports with:

  • Notes: Explain anomalies or events
  • Highlights: Draw attention to key findings
  • Recommendations: Actionable insights
  • Milestones: Mark significant achievements
  • Campaigns: Tag marketing activities

Collaboration


Team Sharing


#### Share Reports
  • Internal Sharing: Share with team members
  • External Links: Secure client access
  • Permission Levels: View, edit, or admin
  • Expiration: Time-limited access
  • Password Protection: Additional security

Comments & Feedback


#### Collaborative Review
  • In-Report Comments: Discuss specific sections
  • @Mentions: Tag team members
  • Approval Workflow: Review and approve
  • Version History: Track changes
  • Export Comments: Include feedback in report

Use Cases


Client Reporting


#### Agency Workflow
  • Create Client Template: Branded report template
  • Add Client Data: Import client channel
  • Generate Report: Auto-populate with latest data
  • Review & Annotate: Add insights and recommendations
  • Deliver: Email or client portal access

Executive Dashboards


#### Leadership Reports
  • KPI Focus: High-level metrics only
  • Visual Heavy: Charts over tables
  • Trend Analysis: Performance trajectories
  • Concise Insights: Brief, actionable summary
  • Monthly Cadence: Regular updates

Performance Tracking


#### Internal Analytics
  • Detailed Metrics: All available data
  • Team Distribution: Share with content team
  • Weekly Review: Regular performance check-ins
  • Goal Monitoring: Track against targets
  • Strategy Adjustment: Inform content decisions

Best Practices


Report Design


#### Effective Reports
  • Clear Purpose: Know your audience and goal
  • Focused Metrics: Don't overwhelm with data
  • Visual Balance: Mix charts and tables
  • Consistent Style: Maintain design consistency
  • Actionable Insights: Always include takeaways

Data Accuracy


#### Ensure Quality
  • Verify Data: Check metrics before sharing
  • Update Frequency: Match data freshness to needs
  • Source Attribution: Credit data sources
  • Disclaimer: Note limitations or caveats
  • Version Control: Date all reports

Automation Tips


#### Maximize Efficiency
  • Template Reuse: Don't rebuild from scratch
  • Standard Schedules: Consistent delivery times
  • Test First: Preview before automating
  • Monitor Delivery: Check success rates
  • Update Regularly: Refresh templates as needs change

Troubleshooting


Common Issues


Report Generation Fails
  • Check data availability for selected period
  • Verify channel access permissions
  • Reduce report complexity (fewer metrics)
  • Try different export format

Missing Data

  • Ensure channels have data for period
  • Check if metrics are available for channel type
  • Verify API connections are active
  • Refresh data and try again

Formatting Problems

  • Preview report before exporting
  • Check browser/software compatibility
  • Try alternative export format
  • Contact support for custom needs

Getting Help


Resources

  • Video Tutorials: Step-by-step guides
  • Template Library: Pre-built report templates
  • Best Practices: Report design tips
  • Case Studies: Example use cases

Support

  • Knowledge Base: Comprehensive documentation
  • Live Chat: Real-time assistance
  • Email Support: [email protected]
  • Custom Solutions: Enterprise consulting

Ready to create professional analytics reports? Access the Report Builder or explore templates.

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Custom Reports - Advanced Features | FameLifter Help Center