Integrations & APIs
Matomo data becomes more valuable alongside CRM, shop or BI data. I connect Matomo to your target systems via the Reporting API or raw data exports and document the pipeline.
How I work
- 01Clarify data needs and target systems
- 02Set up Reporting API or raw data export
- 03Connect Power BI, Looker Studio or your DWH
- 04Monitor and document the pipeline
Ways to connect Matomo data
- Reporting API fetch aggregated reports on a schedule
- Raw data visits and actions from the database or exported to your data warehouse
- Server-side pass conversions to Google Ads, Meta or LinkedIn
- Imports bring data from Search Console, log files or other sources into Matomo, for example to make visits from AI crawlers visible
Three ways compared
| Way | Good for | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting API | Metrics and reports Matomo already has, for example for dashboards in Power BI | The data is aggregated, new questions need new reports or segments |
| Raw data export | Your own analysis in the data warehouse and joining with CRM or shop data | The pipeline needs maintenance, and raw data needs particular care for privacy |
| Plugin | Data that Matomo itself should show or pass on automatically, for example conversions to ad platforms | Development effort, and the plugin has to survive Matomo updates |
Typical targets
- Power BI fetch reports directly via the Reporting API and refresh them on a schedule
- Looker Studio connect Matomo data via a connector or an intermediate step such as Google Sheets or BigQuery
- Data warehouse export raw data to BigQuery, Snowflake, PostgreSQL or other databases
- CRM and ad platforms join leads and conversions from HubSpot, Salesforce or your CRM with Matomo data or pass them on server-side
- Intranet and your own applications show metrics where your team already works
Before you export: many questions can be answered right in Matomo, with segments, custom reports or Data Exploration for secondary dimensions and cross tables.
Privacy in exports
Raw data contains individual visits with pages, timestamps and shortened IP addresses. I only export what the analysis needs and agree with you how long the data stays in the target system.
For some of these there are ready-made plugins from feinwerk.io. Where nothing fits, I build a custom solution.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect Matomo to Power BI or Looker Studio?
Yes. Power BI fetches reports directly via the Matomo Reporting API. For Looker Studio I use a connector or an intermediate step such as Google Sheets or BigQuery. In both cases the query gets a token with read-only access.
How current is the data via the API?
As current as the archiving. If it runs hourly via cron job, reports are at most about an hour old. Individual visits in real time come from the Live API.
Do I need a plugin for this?
Not for the Reporting API or raw data exports. A plugin makes sense when Matomo itself should pass data on, for example conversions to Google Ads, Meta or LinkedIn.
May raw data go into the data warehouse?
Technically yes. Whether and for how long is a question for your data protection advisers. I make sure only the necessary fields are exported.
Related
Questions about this?
In an intro call we'll clarify where you stand and whether I'm the right fit.
Your contactPeter Boehlke, Matomo consultant from Munich, 17 years in the Matomo team