Client Setup Guide

Dashboard Setup Instructions

To get your dashboard connected to your real data, I'll need a few things from you. This guide walks you through exactly what to do — step by step, no technical experience needed.

What I need from you

📄 Your Instagram account switched to Business or Creator
📘 A Facebook Page connected to your Instagram
🔗 Approval of a one-click authorization link I'll send you
1

Switch your Instagram to a Business or Creator account

If your account is currently a personal account, you'll need to switch it. Both Business and Creator work — pick whichever fits you best.

Instagram → Settings → Account → Switch to Professional Account

Follow the prompts and choose Business or Creator. You can change this later if needed.

Note: You do not need to add a phone number or any public contact info. Leave those fields blank if you prefer privacy.
2

Connect your Instagram to a Facebook Page

Instagram's analytics API runs through Facebook — so your IG account needs to be linked to a Facebook Page. If you already have a Facebook Business Page, you can connect it directly.

Instagram → Settings → Account → Linked Accounts → Facebook

Log in to Facebook when prompted and select your Page. If you don't have a Facebook Page yet, see the note below.

Don't have a Facebook Page? You'll need to create one first. Go to facebook.com, log in (or create an account), and create a Page for your business. Then come back and follow the steps above to link it. Reach out if you need help with this step.
3

Approve the authorization link I send you

Once your accounts are linked, I'll send you a short authorization link. When you click it:

1. You'll be taken to a Facebook login screen
2. Log in with the Facebook account that manages your Page
3. You'll see a list of permissions — click Allow
4. That's it. I receive a secure token and can pull your analytics data.

What am I approving? Read-only access to your Instagram analytics — reach, impressions, engagement, post performance, and audience data. I cannot post, message, or make any changes to your account.
Important: Do not share your Instagram or Facebook password with anyone, including me. The authorization link handles access securely without needing your password.

Once you've completed those steps, send me:

  • Confirmation that your IG is switched to Business or Creator
  • Confirmation that your Facebook Page is linked to your Instagram
  • Your Instagram username so I can send you the right authorization link

What I need from you

🔑 Your Shopify store URL
🗝️ An Admin API access token (you'll generate this)
1

Log into your Shopify Admin

Go to your Shopify store admin. The URL will look like:

yourstore.myshopify.com/admin

Make sure you're logged in as the store owner or an account with admin access.

2

Go to Apps → Develop Apps

Settings → Apps and sales channels → Develop apps

If you see a message saying custom app development is not enabled, click "Allow custom app development" and confirm. This is a one-time step.

3

Create a new custom app

Click "Create an app" and give it a name — something like Northwind Dashboard works fine. Then click Create.

4

Set the API permissions

Click "Configure Admin API scopes" and turn on read access for the following:

read_orders · read_products · read_customers · read_analytics

Make sure these four are checked, then click Save.

Read-only only. These permissions let the dashboard pull your data but cannot place orders, edit products, or make any changes to your store.
5

Install the app and copy your token

Click "Install app" and confirm. After installing, go to the API credentials tab.

You'll see an Admin API access token. Click "Reveal token once" and copy it immediately.

Important: This token is only shown once. Copy it before closing the page. If you miss it, you'll need to uninstall and reinstall the app to generate a new one.

Once you've completed those steps, send me:

  • Your store URL (e.g. yourstore.myshopify.com)
  • Your Admin API access token (copy/paste it — keep it private, send via email or a secure message)
🔜

TikTok Setup Instructions — Coming Soon

TikTok integration instructions will be added here once we've verified the data available through the TikTok for Business API. Check back soon or reach out directly and I'll walk you through it.

Have questions or need help with any step?

Reach out directly — I'm happy to walk through this with you.

Contact Northwind Consulting