# Running your first data models
> Using a data model to aggregate your data
> Source: https://docs.snowplow.io/docs/get-started/modeling/
> Documentation index: https://docs.snowplow.io/llms.txt

Querying the events table directly — as you would have done in the previous step — can be useful for exploring your events or building custom analytics. However, for many common use cases it's much easier to use our [data models](/docs/modeling-your-data/modeling-your-data-with-dbt/), which provide a pre-aggregated view of your data.

We recommend [dbt](https://www.getdbt.com/) for data modeling. Refer to the [setup instructions](/docs/modeling-your-data/running-data-models-via-console/) to add and configure your models in [Snowplow Console](https://console.snowplowanalytics.com), so that they can be run automatically by Snowplow.

The [Unified Digital model](/docs/modeling-your-data/modeling-your-data-with-dbt/dbt-models/dbt-unified-data-model/) is a good starting point for websites and/or mobile applications. It provides data about page and screen views, sessions, users, and more. You can also explore the [full list of available models](/docs/modeling-your-data/modeling-your-data-with-dbt/).

If you don't have access to Snowplow Console, you'll need to install dbt and run the models yourself. Check out our [Unified Digital Quick Start tutorial](/tutorials/unified-digital/intro/) for help getting started.

> **Tip: Using dbt**
>
> To start using our models with dbt, you will need to [create a dbt project](https://docs.getdbt.com/reference/commands/init) and [add the respective packages](https://docs.getdbt.com/docs/build/packages).