Automating Google Maps Lead Generation with N8N: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tired of manually searching Google Maps for business leads? Automation is the answer, and N8N provides a powerful workflow automation platform to accomplish this task efficiently.

Setting Up Your Workflow

To begin, open N8N and create a new workflow. This blank canvas is where you’ll build your automation process. The first step is to drag and drop an HTTP request node onto the canvas. This node will serve as your primary tool for communicating with Google Maps.

Configuring the HTTP Request

In the HTTP request node, set the method to GET. For the URL field, you’ll need the specific Google Maps URL containing your search parameters. To obtain this, perform your desired search on Google Maps (such as “Pizza restaurants in New York City”), then copy the entire URL from your browser’s address bar and paste it into the HTTP request node.

Extracting Data with a Function Node

Next, add a function node to the canvas and connect it to your HTTP request node. This critical component allows you to write JavaScript that parses the HTML response from Google Maps. You’ll need to craft code that extracts business names, addresses, phone numbers, and any other relevant data points from the HTML content. This step may require some knowledge of HTML structure and JavaScript.

Processing Multiple Records

Since the function node typically returns multiple records in a single object, you’ll need to add an Item Lists node to separate these into individual items. Drag this node onto the canvas and select the option to split out everything, ensuring each business appears as a separate entry.

Formatting the Data

To structure your data properly, add a Set node to the canvas. Within this node, create fields for business name, address, phone number, and any other details you wish to capture. Map these fields to the corresponding data points extracted by your function node.

Exporting to Google Sheets

Finally, to store your scraped data, add a Google Sheets node to your workflow. Connect your Google account to this node, then specify the spreadsheet ID and sheet name where you want the business leads to be stored.

Running Your Automation

With your workflow fully configured, simply click “Execute Workflow” to begin the process. The system will automatically scrape Google Maps based on your search parameters and populate your Google Sheet with valuable business leads.

This automated approach saves countless hours of manual research and provides a structured database of potential clients or partners for your business development efforts.