In the beginning, Google Maps was a simple tool that assisted you with getting from one place to another.
It could help whether you were going by train, car, or even walking.
However, as with most things in life, Google Maps has changed. It’s evolved to become so much more than a navigation system.
In fact, Google Maps is one of the best ways to have your business found.
This map application allows you to promote your business and make the most of any opportunity on the horizon.
Registering with Google Maps allows your business to appear on the map.
This helps people to locate it or even discover it when looking at the maps.
Alongside this, being on Google Maps increases the authenticity of your business and can boost your position in any search results.
Simply having all your company details listed on Google Maps will help your business seem genuine and it makes it easier to create SEO content.
In short, it helps others to know you exist.
But, adding your details to Google Maps also means that other businesses can access your information.
They may be able to use this to affect your profitability.
You can even use the data on Google Maps to check out and even eliminate any competition
All you need is the best Google Maps Scraper.
How To Scrape Data
Scraping data means looking at a page and identifying certain facts.
For example, you may want to know the business type, how long it’s been operating, and the average review rating.
You can look at the relevant web page on Google Maps and extract the required information.
However, it’s time-consuming to look at many different pages and get the information you need.
The simple answer is to write some code and use this to extract the data from Google Maps.
Unfortunately, this is only an option if you know how to write code. The alternative is to invest in a dedicated Google Maps scraper.
These apps are designed to extract the data for you and generally have an array of automatic options, allowing you to get them working in minutes.
It should be noted writing specific code allows you to access more complicated sites and still get the necessary data.
You’ll need to create an account with your chosen scraper app. Then, you can choose a subscription level and set up your payment.
Once that is done, you either select an automated option and get it running or you can dictate the desired data fields yourself.
The app handles everything and produces a table of results. These can be read by themselves or imported into your operating systems.
Best Google Maps Scraper 2024
There are a number of good Google Maps scrapers on the market but there are also plenty that don’t do a very good job.
Unfortunately, to get the best results you’ll need the best scraper and these do cost. But, the results are worthwhile.
Here are the current top 5 Google Maps scrapers.
1. Phantombuster
Phantombuster frequently tops the list of best Google Maps scrapers and for good reason.
The biggest reason to choose Phantombuster is that the entire operation can be automated.
You choose the required data fields and the format you want the final file in. Phantombuster does everything else for you.
There is no need to know any coding.
If you choose to set the data fields yourself you simply select this option and then click on the fields you want on the target site.
Once the data has been collected it can be presented in Excel, CSV, TXT, and even HTML.
You simply choose the one that best suits your needs or your system.
Best of all, if you have any issues you’ll find it easy to contact Phantombuster’s customer support team.
They are available 24/7 by email or live chat and they can usually help instantly.
Phantombuster can be run from your desktop or from the cloud.
It cleverly imitates normal human interaction to avoid it being detected by Google Maps.
Providing you scrape less than 100 pages a day there is no reason, your activity will ever be noticed.
You can even schedule when to scrape data.to ensure it’s ready when you need it.
As part of this Phantombuster can be set to automatically update data as needed.
Try them with a 14-day free trial and, if you like what you see, you can pay as little as $59 per month to use them all the time.
2. Oxylabs Web Scraper API
Oxylabs has earned a reputation as one of the best web scrapers in existence. That’s true if you want to scrape Google Maps or any other site.
Once you’ve created an account you’ll find it is easy to get started.
The dashboard is well laid out, all you have to do is choose a data set and click start.
Of course, it’s also possible to set your own data fields, simply point at the fields you want and click to add them to a customized sheet.
Oxylabs also offers a free 7-day trial. However, their standard plan starts from $99 per month, making them a slightly more expensive option.
Oxylabs is excellent if you want to find out competitor Google Maps reviews, locations, and even uploaded photos.
Once the data has been extracted it’s possible to choose the preferred file format.
CSV is a popular option as it’s easy to add into a database. If you prefer you can have JSPN, Excel, RSS, or even an HTML table.
Oxylab uses smart proxy rotation, ensuring every request comes from a different IP address and preventing Google from realizing you’re scraping the data.
It’s worth noting that Oxylabs is open source. Anyone can use it.
3. Bright Data Web Scraper IDE
Bright Data is designed to scrape large amounts of data. It was also originally designed with developers in mind.
However, you don’t need to know any coding to get started with the’ Bright Data scraper.
Once you’ve logged in you’ll find approximately 100 automated protocols. All you have to do is choose the one that strips the fields you need.
Once the data has been scraped it will be presented in a standard format, such as CSV, Excel, or SQL.
This file can be easily imported into your operating system. The import procedure can even be automated.
Naturally, if you’re keen to set your own data parameters then Bright Data will help.
The program guides you through the selection process, ensuring you get the right information for your needs.
Before you start with Bright Data it’s worth asking for a demo.
They will be happy to oblige and you’ll be able to assess how good they are for you.
Bright Data also has its own selection of proxies which will help to keep your data scraping invisible.
4. ScraperAPI
ScraperAPI is almost as efficient as Phantombuster at stripping data from the target page.
You can choose the automated procedure or manually choose your required data fields with the point and click system.
But, in both cases, ScraperAPI will use its AI tech to improve the results you’re going to get.
This program works with all types of computers and you can even switch from Apple to Windows in seconds without any glitch.
ScraperAPI even offers a free version of the software. You won’t pay anything and can access 100 rows of data a day.
That’s a great way to get to know the system before you subscribe. Prices start from as little as $49 per month.
It’s possible to install the software on your desktop. However, it’s preferable to use the cloud.
You don’t have to worry about memory limitations and it can run by itself at any time.
All data is scraped into a file, you choose the format. Options include TXT, CSV, Excel; JSON, and even MySQL.
ScraperAPI was created by people with extensive scraping experience.
The program works flawlessly and effortlessly stops your IP address from being blocked.
This option can even access data on sites that require logins, including contact details.
ScraperAPI offers an automatic scraping process via smart mode.
It also offers Flowchart mode which allows you to manually look at pages and choose results or even record them.
The system works intuitively but, if you need any assistance, you’ll find the customer service team are excellent and waiting to help.
5. Apify
The fifth contender on this list is Apify and it’s worth considering.
Again, there is no need to know any code, the app will take care of everything for you.
You need to create an Apify account but you don’t need a Google account to use it.
The app can access places, contact details, images, review numbers and ratings, opening hours, and many more fields.
Best of all, if your needs are limited, Apify offers a free plan. But, you’ll be limited in the number of results you can get per month.
There are paid plans available, starting from as little as $79. These will give you many more results and additional fields.
Apify has several automated options, allowing you to access specific information and import it effortlessly into your system.
But, if you prefer, you can set your own fields and collect just the data you need.
Choosing The Right Google Maps Scraper
The simplest way to choose an effective scraper is to look at the best Google scraper list.
All 5 entries on the list will work well. The main difference is in what you want from a scraper.
In most cases the best option is to use an automated scraper and focus your efforts on other matters.
But, if you have a little more time you’ll find creating your own data search plan will be beneficial.
Coding Help
If you have coding experience you may be keen to put your skills to the test. If this is the case you’ll need a good knowledge of Python.
Alongside an ability to use Python when coding you’ll need to be able to do the following:
Create A Virtual Library
A virtual library is essential when you’re creating coding phrases. You can save them in the virtual library to make access easier in the future.
Doing this makes it easy to activate or deactivate codes as needed.
Use An API
Most scrapers use Selenium but there are other options. This app is designed to test web apps and it incorporates an API.
The main aim of this is to replicate what a human would do, making it easier to navigate through a site undetected.
It works with a variety of programming languages.
Parsing
A parser is designed to separate commands, allowing you to write them in the code as a string and the site to see them as HTML.
It can be complicated setting up a parser but it’s essential if you’re writing your own code and want to get results.
Final Thoughts
The truth is that most people and businesses don’t have the time or the resources to create their own web scrapers.
There can also seem little point when there are so many well-designed options.
With the right program, such as one of the above best Google Maps scrapers, you’ll be able to scrape data while you’re doing other things.
Not only will you get useful data to help your business rise above the competition.
You’ll also find that it’s easy to obtain the information.
In addition, because the web scrapers are only targeting publicly available data, using them and the data they procure is completely legal.
In fact, it should be seen as essential for any business looking to survive in the modern and competitive world.