How to get more plumbing leads with web scraping

This article is a step-by-step guide on generating plumbing leads using web scraping. You’ll learn six effective methods to attract new plumbing customers, grow your business, and keep up with industry trends.

Use web scraping to get more plumbing leads

According to a recent survey, 61% of marketers struggle to convert leads into actual customers, highlighting the importance of effective lead-generation strategies. Another study found that companies prioritizing lead generation see a significant increase in revenue, with 22% reporting growth of 10% or more.

To get more plumbing leads, you can use web scraping and other digital strategies to identify clients. By extracting data from business directories, real estate listings, social media, online classifieds, and building permits, you can target individuals (sales leads) and businesses (business leads) that need plumbing services.

How to get plumbing leads using web scraping

Web scraping offers several ways to find plumbing customers. This section outlines these methods. Later, we'll go through each one in detail.

Below is a list of how to get plumbing leads for free:

1. Scraping business directories

Review sites like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Google Business profiles are rich sources of local plumbing business contacts. These sites contain thousands of potential leads.

Copying this information by hand is time-consuming and tedious. It's also hard to sort or save the data in a useful format.

This is where scraping tools help. They can quickly gather and organize this information, making it easier to find new customers.

Examples of these yellow pages include:

The Real Yellow Pages (https://www.yellowpages.com)
Yp.ca (https://www.yellowpages.ca)
Etisalat Yellow Pages (https://www.yellowpages.ae)
Yelp.com (https://www.yelp.com)
The UK’s business directory (https://www.yell.com)

This section shows you how to scrape business directories such as, Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Google Business Profile using Apify Actors to show you how to find commercial plumbing leads.

Using Yelp scraper to extract Yelp data

This section explains how to scrape local business directories like Yelp using Apify's Yelp scraper. This tool lets you quickly collect business details, ratings, and reviews without needing Yelp's official API.

Why scrape Yelp?

Yelp is a popular platform for finding local businesses, with millions of reviews and ratings. It is an excellent data source for companies looking to enhance their online presence or conduct market research.

Here are some ways you could use Yelp data:

Analyze customer sentiment and enhance your product or service based on feedback.
Identify popular businesses in a specific area.
Track competitors and customer sentiment and see what people think of them.

To start, check out Yelp Scraper on Apify. Then click on the “Try for free” button.

This will redirect you to the Actor page, where you will input your search terms, search locations, etc.

Then, click the “Start” button to get data from Yelp.

After a few minutes, you'll get the scraped data. By clicking "Export," you can save it as JSON, CSV, or HTML.

This JSON data below represents a sample result from the Yelp Scraper:

[
 {
      "primaryPhoto": "https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/Hzdlv1PI6ZM60HzVwxUc8A/l.jpg",
      "name": "L’industrie Pizzeria",
      "type": "Restaurants",
      "cuisine": "Pizza",
      "aggregatedRating": 4.6,
      "reviewCount": 311,
      "directUrl": "https://www.yelp.com/biz/l-industrie-pizzeria-new-york",
      "website": ""
 },
 {
      "primaryPhoto": "https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/od36nFW220aMFAnNP00ocw/l.jpg",
      "name": "Juliana's",
      "type": "Restaurants",
      "priceRange": "$11-30",
      "cuisine": "Pizza",
      "aggregatedRating": 4.4,
      "reviewCount": 2797,
      "directUrl": "https://www.yelp.com/biz/julianas-brooklyn-3",
      "website": "https://julianaspizza.com"
 },
 {
      "primaryPhoto": "https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/Jo9jBP5y6G_bG_g3H31fiw/l.jpg",
      "name": "Prince Street Pizza",
      "type": "Restaurants",
      "priceRange": "Under $10",
      "cuisine": "Pizza",
      "aggregatedRating": 4.3,
      "reviewCount": 5340,
      "directUrl": "https://www.yelp.com/biz/prince-street-pizza-new-york-2",
      "website": "https://locations.princestreetpizza.com/new-york"
 }
]

Using Yellow Pages US Scraper to extract Yellow Pages listings

Yellow Pages US Scraper is an Apify Actor that collects business information from Yellow Pages listings. As a plumber, this tool helps you find potential customers and compete more effectively.

Why scrape Yellow Pages?

Scraping Yellow Pages allows you to extract various types of data from Yellow Pages listings, including business name, address, phone number, ratings and review counts, additional information snippets, images, and categories.

To start, check out Yellow Pages US Scraper on Apify. Then click on Try for free.

Next, input your search and location terms, then click the "Save & Start" button.

After clicking on the "Save & Start" button, the Actor will take a few minutes to run and then return the following results:

This JSON data below represents a sample result from the Yelp Scraper:

[
  {
    "url": "https://www.yellowpages.com/los-angeles-ca/mip/wilshire-smile-studio-467511214?lid=1001029715933",
    "name": "Wilshire Smile Studio",
    "address": "6200 Wilshire Blvd Ste 1609, Los Angeles, CA 90048",
    "phone": "(323) 336-8478",
    "website": "https://ladentist.com",
    "rating": 5,
    "reviewSnippet": "a good team of experts and assistants. The Clinic is very well managed and is exceptionally clean and hygienic which is commendable.\\"",
    "image": "https://i3.ypcdn.com/blob/00a40d49e577606be9d82ced5404696022a7e2a0",
    "categories": [
      "Dentists",
      "Teeth Whitening Products & Services",
      "Clinics"
    ],
    "openHours": "Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm; Sat - Sun: Closed",
    "generalInfo": "Wilshire Smile Studio Dental Group is ready to serve all of your dental needs. Welcome to Wilshire Smile Studio Dental Group of Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Our friendly team and knowledgeable staff are dedicated to making every visit to our office a great experience. Expert dental care is provided with a warm, personal touch in a comfortable, relaxed setting. Wilshire Smile Studio Dental Group is a modern, state-of-the-art practice offering Los Angeles area patients a full-range of general and cosmetic dental services, from routine check-ups to complete smile makeovers. Our doctors practice conservative, proactive dentistry utilizing the latest in dental technology. Your comfort is always a primary concern. The first step towards a beautiful smile and a lifetime of good oral health is to schedule an appointment. Our office works with numerous Insurance Carriers. For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options. Call or email Wilshire Smile Studio Dental Group today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to serving you for years to come!"
  },
  {
    "url": "https://www.yellowpages.com/los-angeles-ca/mip/top-west-tower-implant-center-452240873",
    "name": "Top West Tower Implant Center",
    "address": "2707 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006",
    "phone": "(213) 382-4336",
    "rating": 5,
    "reviewSnippet": "Very skilled dentist.   Highly recommended.\\"",
    "categories": [
      "Dentists",
      "Dental Clinics",
      "Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery"
    ],
    "openHours": "Mon: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; Wed: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; Fri: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; Sat: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm",
    "extraPhones": "Fax: (213) 382-4993; Phone: (213) 382-4993"
  },
  {
    "url": "https://www.yellowpages.com/los-angeles-ca/mip/mid-city-dental-514019416",
    "name": "Mid-City Dental",
    "address": "5114 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019",
    "phone": "(323) 634-9333",
    "website": "http://midcitydentaldds.com",
    "rating": 4.5,
    "reviewSnippet": "Good experience so far, would recommend this place to everyone. The hygienist really helped me change my routine in order to keep my teeth and gums healthy.\\"",
    "image": "https://i3.ypcdn.com/blob/35804625c2c769a3acbccdfa1e137178ee7d90f4",
    "categories": [
      "Dentists"
    ],
    "openHours": "Mon - Wed: 10:30 am - 6:00 pm; Thu: 11:30 am - 7:00 am; Fri: 12:00 pm - 5:30 pm; Sat: 9:15 am - 3:00 pm; Sun: Closed",
    "generalInfo": "General Practice Dental Office Specializing In Dental Implants & Dental Hygiene."
  }
]

Using Google Maps Scraper to extract business information

Google Maps Scraper extracts data from many Google Maps locations and businesses. This includes reviews, images, contact information, opening hours, locations, popular times, and prices.

For plumbers, scraping Google Maps can provide valuable contact information for local businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, and apartment complexes, that may require regular plumbing services—it’s perfect for identifying local leads.

Using this data, you can expand your client base and reach out to potential clients who may benefit from your services.

To start, you can check out Google Maps Scraper on Apify and click on the “Try for free” button.

Next, input the necessary terms such as search term, location, limit, etc., then click the “Start” button to run the Actor.

After a successful run, you can view all scraped places from the scraper's result. You can also export the data into any format you choose.

2. Monitoring real estate listings

Watching real estate listings can help plumbers find new customers. You can spot potential clients by tracking newly listed or recently sold homes on property websites. New homeowners often need plumbing work, so you can offer your services early.

Let's look at how to monitor real estate listings using the Apify Zillow Search Scraper. This tool collects data from Zillow, including property addresses, prices, descriptions, and photos. To start, go to Zillow Search Scraper on Apify and click "Try for free." We'll then walk through how to use this tool to find potential plumbing customers.

This section shows you how to get data from Zillow, even if this is your first time using web scraping. You can save the information in JSON, CSV, Excel, or other formats. This makes it easy to study the data and use it to contact possible customers.

After your successful run, the Actor will return the following results:

Gathering and reviewing social media posts and comments can help you find commercial plumbing leads. By looking for plumbing-related keywords on these platforms, you can spot people who might need your services right now.

This section shows you how to use social media scraping to find more plumbing jobs. We'll focus on getting data from Facebook pages and groups. You don't need technical skills to follow along.

Using Facebook Posts Scraper to extract keywords

Facebook Posts Scraper collects data from many posts, pages, or profiles. It gathers post links, text, page or profile links, posting times, and counts of likes, shares, and comments. To begin, find the Facebook Posts Scraper on Apify and click "Try for free." We'll then show you how to use this tool to find potential plumbing customers.

Next, enter Facebook page addresses in the input field. For example, you might use https://www.facebook.com/humansofnewyork/. To remind you, this tool only works with public pages, not personal profiles. You can add several page addresses to gather more data.

After adding the Facebook URLs, click “Start” to get the Actor running. The Actor will take a few minutes to return the scraped results.

Using Facebook Groups Scraper to extract keywords

Like the Facebook posts scraper, Facebook Groups Scraper allows you to extract data from one or multiple public Facebook groups, such as group and post URLs, text, comments, likes and comments count, and basic commentator info.

To start, check out Facebook Groups Scraper on Apify and click “Try for free”.

This scraper will get posts, comments, and user info from a Facebook group of your choice. To try it out, paste one or multiple Facebook group URLs and click the "Start" button. If you need help, check out our detailed guide on how to scrape posts and comments from Facebook Groups.

After a successful run, the Actor will return the scraped data which can be exported in any format.

Using LinkedIn Job Postings Scraper to get plumbing job leads

LinkedIn Job Postings Scraper is a versatile tool that helps you find plumbing job leads. By entering specific keywords and locations, you can extract relevant job information, including job titles, company names, locations, and job URLs. This scraper is designed to handle infinite scrolling on LinkedIn and can export data into various formats such as CSV, JSON, XML, and more.

To start, check out the LinkedIn Job Postings Scraper on Apify and click on “Try for free”.

Step-by-step guide to using LinkedIn Job Postings Scraper

Provide input information:

Keywords: Enter job-related keywords like Plumber or Plumbing Technician.
Location: Specify the geographical area, such as New York, United States.
GEO ID (Optional): Use specific geographical identifiers, e.g. 103644278.

Start the scraper: Begin the scraping process by entering the required details in the input tab.
Review and export data: Review the extracted information and export it to your preferred format once the data is scraped.

{
    "title": "Service Plumber",
    "company": "Kennard Associates",
    "job_url": "https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/service-plumber-at-kennard-associates-3787920076?trk=public_jobs_topcard-title",
    "logo": "https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C560BAQFhSNl0HoOhJw/company-logo_100_100/0/1671824890239/kennard_associates_logo?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=nN2QCYG11HRAcCzUOeDDBYjF98MxC8ffqapRPH26RYI",
    "date_posted": "7 months ago",
    "pay_range": null,
    "location": "Denver, CO",
    "organization": "Kennard Associates",
    "number_of_applicants": "Be among the first 25 applicants",
    "job_description": "Job Title: Journeyman Service Plumber\\n\\nLocation: Denver, CO\\n\\nRate of Pay: $35 - $40/hr\\n\\nFull time W2 Service Plumber\\n\\nListed on behalf of a reputable service plumbing company in Denver, CO, committed to providing exceptional plumbing services to residential and commercial clients. 80% of the work we perform is existing commercial contracts. This means you will not judged as a salesperson, instead focused on the quality of your work.\\n\\nAs a Journeyman Service Plumber, you will play a crucial role in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems for our diverse clientele. Your primary responsibility will be to handle service calls and provide efficient solutions to address plumbing issues promptly. You will also collaborate with our team to ensure exceptional customer service and uphold our company's reputation for excellence.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nUnlike most service plumber roles, this position will never require that you sell service plans or memberships. You are not judged based on a monthly sales quota. We are looking for world class plumbers, not sales people.\\n\\nWe offer competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth. If you are a dedicated and skilled Journeyman Service Plumber looking to join a reputable company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to be a part of our dynamic team!\\n\\nPowered by JazzHR\\n\\nmpwiWHqrZO",
    "seniority_level": "Mid-Senior level",
    "employment_type": "Full-time",
    "job_function": "Management and Manufacturing",
    "industries": "Internet Publishing"
  },
  {
    "title": "Plumber",
    "company": "Bilfinger",
    "job_url": "https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/plumber-at-bilfinger-3978516622?trk=public_jobs_topcard-title",
    "logo": "https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E0BAQErw_zJ2c67FA/company-logo_100_100/0/1656652903141/bilfinger_logo?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=ZXgj4mTGiDqdoW05OguxG7GfKyRd4DQt1ppJmd_u3ec",
    "date_posted": "2 weeks ago",
    "pay_range": null,
    "location": "Savannah, GA",
    "organization": "Bilfinger",
    "number_of_applicants": "Be among the first 25 applicants",
    "job_description": "Bilfinger Inc. stands as a prominent international industrial service provider, committed to delivering excellence across diverse sectors worldwide. Our scope of services encompasses a broad spectrum, including Engineering & Maintenance and Technologies. Driven by a culture of continuous improvement and a passion for problem-solving, Bilfinger Inc. leverages cutting-edge technology and industry expertise to optimize operations, enhance safety, and maximize efficiency for our clients.\\n\\nWe are currently seeking a skilled and experienced Plumber to join our team located in Savannah, Georgia. As a plumber you will be responsible for assembles, installs, and pipe repairs, fittings, and fixtures of heating, water, and drainage systems, according to specifications and plumbing codes.",
    "seniority_level": "Entry level",
    "employment_type": "Full-time",
    "job_function": "Management and Manufacturing",
    "industries": "Industrial Machinery Manufacturing"
  },
  {
    "title": "Commercial Plumbing Service Technician",
    "company": "Splash Plumbing",
    "job_url": "https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/commercial-plumbing-service-technician-at-splash-plumbing-3782456182?trk=public_jobs_topcard-titl>",
    "logo": "https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C560BAQF0mWmnUB_pHA/company-logo_100_100/0/1647474921635?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=h6zNKEyAFxjA9uX3yIeGiEtuV3maOtoI5c2OP2TSlp0",
    "date_posted": "7 months ago",
    "pay_range": "$80,000.00/yr - $150,000.00/yr",
    "location": "Anaheim, CA",
    "organization": "Splash Plumbing",
    "number_of_applicants": "Be among the first 25 applicants",
    "job_description": "[BIG Signing Bonus!]\\n\\nWe are seeking Experienced Commercial Plumbing Service Technicians to join our team! At Splash Plumbing, we live by our motto - \\"If water goes through it, we do it!\\". We take pride in being the Can-Do plumbers of Orange County and Southern California. Our plumbers are experts in the trade, versatile enough to tackle any job, and dedicated to delivering a great service to our customers. If you think you have what it takes to be a \\"Splasher\\", we would love to talk with you.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nCompensation for this role is expected to be between $80,000 and $150,000 per year, based on performance.",
    "seniority_level": "Entry level",
    "employment_type": "Full-time",
    "job_function": "Management and Manufacturing",
    "industries": "Facilities Services"
  },
  {
    "title": "Plumbing / Mechanical Construction Estimator",
    "company": "Blueprint Staffing",
    "job_url": "https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/plumbing-mechanical-construction-estimator-at-blueprint-staffing-3981225521?trk=public_jobs_topcard-title",
    "logo": "https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C4D0BAQFdOhn8JLntCA/company-logo_100_100/0/1631339637468?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=F843D1okJ5IU3PBRvgELaO64HPEYYKqWw9-EvGI_sAg",
    "date_posted": "1 week ago",
    "pay_range": "$100,000.00/yr - $120,000.00/yr",
    "location": "Waldorf, MD",
    "organization": "Blueprint Staffing",
    "number_of_applicants": "Be among the first 25 applicants",
    "job_description": "Job Description\\n\\nJob Title: Plumbing / Mechanical Estimator\\n\\nBenefits:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nOur client is a reputable company specializing in bidding for large commercial projects ranging from $3 million to $20 million in the Plumbing and HVAC sector. Their primary focus is on the DMV market. With a strong presence in plan and spec bids as well as offering budget solutions in the planning stages, they cater to diverse sectors including schools, office buildings, government, federal and state agencies, and healthcare facilities. Their in-house estimating department handles the procurement of major equipment and subcontractors post bid award, and boast a prefab facility responsible for fabricating approximately 80% of our installations.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThis direct placement job offers a competitive salary and a permanent role for individuals possessing the required skills and qualifications. If you have the experience and expertise needed to excel as a Plumbing/Mechanical Estimator, we encourage you to apply and become a valuable part of our client's team.",
    "seniority_level": "Entry level",
    "employment_type": "Full-time",
    "job_function": "Management and Manufacturing",
    "industries": "Staffing and Recruiting"
  },
  {
    "title": "Commercial Plumber **SIGN ON BONUS**",
    "company": "TP Mechanical",
    "job_url": "https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/commercial-plumber-sign-on-bonus-at-tp-mechanical-3990684251?trk=public_jobs_topcard-title",
    "logo": "https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C560BAQE2pmXdN0KZnA/company-logo_100_100/0/1677687031352/tp_mechanical_contractors_logo?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=Xo3m94u03pxFQKkfDNNHrY8To-a1dxHDZpbpnexH8qM",
    "date_posted": "3 days ago",
    "pay_range": null,
    "location": "Columbus, OH",
    "organization": "TP Mechanical",
    "number_of_applicants": "Be among the first 25 applicants",
    "job_description": "Job Description\\n\\nAPPLY TODAY. HIRING IMMEDIATELY**\\n\\nAre you a skilled plumber searching for more than just a job? At TP Mechanical, we're on the hunt for seasoned like you in the area. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers that flourish in a nurturing and rewarding environment.\\n\\n\\n\\nWe're not just hiring plumbers; we're building a lifelong partnership. Our \\"hire to retire\\" plan means we're committed to your long-term career development. As a plumber with TP Mechanical, you'll enjoy top-tier pay, extensive benefits, abundant time off, and an industry-leading safety program.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIf you are a skilled Plumbing Technician with experience in commercial settings, we want to hear from you. Join our team of dedicated professionals who take pride in delivering high-quality plumbing services. We offer competitive pay rates, opportunities for career growth, and a supportive work environment. Don't miss this opportunity!\\n\\nTo apply, submit an updated resume to deborah.hampton@tpmechanical.com.\\n\\nThank you for considering a career with TP Mechanical.\\n\\n\\n\\nTriplePoint, through our family of companies, delivers end-to-end solutions to our customers, from pre-construction expertise through contracting and fabrication to service and maintenance for piping, plumbing, HVAC/R and fire protection. We do this as a relationship-focused organization that leverages six decades of experience providing innovative solutions with excellence that drive down costs, enhance safety, increase value and deliver speed to occupancy.\\n\\nTriplePoint, through our family of companies, delivers end-to-end solutions to our customers, from pre-construction expertise through contracting and fabrication to service and maintenance for piping, plumbing, HVAC/R and fire protection. We do this as a relationship-focused organization that leverages six decades of experience providing innovative solutions with excellence that drive down costs, enhance safety, increase value and deliver speed to occupancy.",
    "seniority_level": "Entry level",
    "employment_type": "Full-time",
    "job_function": "Management and Manufacturing",
    "industries": "Facilities Services"
  }

Next, you can use the gathered data to identify potential plumbing job opportunities and reach out to relevant contacts.

4. Monitoring online classifieds

Scraping online classifieds from websites like Craigslist and Yellow Pages is an effective way to discover clients seeking plumbing services. Let’s use the Apify Craigslist Scraper and Yellow Pages US Scraper to monitor these platforms and secure plumbing contracts.

Using Craigslist Scraper to extract data from classified advertisements

Craigslist is a popular American classified ad website with sections dedicated to jobs, housing, items for sale, services, community activities, and more. By scraping Craigslist, you can extract data, such as contact details, from posts in various categories, including those seeking plumbing services.

Craigslist Scraper allows you to gather this information. It supports scraping across all categories, including gigs, jobs, housing, services, and for-sale items.

Step-by-step guide to using Craigslist Scraper

To get started, follow the steps below:

Open Craigslist Scraper: Navigate to the Craigslist Scraper page on Apify.
Enter the URL: Provide the search page URL of the Craigslist category you wish to scrape (e.g., services, gigs, housing).
Start scraping: Click "Start" to extract data. The Actor will collect posts from the specified page.
Download your data: Once the scraping is complete, download your data in the desired format (JSON, XML, Excel, etc.).

Upon successful run, the Craigslist Scraper will return the scraped listing data. You can download the extracted listing data in formats like JSON, XML, or Excel for easy analysis and follow-up.

Using Yellow Pages US Scraper to extract data from classified advertisements

The Yellow Pages US Scraper can also scrape information from online classifieds. It allows you to scrape addresses, phone numbers, categories, and names from Yellow Pages listings, helping you connect with clients seeking plumbing services.

To start, check out Yellow Pages US Scraper on Apify and click on the “Try for free” button.

Next, you can customize your search by entering specific search terms and locations or by providing a list of URLs to scrape. This allows you to target particular areas or types of services.

After clicking on the "Save & Start" button, the Actor will take a few minutes to run and then return the following results:

5. Tracking building permits

Checking local government websites for new building permits is an excellent way to find free plumbing leads. New buildings and renovations usually need plumbing work, so these permits can point you to potential jobs.

In this section, we’ll go through how to use Apify's Web Scraper to extract data from government websites that list newly issued building permits.

For this tutorial, I used building permits from the City of Detroit Open Data Portal.

Step-by-step guide to scraping building permits with Web Scraper

Access Web Scraper: Navigate to Web Scraper on Apify. This Actor allows you to crawl and extract data from virtually any website using a few lines of JavaScript code.
Set up Start URLs: Enter the URLs of the government websites where building permits are listed. The scraper will load these pages to begin the data extraction process. In this case, input this link.
Configure the Page Function: The Page function tells the tool how to get data from websites. You use JavaScript, like in website development, to find specific details on the page. These might include street numbers, names, building types, and addresses. Copy the code below into the Page Function input:

async function pageFunction(context) {
    const $ = context.jQuery;
    const data = {};

    // Extract specific data, e.g., street number, street name, building legal use, and address
    data.streetNumber = $('[data-row="1"][data-col="1"]').text();
    data.streetName = $('[data-row="1"][data-col="3"]').text();
    data.buildingLegalUse = $('[data-row="1"][data-col="9"]').text();
    data.address = $('[data-row="1"][data-col="21"]').text();

    return data;
}

Run the scraper: Once configured, run the scraper by clicking on "Save & Start" button. It will load the specified URLs, execute the Page function, and save the extracted data to a dataset. You can set the scraper to recursively follow links to ensure you capture all relevant data across multiple pages.
Download the data: After the scraper has completed its run, download the data in your preferred format, such as JSON, CSV, or Excel. This data can then be used to contact potential clients planning construction or renovation projects.

Example: scraping building permit data

To demonstrate how Web Scraper works, I've included screenshots showing the setup and results of scraping a typical building permits page:

Web Scraper setup: This screenshot shows Web Scraper's user interface, where you input the start URLs and configure the scraping parameters. Here, you can see how to specify the Page function and other settings to ensure accurate data extraction:

6. Gathering customer reviews

Gathering customer reviews from websites can reveal common plumbing problems. While this may not directly bring new customers, it can help you improve your service. Better service leads to happier customers, who then recommend you to others.

Why scraping customer reviews matters

By analyzing feedback from platforms like TrustPilot, Yelp, Google Reviews, Capterra, BBB, and specialized plumbing review sites, you can identify recurring client issues and areas for improvement. Reviewing customer feedback about plumbing experiences helps you adjust your services to meet their needs better.

How to gather and use customer reviews

Identify review platforms: Start by pinpointing the most relevant review sites for plumbing services. These might include general platforms like TrustPilot, Yelp, Google Reviews, Capterra, and BBB, as well as niche sites focusing specifically on home services.
Use a review scraper tool: Tools like Apify Web Scraper, Yelp Scraper, and Google Search Results Scraper, can be configured to extract customer reviews from these platforms. You can set up the scraper to pull critical data points such as ratings, comments, and review dates.
Analyze your data: Once you have gathered the reviews, analyze the data to identify common complaints, frequent issues, and the aspects of your service that customers love the most. This analysis can guide your efforts to improve service.
Refine your services: Use the insights you’ve gained from the reviews to make informed decisions on improving your plumbing services. You can address complaints, improve communication, or offer new services based on customer demand.

In the next section, you'll learn how to use the scraped leads to get more business.

How to use scraped leads to get more business

Now that you have gathered leads through web scraping, the next step is to convert them into paying customers. This section covers how to use the leads you've collected. You'll learn practical ways to turn these potential customers into paying clients, helping your business grow.

1. Integrate leads into Your CRM

Centralized management: Integrate your leads into a customer relationship system. This will help you organize and manage your interactions with potential clients.

2. Develop personalized outreach strategies

Cold-calling: Call your leads to introduce your services. Mention specific needs or issues you found during your research. This personal touch can help you turn more leads into customers.
Email outreach: Craft tailored emails that address the specific needs of your leads. Highlight how your services can resolve their plumbing issues and include a clear call to action.
Direct mail: Mail letters or brochures to nearby leads. For services like plumbing, people often like having something physical to remind them. Make sure your message is clear and gives them an easy way to contact you.

3. Prioritize leads with a scoring system

Lead scoring: Rank your leads based on their likelihood of becoming customers. Consider things like how urgent their plumbing needs are, past contacts, and how they've responded to you. This helps you focus on the most promising leads first.
Scheduled follow-ups: Set up reminders in your CRM to contact leads who are not ready to hire you yet. Checking in regularly keeps your services in their mind for when they're ready to decide.
Nurturing campaigns: Try sending helpful information to leads who aren't ready to hire you. This could be tips for taking care of their plumbing or special offers at different times of the year. This will keep them thinking about your services.

Put your new skills to work

Web scraping opens up new ways to find plumbing customers. This article walked you through checking social media, online ads, and review sites to spot people who need your help by using Apify Actors. By analyzing this data, you can fine-tune your services and reach out to potential clients. When you make customers happy, your business grows.

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