Google place searches return a limited set of results for each request. OpenScout slices the area into smaller cells so it can discover more businesses than one broad search would show.
Methods
How OpenScout finds businesses without websites.
OpenScout runs entirely in your browser. Add your Google Maps key, choose a location and business type, and it scans nearby listings for businesses that still need a real website.
Get a Google Maps API key
Use this checklist in order. Every link you need is here.
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1
Open Google Maps Platform and choose a project
Sign in with the Google account you want to own the key. If you already have a Cloud project, select it. If not, create a fresh project named something obvious, like "OpenScout Leads".
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2
Attach billing before you scan
Google Maps Platform requires billing on the project for normal Maps, Places, and Geocoding usage. Add a billing account, then set a small budget alert so you get emailed before spending more than expected.
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3
Enable the three APIs OpenScout needs
Enable all three on the same project: Maps JavaScript API loads Google Maps in the browser, Places API powers search and autocomplete, and Geocoding API turns typed cities or the Guess button into coordinates.
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4
Create the API key
Open Credentials, click Create credentials, then API key. Copy the key when Google shows it, but do not paste it into public code, GitHub, Discord, or screenshots.
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5
Restrict the key before using it publicly
Click the key you just created. Under Application restrictions, choose Websites and add your allowed URLs. For a hosted site, use your real domain, such as https://example.com/*. For local testing, add http://localhost:*/* and http://127.0.0.1:*/*. Under API restrictions, choose Restrict key and allow only Maps JavaScript API, Places API, and Geocoding API.
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6
Paste it into OpenScout
Paste the key on the scan page and press Save. It is stored in this browser only with localStorage. OpenScout does not have a backend, account system, or database.
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7
Watch usage after your first scan
Run one Quick scan, then check Google Maps usage reports. If the scan worked, try Standard. Use quotas or budget alerts if you want stronger guardrails while testing.
Recommended setup for OpenScout
Use one dedicated browser API key for OpenScout, restrict it to your website or localhost testing URLs, restrict it to the three APIs above, create a budget alert, and start with Quick scans until you can see your real usage pattern.
Scan depth explained
Depth changes the size of the search grid and the number of map searches.
Mode
Grid
Area cap
Best for
Quick
2 x 2
12 km radius
Testing a key or checking a small town.
Standard
3 x 3
18 km radius
Most normal city searches.
Deep
5 x 5
28 km radius
Wider metro areas and harder niches.
A business is counted as a lead when Google has no website for it, or when the listed website is only a social profile, directory page, link-in-bio, or auto-built mini site.
CSV exports include the business name, address, phone, rating, review count, Google Maps URL, and the reason it was marked as a lead.
Troubleshooting
Most scan problems come from key setup, restrictions, or quota.
The map library will not load
Check that the Maps JavaScript API is enabled and that your HTTP referrer restriction matches the site where OpenScout is running.
Location suggestions are empty
Save your API key first, then confirm Places API access is enabled for that key.
Typed locations fail
Enable Geocoding API and try a more specific query like "Austin, TX" or "Cook County, IL".
Deep scans feel slow
Deep mode runs 25 map searches. Use Standard for daily work, then switch to Deep when a niche or metro area needs more coverage.