> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.octoparse.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Refresh a local business directory

> Use Octoparse to refresh a local business directory on a schedule, then deliver deduplicated, filterable records to Google Sheets.

# Refresh a local business directory with Octoparse

Use this workflow when a team needs a current, structured list of publicly listed businesses in a location, category, or industry. Octoparse can collect the selected fields on a recurring schedule and deliver the output to Google Sheets for filtering, review, or a downstream process.

This is a data-refresh workflow. It starts with a defined public source and a clear field list, not with a promise to collect every contact detail from every business.

## What this workflow helps you do

* Build a repeatable list from a public map, directory, search result, or other public listing source.
* Collect fields such as business name, category, address, website, phone number, rating, review count, and source URL when available.
* Refresh the list weekly or at another appropriate cadence.
* Keep the source, date, and quality checks visible so records can be reviewed before use.

<Note>
  Use this workflow only for data you are permitted to collect and use. Consider the target site's terms, applicable privacy and marketing rules, and your own suppression or opt-out processes before using records for outreach.
</Note>

## Define the list before collecting data

| Decide first         | Example                                                                        |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Public source        | A map result, industry directory, or public business listing                   |
| Search scope         | "Dentists in Austin" or a defined industry and city list                       |
| Required fields      | Business name, website, phone, address, category, source URL                   |
| Quality rule         | Exclude records without a website; flag duplicates for review                  |
| Refresh cadence      | Weekly for a prospecting list; more often only when the source changes quickly |
| Delivery destination | A raw-data tab in Google Sheets and a separate filtered working tab            |

## Build the workflow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose a source and a template">
    Search the [template library](https://www.octoparse.com/template) for the selected map, directory, or website. Review the available fields and inputs before creating a task.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure the collection scope">
    Enter the required keywords, locations, category URLs, or other template inputs. Keep the first run small enough to validate the source and output.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Validate fields and record quality">
    Run a sample. Check that business names, websites, addresses, and source URLs correspond to the listing pages, and decide how you will identify duplicate or incomplete records.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Schedule the refresh">
    After the task is stable, create a [schedule](/docs/en/platform/schedules) that matches the business need. Review the early runs before relying on the list for a recurring process.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Deliver and review the output">
    Use [Google Sheets data sync](/docs/en/platform/integration-google-sheets-sync) for recurring delivery. Keep raw synchronized records separate from the tabs used for deduplication, qualification, or routing.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Follow the detailed tutorial

<Card title="How to scrape business information from Google Maps or Yellow Pages" href="https://helpcenter.octoparse.com/en/articles/6471060-how-to-scrape-business-information-e-g-yellowpages-google-maps">
  Follow the Help Center tutorial for the click-by-click setup of a public business-data task, including templates and field extraction.
</Card>

## Suggested output design

Every record should retain enough context to be checked later.

| Core fields                                      | Quality and provenance fields                                               |
| ------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Business name, category, address, phone, website | Source URL, location query, collection date or run reference, review status |

<Tip>
  Separate discovery, qualification, and outreach. A public directory record can be useful for research or enrichment even when it is not suitable for direct contact.
</Tip>

## When this workflow needs adjustment

Use a different template or customize the task when:

* The source requires fields that are not included in the template.
* The same business appears under several names, locations, or listing URLs.
* The workflow needs to visit business websites after directory discovery.
* The output needs special normalization or an additional review step before it is used.

<Warning>
  Do not assume public availability removes compliance obligations. Verify that the source, the fields, and the intended use are appropriate before exporting records to a sales or marketing workflow.
</Warning>

## Related Octoparse guides

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Templates" href="/docs/en/platform/templates">
    Review prebuilt workflows and their required inputs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Schedules" href="/docs/en/platform/schedules">
    Refresh a stable task at a defined cadence.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Google Sheets data sync" href="/docs/en/platform/integration-google-sheets-sync">
    Keep raw directory output updated in a shared sheet.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Lead generation with web scraping" href="/docs/en/academy/lead-generation">
    Learn about source selection, field design, data quality, and compliance.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>