How to find local businesses that need a website
The easiest clients to win are often the ones who are already busy locally and simply have no website. This guide shows how to find them, how to choose which ones to contact first, and how to reach out without sounding like a mass mailing.
Step 1: search by city, radius and trade
Pick a city, a radius and a trade, for example bakeries in Lyon within 8 km. Vortex searches Google Maps with your own Google key and lists the local businesses it finds, then hides the ones that already have a website, so the list left is the list worth contacting.
The key belongs to your own Google account, so Google bills you directly (and offers a monthly free usage credit). A step-by-step guide explains how to create it in about five minutes.
Step 2: choose the businesses worth a call
Do not contact everyone. Use the rating, the number of reviews and the phone number to decide who goes first.
- Many reviews with a good rating means a business that already has customers and something to protect
- A phone number lets you call instead of writing, which usually gets a faster answer
- Businesses already in your pipeline are shown as such, so you never contact the same one twice
- You choose what to keep: nothing is added to your pipeline without your say
Step 3: reach out with something concrete
A short, specific message beats a long pitch. Say who you are, what you noticed (for example that they appear on Maps with good reviews but have no website), what it costs them, and propose a short call.
Keep a simple follow-up rhythm: a second contact a few days later, then stop. Move each prospect along your pipeline as you go, so you always know who needs attention.
A note on rules
Rules on prospecting vary by country and by channel (phone, e-mail, post). Check what applies where you and your prospects are, and respect any request to stop contacting a business. Vortex gives you a blacklist so those businesses stay out of your future searches.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need my own Google key?
The searches run on your own Google account, so Google bills the usage to you directly and Vortex does not resell Google data. The guide in the documentation walks you through creating the key.
Does Vortex send the messages for me?
No. Vortex helps you find and organise prospects. You contact them yourself, by phone or in person.
Can I search several cities?
Yes. Run one search per city and trade. Your recent searches are kept so you can repeat them.
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