My AI agents scrapes Google Maps to make $$$ in BORING BUSINESSES

My AI agents scrapes Google Maps to make $$$ in BORING BUSINESSES

Greg Isenberg 9/19/2025

By Greg Isenberg, featuring James, The Boring Marketer

Discover how to find $30k/month local businesses you can start by leveraging AI to identify profitable, overlooked "boring" business niches. This article breaks down a powerful workflow that scrapes Google Maps data to validate market demand and customer pain points, then uses AI to create targeted content. The focus is on underserved niches with high customer value in growing mid-sized cities, avoiding saturated markets.

Get the guide: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/AI-Boring-Business

Introduction

Many aspiring entrepreneurs look to start businesses like HVAC or plumbing services, but these markets are highly competitive and difficult to break into. James, known as The Boring Marketer, shares his unique approach to finding startup ideas in "boring" local businesses that actually print cash. His method uses AI-powered workflows that scrape Google Maps data to uncover underserved niches with high demand and low competition.

This article covers:

  • How to identify these niches using AI and Google Maps
  • Examples of high-value boring businesses
  • How to build a media business around these niches without industry experience
  • Cost-effective technical setups for AI workflows
  • Creating AI-generated newsletters from customer review data

1. Forget SaaS, Focus on Boring & Local Businesses

Everyone seems to chase the same plumbing or HVAC businesses, but James emphasizes the real opportunity lies in overlooked local niches with high customer value. These niches often have fewer competitors and high ticket prices per job.

Examples of High-Value Boring Niches:

  • Hardscaping - Building retaining walls, $3,000 to $5,000 per job
  • Smart Home Automation
  • Irrigation Systems
  • Closet Redesign and Organization - High-value service for wealthy clients
  • Garage Organization and Renovation - Quotes can reach $15,000

These niches are often underserved in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, creating ripe opportunities for new entrants.

2. The AI-Powered Research Method

James shares his exact workflow for discovering these golden opportunities by combining AI with Google Maps data.

Key Steps:

  • Target Tier 2/3 Cities: Examples include Charlotte, Nashville, Denver, Dallas, and Atlanta. These cities are growing quickly and have wealthy populations but less saturated markets.
  • Use Google Maps as a Data Goldmine: Scrape business listings, reviews, ratings, and social media presence.
  • Analyze Review Volume and Velocity: High volume and frequent new reviews indicate strong demand.
  • Look for High Demand + Low Satisfaction: Negative or mixed reviews alongside high demand signal opportunity for better service.
  • Gather Additional Data: Business hours, social media links (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn), and competitor counts.

James built a custom AI workflow that automates this entire data collection and analysis process, providing validated niche ideas.

3. You Don’t Need Industry Experience to Start

Many people hesitate because they don’t know the service industry they want to enter, like car wrapping or pool building. James explains that you don’t need to be an expert in the service itself.

Instead, build a media business around the niche:

  • Create a local newsletter focused on the niche (e.g., car meetups, smart home tips)
  • Build a directory website listing local service providers
  • Use AI to generate content based on customer reviews and pain points
  • Become the local authority and trusted source of information
  • Sell leads to service providers who want more customers

This approach leverages AI and content creation to generate leads without requiring technical service expertise.

4. The Numbers Are Shocking

James shares the success of his own boring business, Diesel Dudes, a mobile diesel mechanic service:

  • Average job value: $1,600
  • Inbound calls: 10+ per day
  • Demand exceeds current capacity; hiring to scale
  • Potential to become a multiple seven-figure business with just two locations

Lead Generation Model Potential:

  • Sell qualified leads for $100–$200 each
  • Generating 200–300 leads per month could yield $20,000–$30,000 monthly revenue
  • Minimal overhead costs, high margins

5. The Technical Setup: Cost-Effective AI Workflows

Running AI workflows can be expensive, but James reveals a cost-saving hack using Hostinger for self-hosting.

Benefits of Using Hostinger:

  • Create a Virtual Private Server (VPS) for running workflows
  • Install N8N (an automation tool) on the VPS
  • Pay only $5–$7/month instead of $50–$100 on typical SaaS plans
  • Run unlimited workflow executions without restrictions
  • Keep overhead low while scaling AI-powered business operations

How to Set Up:

  1. Sign up at Hostinger (use coupon code SIP10 for a discount)
  2. Create a new VPS, select location, and set a password
  3. Install N8N and configure your AI workflows
  4. Manage workflows directly on your private server

6. Creating AI-Generated Newsletters from Google Maps Data

Once you identify your niche, you can use AI to generate valuable content automatically.

Workflow:

  • Feed all Google Maps review data into an AI agent
  • Analyze customer pain points and sentiment
  • Generate newsletter topics, subject lines, and content ideas
  • Include local events or relevant links to engage subscribers
  • Curate and send newsletters with zero manual writing required

This content directly addresses what customers are complaining about or interested in, positioning you as a trusted source and lead generator.

7. Why This Works So Well

The key insight behind this approach is arbitrage:

  • Most entrepreneurs fight over saturated markets like plumbing and HVAC.
  • You find validated demand in overlooked niches.
  • Use AI to move faster and create content at scale.
  • Keep costs near zero with self-hosted workflows.
  • Focus locally to avoid national competition.
  • Build media assets that generate leads on autopilot.

This combination creates a powerful advantage in local business lead generation.

Example Output from the AI Workflow

Running the workflow in Charlotte, NC, James found promising niches such as:

  • Landscaping
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Wedding Design Services
  • Destination Wedding Planning
  • Luxury Tax Advisory
  • Estate Planning for High Net Worth Individuals
  • Smart Home Automation Installation
  • Luxury Home Security Systems
  • Exotic Car Detailing
  • Custom Car Wraps
  • Body Contouring Med Spa
  • Dermal Fillers
  • Sports Chiropractor
  • Custom Pool Builder
  • Outdoor Kitchen Designer

These niches are unique, high-value, and often overlooked.

Additional Resources

Connect with Greg Isenberg

Connect with James, The Boring Marketer

This article is based on the video "My AI agents scrapes Google Maps to make $$$ in BORING BUSINESSES" by Greg Isenberg, featuring James, The Boring Marketer.

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