How to Get a SerpAPI Key (Free Tier) for Lead Generation

SerpAPI is the primary search engine used by LeadGen. It returns structured Google search and Google Maps results, which become the first batch of prospects. Here is how to get a key at no cost.

Create an account

1. Go to serpapi.com/users/sign_up and register.
2. Confirm your email address.
3. Open the API Key page and copy your key.

Add it to the project

Put the key in backend/.env (never in client code):

What it powers

SerpAPI drives Google and Google Maps lookups. In LeadGen it produces the first 100+ results; once that threshold is passed, secondary engines (Apify and Google Programmable Search) are engaged for depth.

Free tier & limits

SerpAPI offers a free plan with a limited number of searches per month. Quotas change over time, so confirm the current allowance on the SerpAPI pricing page before you rely on it.

Try the LeadGen demo →