What is Web Scraping?
Web scraping is known by different names, such as, data extraction, data mining, data scraping, and so forth. All of them are related to each other. Basically, it is a technique of extracting unstructured data from websites over the World Wide Web, storing them in a local database, and then converting them into a meaningful information that can be easily understood and used for multiple purposes by individuals or businesses and organizations.
The main mechanism in scarping websites involve bots. Bots are automated web scrapers (a software application/program) that runs a script over the Internet with the end goal to scrape data from websites.
Generally, bots perform tasks at an a lot higher and quicker rate as compared to humans alone. They contribute around 61% of the web traffic. Since data on the Internet is public domain, data scraping is legitimate. There are large number of web scrapers present today.
Uses for Web Scrapers
There are several uses of web scarpers. 6 primary uses for web scrapers are listed below:
Around 26% of the organizations hire web scarpers with the end goal to research on listening services that keep track of consumer’s opinions about products, services or brand. Companies also hire web scarpers for several projects that requires huge data collection. For instance, a company might require huge data from different sources on the Internet for marketing its products or services.
Around 19% of the companies and businesses use web scarpers for scraping contacts from various sources over the internet, such as, from the business directories and social media sites like Twitter and LinkedIn for the purpose of availing background report for generating leads.
One of the biggest use of web scrapers is in the process of online price comparison. Individuals, who are in the domain of e-commerce do so with the end goal to keep an eye on the prices set by their competitors for different products and services. Using web scarpers for online price comparison enables e-commerce owners to set prices competitively so as to remain ahead in the e-commerce industry.
The demand for web scrapers is constantly increasing every single day. There are innumerable advantages of hiring a web scarper. So, what are you waiting for? Hire web scarpers and make the most of it.
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