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

# Serper

> Connect Serper to search Google and find places in your workflows.

## How to set up Serper

### Authentication

Serper uses API key authentication:

1. Sign up at [serper.dev](https://serper.dev)
2. Navigate to your dashboard to find your API key
3. Copy the API key and paste it in Cargo when connecting

## Serper actions

### Search

Perform Google searches and retrieve results.

**Required fields:**

* **Query**: The search query (supports expressions)

**Optional fields:**

* **Country**: Filter results by country
* **Locale**: Language/locale for results
* **Limit**: Maximum number of results (default varies)

**Use cases:**

* Research companies by searching for news and press releases
* Find company information not available in enrichment tools
* Discover content and social profiles
* Validate company information

### Search places

Search for businesses and places on Google Maps.

**Required fields:**

* **Query**: The search query (e.g., "software companies in San Francisco")

**Optional fields:**

* **Country**: Filter by country
* **Locale**: Language/locale for results
* **Limit**: Maximum number of results

**Use cases:**

* Build lists of local businesses
* Find retail locations for account-based targeting
* Research competitors in specific markets
* Discover businesses by category and location

## Response data

### Search results include:

* Title
* Link (URL)
* Snippet (description)
* Position in results

### Places results include:

* Business name
* Address
* Phone number
* Rating
* Website
* Category

## Credits

Serper uses a credit-based system:

* Each search request costs 1 credit
* Credits are compatible with Cargo's credit tracking

## Best practices

* Use specific, targeted queries for better results
* Combine with other enrichment tools for complete profiles
* Cache results when possible to optimize credit usage
* Use country and locale filters for localized results