This post originally appeared on Searchenginewatch.com
Virtual private network (VPN) is a technology that stretches a private network across a public network. It helps you build a secure connection to another network over the World Wide Web. In other words, it shields your browsing activity from almost all kinds of investigation on a public network.
VPN is prevalent nowadays, but not for the reasons it was originally invented for. Initially, VPNs were set up to link different business networks together safely over the internet or allow people to access their business networks from home or any remote place.
Today, the virtual private network has been used for a variety of purposes, ranging from hiding/changing IP addresses, accessing blocked websites, encrypting data, and more. In this article, we will learn about how a VPN works and how you can use it for SEO purposes. However, before that, let’s have a quick look at the VPN market growth over the years.
VPN global market and users
According to stats by Statista, 26% of global internet users accessed the internet through a VPN in the first quarter of 2018. While in North America alone, 18% of people used VPNs and proxy in the first quarter of 2018.
In 2018, the global market for VPN was worth $20.60 billion that has constantly been increasing with each passing year.
How does a VPN work?
A virtual private network routes your device’s internet connection via your selected VPN’s private server instead of your internet service provider (ISP). For that reason, when your data is transferred to the internet, it comes from a VPN rather than your own device. In other words, VPN acts as an intermediator when you connect to the World Wide Web. It hides your IP address and safeguards your identity.
A virtual private network builds a secret “tunnel” from your device to the internet and keeps your crucial data protected through encryption.
Why should you use a VPN service as an SEO expert?
1. Search results across the globe
One of the most significant advantages of a VPN network for SEO experts is, it helps them see what search results look like in different countries. Although there are plenty of tools that can help with the same, nothing is like a VPN. It allows you to appear as a local, surfing the internet from the location of your VPN service. So, if you need to see the search results of a specific location for SEO purposes, you can choose the VPN provider having a server in that particular location.
2. Mask your real IP address
As an SEO professional, you have to work with sensitive accounts. If you don’t have that proper protection, the security of your client will be at risk. Luckily, a VPN can help with this situation.
With a VPN, it’s easy to change your IP address and stay anonymous online. Since a virtual private network gives you a provisional IP address from the chosen VPN server, it hides your real IP address. Therefore, people can’t track your internet activities. VPN allows you to surf the internet in absolute anonymity. Moreover, you can bypass filters and unblock websites. This is something that can be very handy when SEOs are up to research, especially competitor research.
3. Safe remote control
As an SEO expert, you might have to work away from your desks many times a day, which may result in security risks. Therefore, you must connect to a secure network that lets you access the information securely from any remote location.
A virtual private network helps remote users connect to their work network without revealing their work computer system to the entire internet. With a VPN, you can access your drives, email servers, and more safely because it creates an encrypted path for you to communicate with a server or other devices.
4. Improved internet security
Security is one of the biggest challenges most small SEO companies deal with. If you think cyber-attack is a big-business issue, you’re mistaken. According to an article published in Forbes, around 58% of cyber attack victims were small businesses in the year 2018.
Therefore, you must connect to a safe network when surfing the internet for performing different SEO activities. When you connect via a virtual private network, your data is kept encrypted. Thus your browsing information is kept protected from hackers. You won’t need to worry about as no one can track your internet and data activities. After all, VPN gives you a temporary IP address from your chosen VPN server and hides your original IP address. Therefore, you can transact sensitive information and other essential schedules for your business without worrying about hackers.
If you’re into any online business that requires the transmission of sensitive information or money, you must invest in good VPN software. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that it is one of the tools for startups to grow their business successfully. After all, until you have a safe network, you can’t create successful SEO Strategies.
5. Safe file sharing
An SEO expert has to share files with their clients and co-workers many times a day. As a result, it is crucial to look for a safe way to share important data.
Nowadays, there are plenty of ways to share files online. However, not all are safe. Most SEO experts feel paranoid when they share an important file that they can’t afford to get into the wrong hands.
Fortunately, a virtual private network can help you stay relaxed while you can share your files safely with a VPN connection. VPNs are commonly used for folder and file sharing. It helps you access files and folders stored on a network computer securely, regardless of where that computer is physically located.
Final thoughts
Considering everything together, we can say a virtual private network is an ideal way to mask your internet protocol address, so all your SEO activities are almost untraceable. It establishes a secure and encrypted connection to offer great privacy. Unlike most web proxies and hide IP software, VPN helps you access both websites and web applications in complete anonymity. If you’re also planning to set up a VPN, it is advisable to choose the one that is renowned and reputable. After all, not all VPN providers are equal when it comes to performance and security.
Roman Daneghyan is the Chief Marketing Officer at Renderforest. He can be found on Twitter .
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