In a world where we spend more and more time online, digital marketing has become a large industry that attracts many specialists. Anyone who is somehow represented online faces the need to acquire online marketing skills. Whether you are promoting a personal brand on social media, running a startup, or selling goods online, you have to deal with digital marketing in some way. A free VPN can make it easier, although it is rarely considered a marketing tool. So, let’s find out what a free VPN is and how to use it in online marketing.
Introduction to the VPN
VPN is an abbreviation for virtual private network, which is a technology for secure data transmission on the Internet. This security is achieved through three main components:
- data encryption
- creation of a secure channel for information transmission
- IP address concealment
When you install and start using a free VPN for Windows, all the information you transmit online is encrypted using 256-bit encryption. This includes not only your online messages but also all data packets coming from your PC. The number 256 means the length of the unique key that is needed to decrypt your data. Only your device and the VPN server have this key.
There are many VPN protocols on the market. It is a sort of data transmission algorithm that is responsible for creating a secure channel, or a tunnel, for data transmission. In other words, when you use a VPN, your data is protected by itself thanks to encryption, while being transmitted over a secure channel. This makes leakage almost impossible.
The third function of the VPN is to hide the user’s IP address. This is what allows users to remain anonymous online. When you use a VPN, your data is sent to the recipient from a distant VPN server, not directly from you. Thus, the recipient can only see the IP address of this server, but not yours. This opens up a lot of opportunities in digital marketing.
How to Use a Free VPN in Digital Marketing
- Use a free VPN for anonymous competitor monitoring.
If you work in a highly competitive industry, it can be difficult to keep track of your competitors. Modern technologies allow them to block the IP addresses of people involved in competing businesses so that they cannot browse the website.
However, you already know that the VPN hides your IP address. This allows you to track the actions of competitors and bypass blocking.
- You can promote your projects to foreign markets and run local SEO campaigns with a VPN.
By connecting to different VPN servers, you can pretend to be a local user in any region where the chosen VPN provider has a server. For example, if you are in the USA but want to promote your business in France, you need to choose a provider that has a server in this country available in the free version. Clear your cache or use an anonymous browser window and connect to the VPN server located in France. After that, using a translator, or if you know the language, you can browse the web as a local. You can test the Internet search results in the selected region and select keywords.
For freelancers, a VPN allows taking on foreign projects. The more servers you have access to, the more opportunities you have.
- Get relevant search results with a VPN.
If you work on different projects or utilize the same devices for work and personal use, your search results may be irrelevant. Google does not hide the fact that they utilize the IP addresses of users all the time. Based on your previous online activities tracked by the IP address, the search results, ads you see, and even your YouTube feed will be adjusted.
In marketing, it is extremely important to have objective data to make decisions. So, use VPNs to differentiate between your online activities for personal purposes and marketing tasks. By hiding your IP address, you’ll get clean search results and be able to make better business decisions.
- Work safely.
Whether you’re promoting your own project or working as an employee, you need to treat business data responsibly. You most likely have access to the company’s marketing strategy, research, creative content, and other important data. Use a VPN to keep this data private. This security technology was developed in the corporate world and is best suited for protecting sensitive business data.
Consequently, the VPN is underrated in the field of digital marketing. It allows you to analyze markets, collaborate with local influencers, and track competitors. Get to know this technology and you will find many ways to use it in your work.
Some people are deterred by the myth that using a VPN is challenging. However, technology is constantly evolving, and nowadays the VPN is a user-friendly application that requires only a few clicks to use. Moreover, you can utilize it not only on your computer but also install it on your smartphone. Download VPN for Android from the official app store and stay safe while working from any part of the world.
