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VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between a user's device and a VPN server, masking the user's IP address and allowing secure, private internet connections. In SEO contexts, VPNs are used for checking geo-specific search results, simulating searches from different locations, and secure remote work.
VPN usage in SEO is relevant for local rank checking — simulating searches from target markets — which can also be done through SEMrush's location-specific rank tracking or Google's Geolocation parameter in URLs. VPN services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Mullvad are commonly used by SEO professionals for geographic testing.
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Related Terms
Other
Cookies
Small text files saved on users' devices by websites are called cookies.
Other
Local SEO
A specialization of SEO focused on improving visibility in geographically-bound search results — the Google local pack, Maps, and "near me" queries — driven by Google Business Profile optimization, citation consistency, and review velocity.
Technical SEO
Proxy
Refers to connecting to the Internet via a proxy server.
Other
Whois
Refers to the service that provides access to a lot of information about domain names.