Proxies are a very powerful tool for guaranteeing online anonymity. However, that is not their only function. They are also great at simulating locations and granting access to otherwise inaccessible content.
On the other hand, SEO is such a rapidly changing practice that only constant research unearths effective strategies.
With this in mind, professionals have applied proxies to crack search engine algorithms.
Read on to learn how businesses use the features of a good proxy and how they help businesses ace their SEO.
What are the Features of a Good Proxy
Let’s identify the features of a good proxy before delving deeper into their applications. Here are some that are worth noting:
A proxy server obscures or alters the IP address of a device
Furthermore, it reroutes it through proxy servers in other locations. As such, it effectively hides the user’s location and identity. However, proxies can differ in the level of anonymity provided. Paid proxy servers usually provide elite-level anonymity, while free proxies are less effective.
A good proxy should offer relatively fast connection speeds
In this regard, data center proxies usually trump residential proxies. However, reliable paid proxy servers providing residential addresses offer good enough speeds.
No user wants to try connecting numerous times before they can secure a connection, and regular interruptions in service are not attractive. As such, it is paramount that a good proxy offers reliable, uninterrupted service. Paid proxy servers have a reputation to protect and are more likely to deliver in this regard.
Geographical diversity
One of the most popular functions of proxies is their ability to simulate locations. As such, it stands to reason that proxies with more IP addresses in their pool are better than those with less. Paid proxy servers have significantly more addresses and locations than free proxies.
How are Proxies Used in SEO
SEO is an acronym for Search Engine Optimization. It is the process by which marketers optimize content, product listings, ads, etc, for discovery by search engines.
SEO utilizes a variety of metrics and strategies for its successful application. Proxies have a role to play in facilitating said strategies. Some of the roles of proxies in SEO efforts are:
Keywords
The ranking of content by keyword may vary from location to location. As such, marketers have to monitor keyword and content performance even after posting. When done from multiple locations, such tracking exercises can give a holistic representation of content performance.
Competitor analysis
The nature of SEO is such that there are no defined rules. The algorithms that determine content search engine result page rankings (SERPs) undergo many updates.
As such, what worked a few months ago might not work now. The consequence of this is that competitor analysis of better-performing content is crucial. Proxies allow businesses and individuals to conduct this analysis on competitors in different regions without compromising identities.
Web scraping is the automatic collection of online content with bots
SEO professionals commonly use web scraping to acquire research data. However, such a practice can cause devices to be banned from the Internet. Proxies help users avoid such bans by providing access to multiple IPs. Paid proxy servers may also offer automatically rotating IP functionality to avoid IP bans.
Ad verification
Ad placement and visibility can vary by geographical location. Therefore, marketing and advertisement professionals use proxies to assess and verify placements without leaving their locations. Paid proxy servers provide more locations and, consequently, more reach.
Other Use Cases of Web Proxies
Beyond SEO, proxies also have other uses in personal lives and businesses. Some of these uses are:
Bypassing geo-restrictions on content
Even when subscriptions are in order, access to content may not be possible. Gel-blocking prevents web users from accessing certain content outside of approved locations. Paid web proxy servers can allow interested parties to simulate approved locations and access the content.
Facilitating online security and privacy
When performing sensitive tasks or browsing sketchy sites, proxies can enhance security and privacy. They do so by masking user IP addresses and preventing tracking efforts. In the case of some paid proxy servers, they also provide encryption to secure data transmission.
Reliable connection for online streaming
Some individuals, gamers, and online content streamers need stable and fast connections. Paid proxy servers can provide this. Datacenter proxies and their dedicated servers are particularly ideal for gamers and streamers. Furthermore, they also confer mid-level anonymity to protect user identity.
Securing remote access to resources
The evolution of the workforce to include remote workers continues to gain momentum. However, they create security issues regarding resource security over the internet. Paid proxy servers can employ firewalls to control access to online resources as needed.
Conclusion
Search engines are a popular feature of many websites, other than those that allow for content discovery on the World Wide Web. As such, any content subject to searches needs to stay discoverable.
In other words, content creators and markets need to do their work with search engines in mind. Or, at least, they should hire a professional to optimize them.
Some such professionals use proxies because of their location-spoofing function. In the right hands, paid proxy servers can be indispensable tools for SEO.
Rather than sniffing at them, learn all you can about these tools and help your content and ads perform better. It just might be the final piece that guarantees business success.
