{"id":9752,"date":"2025-02-04T17:23:44","date_gmt":"2025-02-04T22:23:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keyword.com\/?post_type=blog&p=9752"},"modified":"2025-04-22T09:25:08","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T14:25:08","slug":"track-local-rankings-with-vpn","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/keyword.com\/blog\/track-local-rankings-with-vpn\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use a VPN for Local SEO Rank Tracking [+ a Better Alternative]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Beyond masking your IP address and maintaining privacy online, you can use a VPN to check search engine results across different locations<\/a>. But how do you do that? And is there a better way to check these search results?<\/p>\n

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While VPNs are great for occasionally tracking a small number of keywords, they\u2019re labor-intensive and time-consuming and lack the detailed insights of dedicated local rank trackers.<\/p>\n

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In this article, you\u2019ll learn how to use a VPN for local rank tracking and when and why a dedicated rank-tracking tool may be better for you. Ultimately, you\u2019ll understand both options and be ready to choose the best approach for your local SEO needs.<\/p>\n

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What is a VPN, and How Does it Work?<\/h2>\n

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A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server managed by a VPN provider.<\/p>\n

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When you connect your internet to a VPN, your IP address is masked with the server’s IP address, making it appear like you’re browsing from the server\u2019s location instead of yours. This allows you to select servers in different locations to access region-specific content and bypass geographic restrictions.<\/p>\n

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How to Use a VPN for Local SEO Rank Tracking<\/h2>\n

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Follow these steps to set up and use a VPN effectively for location-specific rank tracking<\/a> and gain insights into your site\u2019s local SEO performance<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Step 1: Choose a VPN Service<\/h3>\n

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Select a reliable VPN service that\u2019s fast and offers a wide range of countries, including specific cities, for precise local SEO tracking. Some VPNs to consider are ExpressVPN<\/a>, NordVPN<\/a>, and Windscribe<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Note<\/em><\/strong>:<\/strong> Avoid using free VPNs, as they are often less secure.<\/p>\n

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Step 2: Set Up the VPN<\/h3>\n

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Install the VPN app and select the server location of the area you want to track SEO rankings. For example, with Windscribe, install the appropriate app version for your device (e.g., Windows, Mac, or Linux) and select from one of the available country-specific servers.<\/p>\n

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\"Screenshot<\/p>\n

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Step 3: Perform Location-Specific Searches<\/h3>\n

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Open your preferred browser and enter your keywords to view search results specific to that area. For example, with my VPN turned on, we can see search results for the U.S.<\/p>\n

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\"Screenshot<\/p>\n

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Tips for Using VPN for Accurate Local-Rank Tracking<\/h3>\n

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