How A VPN Can Help When Setting Up A New Website

We look at top 6 ways a virtual private network (VPN) can help with your web design work and setting up a new website

By Claudio Pires
Updated on July 24, 2024
How A VPN Can Help When Setting Up A New Website

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is great for watching restricted content on Netflix, and it can protect personal data while browsing from home. Businesses also benefit from their use, keeping sensitive data secure from would-be hackers and malicious software. As a web developer, whether you’re establishing sites for yourself or for clients, you can also benefit from the use of a reliable and secure VPN. Below, we look at 6 ways a virtual private network (VPN) can help with your web design work and setting up a new website.

What Are VPNs?

A virtual private network is a service that provides a connection, or tunnel, between your device and the Internet. It obscures IP and other data before it is transmitted online. A VPN can prevent Internet throttling, which slows connection speeds, but it can also bypass geo-locking by diverting your Internet access through a remote server. 

Web designers and other professionals can also benefit from the security of VPN services, enabling them to protect personal, professional, and even sensitive client data. Software reviews expert Aleksandar Stevanovic says third parties can’t gain access to your personal data when you use a secure VPN.

Protect Client Data: VPN Help Setting Up New Website

When setting up a single-page brochure website or an affiliate website, you likely won’t deal with too much sensitive client data. But, if you’re establishing an extranet or are entrusted with marketing data and sales funnels, that data has to be kept secure. Even the loss of on-page content can prove costly. Not only does the data need protecting while it is on your computer, but it also needs to be secure while uploading to the website and while you’re creating the website design.

Clients trust sensitive data to you and it is your responsibility to ensure that data doesn’t get into the wrong hands. You should be using antimalware and other software to protect against malicious software, but a VPN protects the data you upload and download while online. This is especially important when you’re uploading data using FTP or are adding data to your client’s online database.

If this data gets stolen, your client stands to lose out. As well as the potential loss of money, they also lose time and even their reputation. Protecting your online activity using a VPN can, therefore, help protect your client’s online business.

You will likely store data about your clients, including details of contracts and projects between you, online, too. This can include invoicing and even banking details. Without proper online security, all of this information is at risk.

VPN Help Setting Up New Website: Protect Your Reputation

The Internet brings everybody together. Social media websites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as professional networking sites like LinkedIn, and review sites like TrustPilot and Google Reviews enable your clients to leave frank reviews of your services. No matter how great the website you design looks or how smoothly it runs, clients that suffer data loss as a result of your actions are highly likely to leave negative reviews with a virtual private network to help.

Most website designers have contracts in place with their clients, and even if this contract doesn’t specifically cover the protection of their data, it is implied. The loss of data is not only costly to your client, but if they choose to go public with information about that loss, it will mean a loss of reputation with you. You certainly won’t enjoy positive word-of-mouth marketing or direct referrals.

Maintain Client Relationships

Repeat business is the best business. It has reduced marketing and sales costs, typically takes less time to agree on details, and regular work can help take your web design business to the next level, especially if you can secure retainers or long-term contracts.

To maintain long-term relationships, clients not only want to see high-quality work and timely completion, but there also needs to be a lot of trust. Specifically, they need to know they can trust you with sensitive data. If your client’s data gets stolen, relationships will suffer. Lose a single client’s data, and if the news gets out, that will likely also harm your other client relationships.

Protect Personal Data: VPN Help Setting Up New Website

It isn’t just client data that is susceptible, either. Having your own business or personal data stolen can be costly. The data you send online includes invoices and banking details, client information, and more. Your online data is prone even when you’re at home using a secure network and relying on antivirus and antimalware software with a virtual private network to help.

If you use mobile devices when out of the home. Or if you log on and work at coffee shops or shared spaces, that data is even more susceptible. Ensure the VPN you choose protects all of your devices and is compatible with cell phones, tablets, and laptops.

Avoid Geo-Restrictions

One of the most common reasons people use VPNs for personal use is to get around the geo-restrictions that streaming services and other websites impose. It can help you gain access to unique content on sites like Netflix and give access to some of the best online casinos that aren’t available in certain jurisdictions.

If you’re a web developer, you can enjoy the same features but for professional purposes. Keep reading to review the top 6 ways a virtual private network (VPN) can help with your web design work and setting up a new website.

Research is a vital component of any web design project. Whether your client has asked you to add elements similar to those found on competitor websites. Or you want to determine what your client’s competitors are doing. So you can do it better, you will need to access other sites. Sometimes, that isn’t easily possible. If you’re in a different country to those websites. For example, you might be served different information, or access might be completely blocked.  

A VPN hides your IP address. You can log on using VPN servers located in different parts of the world. That means you can access websites and conduct searches as though you’re in the same state or country as your client. In addition, enabling you access to sites that might be locked to visitors from specific regions.  

Securely Use Public WiFi

Publicly accessible WiFi is really handy if you want to do a bit of work. While grabbing a drink at a local coffee shop. Or if you’re leading a nomadic lifestyle and want to work from the tables down. By the beach, while in a new location.

But, while these networks are convenient, they are far from secure. Dozens or hundreds of people are logged on at a time. So, you have no idea of the intentions of those users. Using a VPN hides your IP address and it protects any data that you send or receive while online. It not only protects data like invoice and client data, but it also prevents others from seeing your browsing activity.

Ensure the VPN is compatible with your devices and that the account you opt for allows enough connections to meet the number of devices you use. By obscuring your online data using a VPN, you can securely and safely browse and work from any location with a connection.

VPN Help Setting Up New Website Conclusion

VPNs are useful tools for personal and business use. While antimalware and antivirus software protect you from malicious software and can help prevent downloading spyware. So, they don’t prevent the theft of data while you’re online. VPNs can do that while also protecting browsing data, and unlocking access to geo-locked websites. You can use a VPN in your office or home, and with the right provider. You can enjoy the same benefits while using mobile devices in other locations.

Claudio Pires

Claudio Pires is the co-founder of Visualmodo, a renowned company in web development and design. With over 15 years of experience, Claudio has honed his skills in content creation, web development support, and senior web designer. A trilingual expert fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to his work. Beyond his professional endeavors, Claudio is an active YouTuber, sharing his insights and expertise with a broader audience. Based in Brazil, Claudio continues to push the boundaries of web design and digital content, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.

Topics

Security