Why Every Web Designer Should Be Using a VPN in 2023

VPN is a powerful tool for web designers & developers who work from public networks or travel. Find out how our team at Flamingo Agency benefits from VPN services.

Chris Granat
October 10, 2021

Web Designers & VPNs: The Reality of Working From The Office

Folks, let’s be honest for a minute. Many of us web designers don’t always work from the office or from home. We take our laptop with us when we go on a business trip, visit our family across state or even go on a vacation. We try to complete as many work tasks we can wherever we go. That’s one great thing about being a web developer.

However many of us don’t realize how important it is to have a VPN when using a public Wi Fi. That’s where VPNs come in handy. A VPN (virtual private network) provides a number of great benefits, from security to bypassing geo restrictions.

At Flamingo Agency, we heavily rely on using VPN services for our small business web design company. Why? Because we take no risks for our clients.

What is a VPN?

First things first. Without getting into technical terms, what exactly is a VPN and what does it do?

A virtual private network is a tunnel that creates a private network from a public network connection. VPN service gives you online privacy and security. You are probably thinking right now…

Why do I need a VPN as a Web Designer?

There are a number of reasons why every web or graphic designer should be using a VPN. Let’s start with the basics:

1. Encrypted Security

A VPN service provides you with encrypted online privacy and security. Any time you use public Wi Fi like one at a coffee shop or the airport, you are essentially connecting to an unencrypted network where any novice hacker can steal your data or client’s website login credentials. Using a VPN creates an additional security layer where every file on your laptop is safe and secure. This is very important whether you are working for your clients or performing white label services for web agencies.

2. Bypassing Geo Restrictions

Some US-based websites block visitor access from foreign countries. This can become a big problem if you try to work on your client’s websites when traveling. One of our WordPress developers traveled to Mexico for a wedding. He took his laptop to catch up on some work for a few hours at night. You can imagine his shock when he was denied to login to one of our client’s website. In situations like this, a VPN service is a life saver.

What Features To Look For in a VPN Service?

What exactly should web developers look for in a VPN?

1. Speed & Performance

The speed of your internet connection is by absolutely crucial. Be sure to test your VPN connection.

2. Unlimited Bandwidth

Free VPNs offer limited bandwidth. Once you decide to go with a VPN company, you have to make sure you got unlimited internet.

3. Servers

The number and location of servers is an important factor. If you have clients in a particular city or country, you want to use a VPN that enables you to view the website from your customers perspective. Another scenario is when you are hiring offshore developers. When we hired developers from Europe, we asked them to purchase a VPN so they could access our Chicago website servers.

4. Security

Security is paramount. Hackers are very sophisticated these days and the last thing you want to deal with is having your private information hacked.

5. Types of Devices Supported

We also browse the internet from our favorite devices. Most website developers work from a laptop, but if you like to check on things from your tablet or smartphone, verify with your VPN provider that they support your favorite device.

What are the Best VPN Services for Web Developers?

There are many VPN providers offering different features.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN prides itself in offering unrestricted access worldwide. They have servers in 160 different locations in 94 countries. They are located in the British Virgin Islands.

NordVPN

NordVPN offers fast and stable connection with no limits on bandwidth. They have 5400 servers in 59 countries and are based in Panama.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN specializes in encrypted VPN tunnel security making sure that passwords and confidential data stay safe. fast and stable connection with no limits on bandwidth. They own over a 1000 servers and are located in Switzerland.

SurfShark

SurfShark is another VPN service provider located in the British Virgin Islands. They specialize in preventing malware and phishing attacks.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is the most popular provider among free VPNs. Of course, they also have paid services offering easy-to-use apps for all devices, from laptops to tablets and smartphones.

Final Thoughts

VPNs bring many benefits to their users, but these are the essential things to consider when you’re a web developer.

Chris Granat

Chris is the founder and lead web designer at Flamingo Agency, a Chicago web design agency.