IP-based geolocation might answer your problems whether you run an online business, want to increase conversions, lower bounce rates, or make your site more personable and memorable. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to IP-based geolocation. Before including it on your website, consider the pros and cons. What is IPlocation, and how does IP-based Geolocation work? All of these questions and more will be answered in this post. 

IP Address Location: Everything You Need to Know

IP geolocation: what exactly is it, and how does it work? 

Internet Protocol (IP) geolocation determines where an online device is based solely on its IP address on Earth. The IP address is mapped to a physical location, revealing details like the user’s nation, state, city, zip code, latitude/longitude, Internet service provider (ISP), and area code. 

Where can I get one IP-based Geolocation database? 

Different geolocation databases offered for sale may differ in cost and precision. Fee-based databases that can readily be incorporated into a website are provided by companies like Ip2location, MaxMind, Tamo Soft, DB-IP, Ipinfo, and IPligence. Most providers of geolocation databases also supply developers with APIs and sample programs (in ASP, PHP, NET, and Java) for accessing the databases. In addition, some businesses provide no-cost web services that may use to display IP address locations on a website. 

How does a service that connects IP to location work?

The IP address of a device may be used using an IP location tool to pinpoint its precise geographical position. Geolocation software can use its IP address to learn about electronic gadgets. To do this, it runs the user-supplied IP address through a geolocation database to find matches. Because these databases are developed and maintained by other companies, the accuracy of location information for devices is contingent on the supplier. 

How accurate is IP-based Geolocation? 

The accuracy of a geolocation database might change based on the database you utilize. Some IP-to-country database providers boast a 99% accuracy rate, although the industry standard is closer to 95%. If surrounding cities are assumed correct, IP-to-Region (or City) accuracy can range from 50% to 75%. Considering there is no central repository for IP-to-Region data, an accuracy of 50%+ is commendable. 

Is it possible for IP geolocation to be incorrect?

When you talk about an IP location, you only talk about its rough geographical vicinity. IP geolocation errors can occasionally be seen. A possible explanation is that you improperly mapped your data in a geolocation database that relies on IP addresses. Alternatively, the database may only update its information once a month. Maybe you want to hide your IP address, and the VPN is the way to do it. 

What is an IP address?

The acronym “IP” refers to the language of the internet. The term “protocol” refers to the rules and regulations determining how data is transmitted and received over the internet. And an address is the numeric string that identifies all of your actions on the web.  Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are assigned to each device on the internet and are identified by a string of numbers delimited by periods. Any TCP/IP-enabled machine qualifies as the device in question. Includes computers, smartphones, tablets, and more. IP addresses are not given out to people but rather to gadgets. 

IP addresses typically consist of four integers separated by periods. Each has one to three digits and a value between zero and 255.  Every moment you use the internet, your Internet service provider (ISP) provides you with the IP address. How do you get your online name and number? 

In instances where IP geolocation is typically used 

IP-based geolocation to track down website visitors has a wide variety of potential applications. To name a few frequent ones: 

  • Users in various places may see different advertisements. 

A user’s IP address can be utilized for geolocation purposes, allowing for the promotion of a different service or good. Users in one area can purchase a substantial interest (like a course). In contrast, it can provide those in another place (or elsewhere) with digital options like a book or an online tutorial. 

  • Show relevant business opening hours: 

IP-based geolocation can offer precise business hours for a user in a given nation or state. 

  • Providing a localized feeling: 

When a user visits a website, the IP address may show the state or country name to give the impression that they see a more localized version of the site. 

  • Translating important messages to the user’s language: 

A complete translation of a site may be time-consuming, costly, and challenging to maintain. In many circumstances, leveraging the user’s geolocation to translate critical signals like titles and calls to action may do an excellent job lowering bounce rate and enhancing conversion rate. Titles and calls to action are two examples of crucial messaging that might be translated. 

  • Redirect visitors to a page in their language: 

IPlocation can use to send more pertinent material to a specific audience.