A country selector plugin can help businesses build their own geolocation database if they so desire. Businesses with a global audience in mind are constantly looking to understand their customer base a lot better. This includes mining data from a third-party geolocation database and implementing a geolocation API on their website. However, is it possible for a country selector plugin to be used to develop their own geolocation database? The following post answers this question.
What is a geolocation database?
First, it is important to distinguish a geolocation database from the one businesses wishes to build for their own. A geolocation database typically refers to a database of IP addresses that contain information connected to an address. The information includes state/region, city and timezone, information that is useful for the business but cannot be found through the address alone. However, third-party companies build geolocation databases using different techniques like mining registry data and interpreting airport codes. Businesses cannot build a geolocation database using similar techniques (unless they have the resources to do so).
How can companies build a geolocation database using country plugins?
Businesses cannot build a geolocation database, as it is conventionally known. However, they can use a country plugin to compile more detailed information on their customers for more targeted marketing efforts. A country plugin can help in this regard because the plugin is responsible for making requests from the third-party database. Hence, country plugins play a crucial role in getting information on customers. Without the country plugin, it would not be possible to get the information from the IP address. The information can be used to compile information on the database.
Country selector plugins are crucial for obtaining the location of a user because it draws the information based on the IP address. When the website obtains the IP address, the country selector plugin pulls up data about the electronic device. It does this by putting requests to the database to look for matches with the inputted IP address. The information can then be stored in a geolocation database, which the business can store for later use or canvassing. The next step in building a geolocation database is to develop a UI that makes it easy to look up all the data on the address. While the quality of data is important, it is just as important to have a proper interface that makes it easy to navigate and search for the necessary data.
Why build a separate a geolocation database?
There are several reasons why IP-based geolocation is used to refine local marketing tactics, like showing relevant business hours, showing different offers and translating key messages to the user's language. With that in mind, businesses should consider building a geolocation database using a country selector plugin.
For example, most third-party companies obtain information on IP addresses mining registries. However, if the registry is invalid, then the information derived from the geolocation database will not be valid. Furthermore, since the database was developed from the ground up by the business, it would be easier to set benchmarks and standards for measuring the accuracy behind of the data, and subsequently, updating it. Furthermore, the quality of the data will not be dependent on the quality of the external sources.
The importance of country selector plugins in geo redirection
Country selector plugins have several benefits, especially in geo redirection. Without these plugins, it would not be possible to refine the customer experience with local-based offers and content. However, the plugins now have another use by making it possible for businesses to create their geolocation database. Most third-party companies create their database using different techniques, like data mining registrars.
Instead, now, businesses can use the plugin to set the foundation for their database filled with information relevant to their business. There are some advantages to this method, which include a comprehensive database of information, and even the option to sidestep the disadvantages of relying on a third-party company.
Businesses looking to build their location-specific website and the subsequent database should invest in a country selector plugin.
