The common question is what is SSL? Throughout this article you will learn exactly Website security is more important now than ever which means it is so important to know what SSL is. In order to stay on top of your SEO rankings and customer security it is crucial to have an SSL certificate.
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, and it encrypts the data between a website and their user. This can help prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information such as passwords and credit card details.
Whether you run a small business, sell products online or upload personal blogs, having SSL is essential for security, customer trust and SEO. Without it, browsers like Google could flag your website and “Not Secure”- which could scare away potential customers.
What is SSL? (In Simple Terms)
SSL is the “Secure Sockets Layer” that encrypts the connection between a user and a website.
In real life- SSL could be referred to as sealing a letter so that no one can read the content. When a website starts with https:// instead of http:// and displays a padlock icon the “s” stands for secure. This lets you know which sites are protected and increases credibility.
Why SSL Matters for Your Small Business Website
As mentioned previously, SSL is a security measure. But not only that it is a sign of credibility for your website. As a general rule of thumb websites without this secure padlock lead the user to believe it is unsafe. This can result in lower SEO rankings and an unprofessional appearance to users.
Especially for those of you who are running e commerce stores or offer newsletters. Customers are cautious about entering personal information online and the SSL certificate reassures users that your site is safe.
Do You Really Need SSL If You Don’t Sell Online?
Yes, SSL is still important if you don’t sell online.
Search engines prioritise website listings that are secure. Meaning that your website will be seen more and have a higher SEO ranking.
SSL also protects any data exchanged on your website, including:
- Contact form submissions
- Login credentials
- Customer inquiries
- User interactions
How SSL Helps You Get More Customers
The SSL certificate helps you build trust with potential customers, increasing the chance of user engagement.
Google has also confirmed that SSL is a ranking factor- telling us that secure websites have an SEO advantage.
In simple terms, if you and your neighbour were both competing for customers in your local area. If your website is secure and theirs isn’t- customers are likely to choose you simply due to them feeling safer. Many users actively look for this padlock symbol before entering any details, and if your website lacks SSL, they may leave without exploring your page in its entirety.
How to Get SSL for Your Website
Getting an SSL certificate is easy nowadays. Many web hosting providers offer complimentary SSL certificates. You can also purchase premium SSL certificates from providers like:
- GoDaddy
- NameCheap
- SSL.com
You may ask how much it costs to register a domain name with an SSL certificate- but the answer is surprisingly cheap. If your domain isn’t extremely popular, like “auto insurance”, it is extremely likely that you will be able to buy a domain anywhere from £10 to £30 per year! However, the cost for business level domains and premium SSL can increase the prise accordingly. Check with your chosen provider for an exact price.
Premium SSL vs. Free SSL: Which One Is Better?
There are multiple types of SSL protection, but you have to make the choice:
- Free SSL (Domain Validation): Best for blogs, your personal sites and small businesses. Great when you don’t handle sensitive information
- Premium SSL (Organisation / Extended Validation): Recommended for online stores, business websites and platforms collecting user data. These provide stronger encryption.
- Wildcard SSL: This covers your main domain and all of the subdomains. This is ideal for businesses with multiple sections on their website.
These all vary in price and protection. Take a moment to decide which one suits your site best!
Final Thoughts: SSL is No Longer Optional
In the past SSL was generally for e-commerce stores, but now it is a necessity for all websites.
To conclude, a secure website protects your business, improves SEO rankings and builds trust with your users. Without SSL your website may appear unprofessional and have lower search rankings. If you haven’t installed SSL yet, take a look at some of the providers listed and help your website get noticed.
