Unlock website security and SEO success, find out why implementing SSL is crucial for safeguarding your site and boosting rankings.
What is a SSL Certificate?
An SSL Certificate is a text file with encrypted data that you install on your website server so that you can secure/encrypt sensitive communications between your website and your customers.
When a user visits an SSL/HTTPs website, their browser first verifies if the website’s SSL certificate is valid.
If the check comes back valid, then the browser uses the website’s public key to encrypt the data. Any data (such as payment information) is then sent back to the intended server (website) where it is decrypted using the public key and a secret private key.
Do I need an SSL Certificate?
SSL / HTTPS is recommended for all websites on the internet. However, it is absolutely required for all websites that collect user information like login details, payment information, credit cards, and more.
If you are running an online shop, a membership website, or require users to login, then you should install an SSL certificate.
Most online payment services require your website to use SSL/HTTPs before you can receive payments.
Improved website security:
SSL encrypts data that is transmitted between a user’s browser and a website’s server, making it more difficult for hackers or third parties to intercept and steal sensitive information. This can improve the overall security of your website and protect your users’ data.
Improved user trust:
SSL can help improve user trust in your website by displaying a padlock icon or green bar in the browser address bar, indicating that your website is secure and that their information is protected. This can lead to higher user engagement, longer site visits, and more conversions.
Google shows all non-SSL websites as “Not Secure”. This means that if you are not using a SSL certificate on your website, then you’ll lose customers trust.
Improved search engine rankings:
Google has confirmed that SSL is a ranking factor in its search algorithm, meaning that websites that use SSL may receive a slight boost in search engine rankings.
What is the cost of setting up an SSL?
The cost of SSL Certificates differs from one certificate authority to another. Their pricing could be anywhere between £50 – £200 a year. Some providers offer add-on services with their certificates which may also affect the cost of your SSL certificate.
However, there is a free option… the non-profit project called Let’s Encrypt provides website owners with a free SSL certificate. Talk to your website hosting company (or us) to see if they offer Let’s Encrypt SSLs as an option.
Implementing SSL on your website
Implementing SSL on your website can help improve security, user trust, search engine rankings, and performance, all of which can have a positive impact on your SEO efforts.