We’ve all noticed the little green lock in the browser address bar next to the website name before “https://” in the address bar. The “s” in https mean a site is secure in every language. This tells visitors you care that their data is safe, and tells search engines that your site provides a secure experience to the user. The last thing anyone wants is for major browsers and search engines such as Google to block your site or label as Unsafe. In order to avoid harmful penalties, loss in site ranking, and a reduction in customer confidence, you should ensure that your site has an SSL Certificate. So the next question may be, what exactly is an SSL Certificate? Before I answer that question, let me just list a couple of the benefits of having an SSL Certificate.
Benefits of having an SSL Certificate
Better Google ranking
Protect sensitive information
Safely accept credit cards on your website
Increased customer confidence
Compliance with the standard for web security
Avoid public shaming with the “not secure” branding of your website by browsers such as Google Chrome
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. SSL Certificates validate your website’s identity and encrypt the information visitors send to, or receive from, your site. This means that you’ve taken steps to ensure that any exchange between your site and the user is protected. Who doesn’t love working with someone when they know their transactions and information is secure.
Your site visitors and customers can rest assured that the information they enter on any secured page is private and can’t be viewed by outsiders with malicious intent. Your webmaster, or whoever maintains the health of your website, should be able to assist you in getting and installing your certificate and secure your site.
If you no one is currently assisting you with your website maintenance, and you have no idea where to begin, contact me and I’ll be happy to assist.
