SSL Certificates
What is an SSL certificate? SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a standard security protocol for establishing encrypted links between a web server and a browser in an online communication. It encrypts information sent from computer to computer/server so all your information is safe and secure and no one can intercept the information transmitted.
You will notice that some websites have https rather than http. Https is secured with an SSL. Google now displays sites that aren’t secure with a ‘Not Secure’ message in the address bar.
How Does an SSL make my site secure?
Information you send on the Internet is passed from computer to computer to get to the destination server. Any computer in between you and the server can see your credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, and other sensitive information if it is not encrypted with an SSL certificate.
When a secure connection is made the session key is used to encrypt all transmitted data. The web browser connects to a web server (website) secured with SSL (https). Basically meaning the information transmitted is secure, so your website is safer.
Will an SSL help my Google Ranking?
Yes, Google states that by having an SSL your ranking will improve very slightly but more important than this perhaps is user interaction with your website. People are more likely to click on your website if you have the secure symbol next to it – it shows your website is safe. Click through rate will certainly be higher than if you didn’t have an SSL.
Do I need an SSL?
Did you read any of the above?! YES! The benefits of having an SSL are too much to ignore. It is now web standard to have one, making your website secure and safe for your users. People want to view safe websites and with the changes Google have made everyone will see when a site is not secure. Would you rather visit a secure website or an insecure one? Exactly!
This is why I offer SSL certificates with all my websites absolutely FREE. No extra charge.
