What is an SSL certificate and why do I need one?

Written on 19 September, 2016 by Lisa Shannahan
Categories Security Web Design & Content Tags security ssl certificate

More than 50% of Australians shop online, with the average person spending $285 per week.

Online shopping is a billion-dollar business and it’s also become a place for fraudsters and scammers to swindle money from consumers.

Thankfully technology advancements are never too far behind, and having a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate will not only ensure your customers’ safety, but will improve your position on Google and generate more sales.

What is an SSL certificate and why do I need one?

What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL certificates are small data files that encrypt data packets as they are sent through the Internet. SSL is often used to transfer data logins and credit card information online.

An SSL certificate combines with:

  • a domain name with a server name or hostname; and
  • a business identity and location.

A website that has an SSL certificate ensures all website traffic between your web server and user’s browser is secure and cannot be read. When your website has an active SSL certificate the application protocol changes from HTTP to HTTPS.

There exists different types of SSL certificates. To see if your website has an SSL certificate, simply view your website’s URL to see whether it contains HTTP or HTTPS.

You Rank Better in Google

As of August 2014, Google went on record to state that websites that have an SSL certificate and use the HTTPS protocol are given a better ranking in search.

Businesses that have an SSL certificate are considered of higher quality because they are going the extra mile to protect their customers.

You Can Generate More Sales

Having your own SSL certificate can do the following things:

Increase trust – Consumers are more likely to spend money with a business that uses some sort of encryption. Monetizepros showed that having a security badge on your website is something consumers look for.

Sales – If a consumer is on an unsecured website (HTTP), most modern web browsers let the user know.

When it recognises they are on a payment page, it may show a pop-up letting them know the page is not secure and ask them whether they still want to carry on with their transaction. This is often enough to scare prospects off and prompt them to go somewhere else.

Get Your Own SSL Certificate

If you’re selling products or services online and want to provide extra security to customers, rank better in Google and generate more sales, it might be time to get your very own SSL certificate.

You may already have SSL features with your current hosting package, but chances are it’s shared and the information packets don’t contain your business’s domain or name.

Every SSL certificate comes with a $100,000 warranty for your business along with dozens of benefits and offers. Click here to learn more.

Is your customer data safe?
Secure your site with HTTPS!

from$199/year

Looking for some help with domains, hosting, web design or digital marketing?
 

Send me marketing tips, special offers and updates