SSL Certificates - Why You Need One for Your Website
An SSL certificate encrypts data a user inputs into your websites so that it can securely travel from their browser to your web server. While in the past this was only important if users were inputting sensitive information into your website - such as credit cards - Google has now stated that all data submitted on your website should be secured with an SSL. So why is this important? Google has indicated it will now be taking into account whether your website has an SSL certificate in search engine results so if your website does not have a certificate and your competitor does then their website might rank higher.
How do you know if you have an SSL Certificate?
If your website has an SSL certificate the URL of the site starts with HTTPS rather than just HTTP. So for example https://www.yourwebsiteaddress.co.nz
You will see security warning notices such as this appear in the search engine result if your website does not have an SSL certificate.
How do you know if you have an SSL Certificate?
If your website has an SSL certificate the URL of the site starts with HTTPS rather than just HTTP. So for example https://www.yourwebsiteaddress.co.nz
You will see security warning notices such as this appear in the search engine result if your website does not have an SSL certificate.
Benefits of an SSL Certificate
Security
Whether a user on your website is submitting personal information in a contact form or credit card information you keep their data safe with an SSL certificate.
SEO
Having an SSL Certificate will be one positive factor in determining how your site ranks in Google search engine results.
Trust
An SSL certificate helps the user of your website to trust your website and therefore business as you are showing your commitment to keeping their information safe. As more websites move to HTTPS your website visitors will expect your site to use it. For example from July 2018, Chrome will display ‘not secure’ on all web pages that don’t display over HTTPS. If your website is secure it is stated in the browser and a little lock will appear.
Security
Whether a user on your website is submitting personal information in a contact form or credit card information you keep their data safe with an SSL certificate.
SEO
Having an SSL Certificate will be one positive factor in determining how your site ranks in Google search engine results.
Trust
An SSL certificate helps the user of your website to trust your website and therefore business as you are showing your commitment to keeping their information safe. As more websites move to HTTPS your website visitors will expect your site to use it. For example from July 2018, Chrome will display ‘not secure’ on all web pages that don’t display over HTTPS. If your website is secure it is stated in the browser and a little lock will appear.
