A SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the connection between a browser and your web server. When you land on a website which uses an SSL certificate you see a padlock next to the website address.
A few years ago the only websites that really used SSL certificates were e-commerce websites.
Since Google marked the use of SSL certificates as a ranking factor more website owners are using them.
So if you’re not selling online do you really need to use an SSL certificate? Personally, I’d say yes and here’s why.
Using an SSL certificate on your website gives your customers a positive impression of your business. It shows that you’ve gone that extra mile to make your website safe for them to use.
SSL encrypts information such as names, email addresses and phone numbers. If you don’t use an SSL certificate your website gets marked as ‘not secure’ and that might scare people off.
Google acknowledges that websites that use an SSL certificate get a better ranking than those that don’t.
You might already have a free SSL certificate included as part of your website hosting. It’s worth checking with your hosting company or web designer.
Premium SSL certificates are also available that might be more appropriate for your business. Premium SSL certificates differ from free certificates in a few key areas:
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