What is an SSL certificate & why do I need one?
by Sam Davis
If you’re not sure what an SSL Certificate is, it is a digital certificate which authenticates the identity of a website and encrypts information sent to the server using Secure Socket technology. Whilst browsing the web, you can identify which websites have SSL certificates by checking the address bar, where you’ll see a padlock. Similarly, the website address will show https rather than http.
When you’re banking online, entering card details, or submitting secure information – the site that you will be using will undoubtedly have an SSL Certificate. Whilst a number of years ago, it would be common-place for only websites which require secure information to have one, it is now advised by Google that all sites should be SSL enabled.
There are a couple of important reasons as to why you should have an SSL Certificate. Firstly, in terms of Google’s search algorithm, it has been well documented that the search giant will favour a website which possess an SSL Certificate over one that doesn’t. Google has made it clear that security is a priority, therefore being SSL enabled can demonstrate to the search engine that you’re on board with their philosophy.
An SSL Certificate will help a big percentage of users to feel more confident in shopping and entering personal information on the site
Secondly, having an SSL Certificate can provide your users with peace of mind and improve your conversion rate. Back in the early part of the century, it was engrained into users heads to “look for the padlock” in the address bar, and whilst a site which possesses an SSL Certificate is not necessarily hacker-proof and flawless, it will help a big percentage of users to feel more confident in shopping and entering personal information on the site. The more trusting your visitors are, the better chance you have of making that sale!
There are no “disadvantages” with having an SSL Certificate, however, for a developer like myself – the installation of them can be tricky, not least because, if the website uses any third party services, they must also be SSL enabled. For example, if a photo is directly embedded on your website but is hosted on another server, if that website is not SSL enabled – neither will yours be. Similarly, any internal http links will need to be turned into https. All this combined means that, quite often, it can take a long time for a developer to track down which resource or third party script may be preventing the padlock to appear.
I build web-sites which are enabled with https/SSL as standard, making sure you do not have to worry about going about buying and installing one
Personally, I build web-sites which are enabled with https/SSL as standard (unless the client specifically requests not to have it). Therefore, if the site is a one-page contact form or a large multi-product E-Commerce site, you’ll receive an SSL Certificate for free – making sure you do not have to worry about going about buying and installing one. If you need a website from me, get in touch with Website Right, and I can help you get your secure website off the ground.
Alternatively, you may be in a position whereby you need one for your site, or perhaps you have one already but you need some assistance installing it. If this is the case, I can help you – as I provide a service whereby I will supply, install, and test an SSL Certificate for your site. This will include making sure all your internal links are correct, as well as checking that all third party resources your site may use, are also secure.
Get In Touch and I’ll Get You Secure
Sam Davis
I am fanatical about providing useful web experiences, via bespoke websites which engage, inform and entertain. I have been making websites since a young age, and am a keen supporter of AFC Bournemouth.
