Importance of SSL Certificates for Websites

Many of our clients regularly ask us why they need an SSL for their website. What it does and why it’s important. There are many reasons why we insist that you have one. Read on to find out more about the importance of SSL certificates.

SSL Certificate Definition

What is an SSL certificate firstly? SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. SSL is a protocol that provides communication over a network securely. It establishes an encrypted link. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browsers remain private. In this article, we are focusing on the SSL application that only features in web browsers.

What is HTTPS?

You will notice online that some websites possess the HTTP prefix before the website URL. And other domains possess the HTTPS prefix. The latter is the more secure. HTTPS stands for hypertext transfer protocol secure. You will see that our very own website here at Primal Space features a padlock in your browser URL menu if you are viewing our site on a desktop computer. Clicking on the padlock will tell you more about the certificate information. Detailing the level of security that the SSL certificate possesses on the domain. The website URL commences with the HTTPS prefix which also tells you the domain possesses a level of security within it.

SEO Boost

Google has started giving organic search engine ranking boosts for websites that possess an SSL certificate. This SEO boost concept started back in early 2014. Talked about on SEO blog Search Engine Land by Barry Schwartz. The ranking benefit was described a few years back as very light. But has really come to fruition now in 2016. This is now believed to be a more important ranking factor than previously. The understanding of this single Google search algorithm has changed. It is now accepted that if your website does not have an SSL certificate, it will be penalised for it’s organic indexing in search. As part of our SEO services we offer to clients, we always recommend purchasing an SSL certificate for your domain.

SSL Certificate Cost

An SSL certificate can be purchased from as little as £90 + VAT from ourselves here at Primal Space if you already have your website hosting with us. This price is for an entry-level SSL certificate that gives the most basic of protection for a website. Given the immediate SEO boost that you will receive shortly after implementing your SSL certificate. We believe this small fee is worth investing in for any website. The amount is renewable annually. More expensive and more secure SSL certificates are available from us if you require. For example, an SSL certificate that would be appropriate for an e-commerce website would start at £170 + VAT a year.

Website Security

SSL is most commonly used for websites that take payments online and process credit card transactions. But an SSL certificate should not be reserved only for e-commerce websites. They are also used to protect user login information for websites too by encrypting data. So if you have a client login area for example. You should be thinking about adding SSL to your website. If you have a contact form, you can create SSL encryption for it to make the form more secure for your clients.

Conclusion

We now hope you have a better understanding of what SSL certificates are. As well as the importance of SSL certificates for your website. If you would like some more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Or if you would like to discuss a web design project for your business then just drop us a message outlining the project you have in mind and we can provide you with a free quote.