What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate activates a secure connection between the web server and the browser the website viewer is using. In a nutshell, it makes your site harder to hack and keeps site visitors information (like credit card numbers) more secure.
You may have noticed sites with a url that starts with https:// and they’ll have a little padlock to the left of the url in the browser. This means the site is secured with an SSL certificate.
Why does your website need it?
Even if you aren’t collecting people’s credit card numbers or other private information, your site still needs an SSL certificate. Otherwise, browsers like Google Chrome will flag your site as non-secure.
Your site should have an SSL certificate because:
1. Google favors sites that have an SSL certificate – meaning these sites will rank higher
2. Site visitors that are aware of that little padlock in the corner will feel safer and trust your company more-so than a company with a non-secure website.
How do you get an SSL Certificate?
You can purchase an SSL certificate through your domain or hosting provider. GoDaddy offers them for $60 a year. I personally get SSL certificates for all my websites through my hosting provider, SiteGround. With SiteGround, it’s free to install.
Ask your domain and hosting provider how you can install an SSL certificate on your site to keep it safe, rank higher on Google, and earn trust from site visitors.
How do I know it worked?
Once the SSL Certificate is activated, you’ll see a little padlock next to the url at the top of your browser. (Pictured above.) If you’ve purchased an SSL certificate but do not see that padlock, contact the company you purchased it from and they’ll help you activate it. It’s typically just the click of a button in the settings somewhere.
*Disclaimer: Because I’ve used SiteGround for years and love them, I am an affiliate and do get a small commission on any purchases made through the links above.
