SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer and is essential to the security of your website, as it allows a secure connection between your server and a browser. This connection permits the secure transmission of information, such as between your website and your client. Google is now flagging all websites, not just e-commerce sites, that don’t have SSL certificates in place.

If you haven’t paid much attention to your website’s security, you’re not alone. Many do not think about it until their website is hacked.

Here are our top 5 reasons why an SSL Certificate is important for your business:

1. Google Will Flag Your Site as “Not Secure” Google now warns users when they visit a site without SSL. This may prompt visitors to leave your site, potentially leading them to choose a competitor. People trust Google, and if Google flags a site as insecure, it can significantly impact visitor trust and engagement.
2. A Sense of Security In an age of frequent security breaches, where sensitive information is often compromised, SSL encryption is vital. SSL encrypts information, making it useless to anyone who doesn’t have the encryption key. When prospects see that your site is secure, it builds trust in your brand.
3. Permits Online Payments Whether you’re planning to accept payments online now or in the future, an SSL certificate is essential. It ensures that payment information is transmitted securely, protecting both your business and your customers.
4. Protection Against Cyber-Criminals If you collect any information from website visitors (search bars, contact forms), you are a target for cyber-criminals. Being proactive with SSL protects visitors to your site and secures their data against potential breaches.
5. SEO Benefits Although unconfirmed, there is a strong suggestion that Google penalizes non-secure sites regarding their SEO ranking. Whether or not this is directly built into Google’s algorithms, visitors to a non-secure site may spend less time there, negatively impacting your search rankings. Ensuring your site is secure can help maintain or even improve your SEO performance.

Securing your website with an SSL certificate is no longer optional; it’s a fundamental part of building trust with your audience, protecting sensitive information, and ensuring your business’s online success.