Everyone by now should have noticed the green https:// on websites that appear in the search bar of web browsers. Over a month ago Google made an update to its algorithm which means that all ‘not secure’ websites are now highlighted to customers.
Websites used to start with the text http:// but the addition of the ‘s’ means improved security for visitors and fewer infringements of visitor security. It has been brought to our attention how many websites still do not have an SSL certificate, so we’ve decided to outline some of the key reasons why having a secure website is necessary.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL Certificates are small data files that digitally bind a cryptographic key to a company. When awarded the certificate, and it is installed on a web server, the ‘padlock’ is activated and the https protocol and allows secure connections from a web server to a browser.
Website owners should ensure their site has an SSL certificate immediately; it can have a massive impact on online presence. We’ve created a list of some of the things affected by an SSL certificate:
Security
If your website is not secure, i.e. you don’t have an SSL certificate, it means that scammers and hackers can install a code on your website that puts your visitors at risk. This code will exploit the visitor's browser without their knowledge, which allows the hackers to gain information and even access to their computer (onto which they could install malware).
An SSL certificate will prevent this from happening, allowing visitors to use your website with peace of mind. It’s another way to show your customers that you take their information seriously.
Faster page loading
It can get frustrating when a website doesn’t load. Stats show that if your website doesn’t load within 3 seconds, 40% of visitors will turn back, never making it to your site. Visitors are unwilling to wait for a page to load, they would rather move onto another site. If a website takes a few seconds or more to load, it probably doesn’t have an SSL certificate.
Mobile friendly
Over half of users access the internet on a mobile device, and this percentage is on the rise, as technology increases. Generally, websites with an SSL certificate will be mobile friendly, so will load quickly, and display properly on the small screen.
Search Engine Ranking
Yes, SSL certificates have an impact on your SEO rankings. Google is cracking down, and if your website is not secure, then you won’t have a chance to appear on the first page of a search engine. Google wants to offer websites that visitors will find most helpful. So if your website offers a risk to these visitors, Google recognises this and will bump the website down in the rankings.
How can you get an SSL certificate?
All websites should now come with an SSL certificate, but it is always worth checking. It is particularly important to check if you have, or are getting an e-commerce website, or if your website is collecting email addresses (for a newsletter as an example) or offers a login page on the site.
If your website hasn’t got a certificate, you have some options.
- A simple google search will take you to a site that sells the certificates.
- bOnline provides SSL certificates to our website customers for just £5 a month.
If your website hasn’t been updated for some time, We would recommend getting a new website. There are so many benefits to refreshing your site, one of those being the new site should come with an SSL certificate. You will also benefit from:
- Better SEO results
- Stay on top of Google algorithms
- Improved user experience
- Grow user engagement
- Faster loading and website speed
- Improved security
- MORE SALES
Talk to our team at bOnline today to discuss getting an SSL certificate, or to redesign your website, call us on 020 3617 9950.
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If you have any questions or comments about this post, please fill in the comment box below, or send me an email: shale@bonline.com. To find out more about bOnline, please visit our website.
