When a website shows a padlock icon to the left side of your website URL in the browser, you know the website has an SSL certificate installed on the server. HTTPS will also appear as well, ensuring more security for you and your customers.
But what is an SSL certificate and how can you benefit from it? In this article, we’ll discuss the top five ways that adding an SSL certificate to your website will help you grow financially and improve your customer experience.
What Is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate is a digital security device that’s used to encrypt data transmitted between a web server and a web client. The SSL certificate is a three-way handshake between the web server and browser, and the webserver and a trusted third party, the Certificate Authority (CA).
Without this encryption, the data is not secure and would be susceptible to hacking and other malicious attacks.
Benefits of an SSL Certificate
Let’s take a look at why you should install an SSL certificate on your website:
1) Better Data Protection
An SSL certificate is a stronger form of HTTPS encryption. People naturally look for this padlock icon in the address bar, and that’s what they’re looking for when it comes to site security. Not only will this padlock let you know that your website is secure and it’ll place trust in your mind, but it will even help boost your search engine rankings.
This is because Google’s algorithm recognises secure websites as an important element of their ranking algorithm.
2) Gives You Authenticity
Your website’s security is a key factor when it comes to your credibility as a business. If a customer is on the fence about purchasing your service or product, seeing your website’s SSL certificate may sway them to purchase from you instead of the competition.
When customers see the padlock icon and HTTPS next to your website URL, they feel more confident about your website and the products that you’re selling. As a result, this leads to an increase in conversions and sales.
3) Improves Search Engine Ranking
One of the main reasons why Google has accelerated their mobile-friendly algorithm is due to their belief that website security is a key factor when it comes to a site’s mobile-friendly ranking. This is another reason why you should install an SSL certificate on your website.
Having an SSL certificate will boost your chances of showing up higher in Google’s search results.
4) Guarantees Customer Trust
Another thing that customers judge when they’re deciding where to make a purchase is the legitimacy and trustworthiness of the business. If a customer enters their personal data and credit card information into a website that doesn’t have an SSL certificate, they’ll be more prone to be hacked.
5) Compliancy With PCI/DSS Requirements
You may not know this, but if you’re handling credit card information online, you need to be PCI compliant. Failure to do so could lead to fines, penalties and other legal ramifications.
Conclusion
When it comes to improving your website’s security, you want to protect client and official data. By installing an SSL certificate on your website, you’re making it more secure for your customers and improve the overall customer experience.
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