3 Really important reasons your website needs an SSL certificate

How to improve your website’s reputation

1. Improved Search Engine Ranking

In August of 2014 –Google stated that they “we’re starting to use HTTPS as a ranking signal.” Google is a huge advocate of online security and has called for “HTTPS everywhere on the web.” Google has stated that “for now it’s only a very lightweight signal – affecting fewer than 1% of global queries, and carrying less weight than other signals such as high-quality content.” But it would be a good idea to understand that Google wants to encourage a safer Internet and might reward websites that help make the Internet a safer place sooner rather than later. If Google decides to make this a major ranking factor – unsecured sites could see their rankings fall.

2. Improved Security

SSL Certificates add a layer of security that protects against online threats. This secure layer prevents hackers from stealing your user’s information or any other data that is transmitted between your site and the users computer. It is recommended that companies who use their website to handle sensitive information have a SSL certificate.  For example Ecommerce companies rely on users to enter credit card information, shipping address information, and other personal information when purchasing products.

Non E-Commerce sites can be at risk as well.  If your site uses a contact form or newsletter sign form the data sent from those forms can be at risk if your website does not have an SSL Certificate. You should consider getting a SSL Certificate installed on your website to prevent security breaches, and to ultimately protect user data and information.

3. Higher Level of User Trust

SSL Certificates keep a website safe. There have been many stories in the news about large companies that have had security breaches where customer data has been stolen. This has made many online consumers think twice about giving out their personal information on the web.

Sites that have SSL Certificates installed display certain symbols such as a Padlock image on a green bar in the top browser bar, this proves the site is secured with a SSL Certificate. Secured URL address will also begin with HTTPS instead of HTTP, verifying that the domain is secure and your information is protected. These symbols represent trust.

Research has shown that users who don’t see a padlock symbol or green bar when connected to a website are more likely to leave a site and bounce right to a competitor who has invested in a SSL Certificate. Investing in a secure website can have a huge impact on web traffic and web conversions.

What is SSL?

SSL encrypts information sent between your website and a visitor’s web browser so that it cannot be read as it is sent across the internet.

If you’ve ever bought anything online, you have more than likely used SSL without realising it. Most web browsers display a green bar with the  padlock symbol when you’re viewing a site over SSL, so you know the connection is secure.

Most online shoppers are very careful and want to know that their information is safe. Using an SSL certificate provides two important things:

• Encryption of sensitive data like credit card numbers and personal information
• Some assurance to your customers that you are trustworthy (the process of getting an SSL certificate can’t guarantee this, but it can make it more likely which is part of the reason why visitors have this perception)

Please Call Us Now

Tigerfish are a huge advocate for online security- we want to make all our sites as secure as possible.  If you would like to have an SSL installed on your website, please contact us straight away and we arrange everything for you.

Call us: 0800 019 9860  or Email: [email protected]