An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser.
SSL certificates are more important now than ever before. They are particularly important if a website visitor is submitting form information because the SSL certificate enables an encrypted connection, making any information that is submitted, more secure. It’s kind of like sealing a letter in an envelope before sending it through the mail.
Why are SSL certificates important to have, now?
An important third-party change is coming into effect in October 2017, which we know will negatively impact websites that do not have an SSL certificate in place. The change itself involves the Chrome Internet Browser (version 62). From October, Chrome will show a ‘NOT SECURE’ warning when users (your customers) enter any text in one of your forms (for example, a ‘contact’ or ‘enquiries’ form).
Even if you don’t personally use Chrome as your default browser, it’s worth knowing that it is currently the most frequently used internet browser globally.
How do you know if the Chrome/SSL changes will affect your website?
The change will affect you if you have an HTTP website. Standard websites are HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) unless an SSL security certificate has been installed, at which point it becomes HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure).
How to check if your website has an SSL certificate installed
To check if you have HTTPS, go to your website and look at the letters preceding your website address. If the site has an SSL certificate installed, it will often feature a padlock and will have ‘https’ at the beginning of the URL.
How else an SSL certificate will improve your website
An added benefit to installing an SSL certificate is that it’s important in the eyes of Google, as Google doesn’t wish to recommend non-secure sites to its users, when deciding who should reach the top of its search results.
In short, not having a security certificate could impact how well your website ranks for searches relevant to your website. For more information about this, see: https://security.googleblog.com/2016/09/moving-towards-more-secure-web.html
How to install an SSL certificate to your website
In order to avoid the Chrome warning appearing to anyone who browses your website, you can simply install an SSL certificate (the only other alternative would be to remove your contact form, which we would definitely not recommend, as this could have a detrimental effect on enquiries).
Alongside avoiding a warning message, an obvious benefit of a security certificate is that it makes your website more secure, plus its importance to search engine ranking is only likely to get more important.
The cost of the SSL certificate is £50 + vat per annum and most website developers will be able to install this for you in around an hour.
Contact our digital marketing team about SSL certificates
For more information about the importance of SSL certificates or to enquire about us purchasing and installing one for you, call us on 01858 374 170 or email me directly at jess@idealmarketingcompany.com
MD & Head of Digital Marketing
Jessica has worked in digital marketing for over 10 years and has watched it evolve from an experimental marketing option to an essential tool for most businesses. She is driven to help businesses achieve their objectives using the best digital marketing resources available and recognises that each business is different. Jessica devours the latest news about digital marketing and is constantly learning in order to stay ahead of the trends for clients.
