An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificate is a small data file that enables secure connections from a web server to your browser. It works by creating an encrypted link between the server and the browser, ensuring that all communication stays secure and confidential. This provides users with peace of mind when browsing on your website or making purchases online as their sensitive information is not vulnerable to malicious third parties. Additionally, having an SSL certificate installed shows potential customers that you take security seriously and increases trust in your brand.
Benefits of SSL for SEO
SSL can have a positive effect on SEO, as it helps to improve ranking in SERP (Search Engine Results Page). Search engines such as Google and Bing now take into consideration whether or not websites are secure when determining rankings. Websites that use SSL will rank higher than those without the security measure implemented.
Installing an SSL certificate also provides customers with a trust indication. Customers want to be sure that their information is safe, so having a secure website gives them peace of mind when visiting your site or making purchases online. A padlock icon will appear next to your URL in the browser address bar, indicating that the connection is secured and any data sent through this channel is encrypted for maximum security. This serves as an added layer of protection for customers’ sensitive data and encourages them to become returning visitors or patrons of your business.
What is an SSL Certificate
There are several different types of SSL Certificates available, each offering varying levels of security and encryption. The two main categories for SSL certificates are Domain Validated (DV) and Organization Validated (OV). DV certificates are the most basic type, requiring only that domain ownership is verified before issuing the certificate. OV certificates require a more thorough vetting process to ensure authenticity of an organization which includes verifying business identity and location as well as legal documents such as Articles of Incorporation or Certificate of Good Standing.
The highest level Certificate Authority providers offer Extended Validation (EV) Certificates which provide the highest level of security and trust due to their rigorous validation requirements. EV certs require confirmation not only on business identity but also validating operational existence with a Dun & Bradstreet number or other government-issued document in some cases. These types of certs have been adopted by many major organizations worldwide due to their high degree of assurance they provide customers when visiting their websites and making purchases online.
Implementing SSL Certificate
Once you have purchased the SSL Certificate, you will need to install it on your web server. Depending on the hosting provider, this process can differ slightly but generally involves uploading the certificate to a designated folder and setting up configuration files. Once these steps are completed, it is important to test that everything was installed correctly by using an online SSL checker tool such as Digi Cert’s Utility or Qualys SSL Server Test. This ensures that all of the necessary elements such as encryption protocols and ciphers are enabled and secure.
If there are any issues with installation or setup, most hosting providers offer support for troubleshooting common problems. If more technical assistance is needed then contacting your SSL Certificate provider directly may be required to ensure proper setup and protection of sensitive data being transmitted over secure connections.
It is also important to check back periodically afterwards to make sure everything remains intact in case anything changes due to updates or other variables, both from a security standpoint as well as performance-wise since customers expect fast loading times when visiting websites today more than ever before. With regular testing of your website’s security measures you can rest assured knowing that customer data stays safe while providing them with a pleasant experience browsing through your site at lightning speeds!
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that having an SSL Certificate installed on your website with help from professionals (check out Elevate) has numerous benefits for both you and your customers. Not only does it provide added security to keep customer data safe from malicious third parties, but also increases trust in your brand by showing potential customers that you take security seriously. Additionally, installing an SSL certificate can improve SEO rankings as search engines now consider whether or not websites are secure when determining rankings. Finally, having the padlock icon next to your URL shows customers that their information is protected through a secure connection which ultimately leads to more conversions and increased revenue over time. With all these advantages, implementing this technology should be considered essential for any business looking to stay competitive in today’s online market.
