On your journey to get your service business website live you might have come across the option to use and SSL certificate.
You might also have wondered, what on earth an SSL certificate is?!
Wonder no more as we update you on everything you need to know about this neat website security feature.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer.
It is a security protocol that creates an encrypted link between your web server (where your website is hosted) and a web browser.
An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection.
They are used to keep transactions and customer information secure.
You know when a website is using an SSL certificate as the URL will be using https instead of HTTP.
Additionally, a small padlock icon will display next to the URL in your browser.
You can click on this padlock to get more information about the SLL certificate.
Do you need to use an SSL certificate?
While not essential for every website, you definitely need to use one on your website if you collect any customer data or process transactions.
However, Browsers will now highlight non-secure connections to users so we’d still recommend using one even if you don’t do either of those things.
It’s not the end of the world to have this message displayed next to your web address but setting up an SSL certificate gives extra reassurance to your website visitors and presents a better image of your brand.
How do you get an SSL certificate for your website?
The easiest way to get an SSL certificate is to host your website with us. We provide them free of charge with all hosting we provide. :)
Outside of that many hosting providers give you the option to purchase them alongside your hosting.
I’m a marketer based in Wales, UK. I love working with ambitious small businesses and helping them unlock the full potential of proper marketing. I created Brandspace as the starting point for doing this, and while we focus on websites and search, I can provide full strategic marketing support for your business.