SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer. As the name suggests, SSL is a security layer that secures the data passage between a server and a web browser. SSL is a protocol that helps insecure as well as encrypted communication over a computer network. SSL certificates are digital data files that encrypt the website with SSL/TLS when installed on a website server. This SSL/TLS encryption is feasible because of the public-private key pairing that SSL certificates contain along with the website’s identity and other related information.
A website with an SSL certificate on its server has padlock and HTTPS before its URL. Thus, an SSL certificate transfers a website from HTTP to HTTPS, making it more secure. Although the SSL protocol was succeeded by TLS in 1999 yet people refer to these related security protocols like SSL or SSL/TLS. All major Los Angeles SEO companies consider a website insecure as well as non-SEO-friendly if it lacks an SSL certificate.
If you own a website, especially an e-commerce website with integrated payment gateways, SSL is a must. An SSL certificate is not a luxury anymore as Google has been flagging sites without an SSL certificate. Thus, it’s a fundamental need nowadays. The majority of Los Angeles SEO firms have seen online data beaches in e-commerce websites that are gradually increasing over the internet. So, to encrypt user’s info, every website owner must use an SSL Certificate to provide a safe as well as a secure platform to the users. Therefore, here are some reasons for fulfilling the need for an SSL certificate for every website.
Google made some changes to its algorithm in 2014 to give the upper hand to secure HTTPS-enabled websites. In his study, Brian Dean, founder of Backlinko has shown a positive bond between HTTPS and search engine rankings. Thus, as per various studies by Los Angeles SEO experts, almost all sites at the top of Google search results possess SSL certificates.
Apart from encryption and security, SSL certificates are also crucial for gaining customer trust. Having an SSL certificate will show up your country in green beside your website’s URL. This will instigate trust in your site visitors and they will consider your business a genuine one. Thus, they will feel free to fill and save their sensitive information like credit or debit card numbers, PINs, etc. As a result, you will see a hike in the conversion of visitors into paid customers.
SSL certificates leverage a warranty of a certain amount. The use of stolen credit cards is rising day by day. It’s common with e-commerce sites, but various e-commerce platforms like Magento support SSL certificates. So, in case of such transactions, banks usually reward the user of the card in case of a chargeback claim. However, if your site is secure with an SSL certificate, that amount doesn’t need to come from your wallet. If the transaction value is within the warranty of your certificate, then your SSL certificate service would cover it.
If your site accepts online payments, you must know about PCI/DSS requirements. Your website must be PCI/DSS compliant to receive online payments. Thus, having an SSL certificate on your site is the major requirement set by the Payment Card Industry. As per top Los Angeles SEO companies, SSL is mandatory for a site, especially an e-commerce site accepting online payments.
SSL certificate is not just a comfort anymore. Google has been flagging sites lacking an SSL certificate since 2018. No user will proceed with your site if the browser shows it as “Not Secure”. Thus, it’s crucial to have an SSL certificate installed. If you are confused about the most relevant SSL certificate for your site, feel free to contact Clap Creative, the best SEO Company Los Angeles.
