Does Your Website Need an SSL Certificate? Why HTTPS Still Matters
Website security has become an essential part of running a professional website. One of the most important security features is an SSL certificate, which enables HTTPS and helps protect information exchanged between your website and its visitors.
Years ago, SSL certificates were mainly associated with eCommerce websites. Today, HTTPS is considered a standard security feature for virtually every business website, whether you sell products online or simply provide information about your services.
What Is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate helps create an encrypted connection between a visitor’s browser and your website. When SSL is properly installed, your website address begins with HTTPS rather than HTTP.
The “S” stands for secure.
HTTPS helps protect information transmitted through your website from being intercepted or altered while it travels between the visitor and the website server.
Modern browsers also expect websites to use HTTPS. A properly secured website will normally display a security indicator in the browser, while websites without HTTPS may generate a warning that the connection is not secure.
Why Does Your Website Need SSL?
An SSL certificate is particularly important if your website collects or processes information such as:
- Contact form submissions
- Customer names and email addresses
- Login information and passwords
- Membership information
- Online orders
- Payment or billing information
- Appointment or booking requests
Even if your website doesn’t collect sensitive information, HTTPS provides an additional layer of security and helps visitors feel more confident using your website.
SSL Certificates and eCommerce Websites
If you operate an eCommerce website, HTTPS is essential.
Customers need to know that the information they provide is being transmitted securely. While payment processors often handle credit card details on their own secure systems, your website should still use HTTPS to protect customer accounts, login details, forms and other information exchanged with the site.
A secure website also helps create the trust customers need before making an online purchase.
Does an SSL Certificate Help SEO?
Google has used HTTPS as a ranking signal, but having an SSL certificate alone will not suddenly move a website to the top of the search results.
The direct SEO advantage is relatively small compared with important factors such as quality content, relevant keywords, backlinks, website performance, mobile usability and a good user experience.
However, HTTPS is still an important part of technical SEO and overall website quality.
A secure website can help provide a better visitor experience and avoid browser security warnings that could cause potential customers to leave your website.
HTTPS Helps Protect Your Website Visitors
HTTPS encrypts information exchanged between a visitor’s browser and your website. This can help protect information such as passwords, form submissions and other private data while it is being transmitted.
It also helps verify that visitors are communicating with the intended website and reduces the risk of information being altered while in transit.
It is important to remember that an SSL certificate does not protect a website from every security threat. WordPress websites still need secure hosting, software updates, strong passwords, backups, malware protection and other security measures.
SSL should be considered one important part of a complete website security strategy.
SSL Is Now a Website Standard
There is little reason for a modern business website to operate without HTTPS. Many reputable website hosting packages now include an SSL certificate, making it easier and more affordable to secure a website.
If your website is still using HTTP, upgrading to HTTPS can improve security, visitor confidence and the overall professionalism of your online presence.
Is Your Website Secure?
If you’re unsure whether your website has a properly installed SSL certificate or you need help improving your WordPress website’s security, Treasure Web Designs can help.
We provide affordable WordPress website design, hosting, maintenance and SEO services for small businesses and entrepreneurs. A secure, well-maintained website helps protect your business while giving customers greater confidence when they visit your site.