June 8, 2018
If the term SSL Certificate is something completely new to you, don’t be surprised at the sharp decline in website traffic you soon begin to notice. Having an SSL-secured website has become less an upgrade than it is an essential, and virtually every major search engine is now factoring-in SSL certification when handing out SEO points and prime page-rank. In a move that seemed inevitable at some point, Google recently announced that their Chrome Browser will only be featuring websites with a valid SSL certificate.
Now, Google has not been shy about stating upfront what they’re core goals are, which ultimately amounts to providing the safest, most streamlined and most enjoyable online experiences. Ironically, these traits parallel some of the key features of SSL certificate upgrades. Let’s go ahead and review just a few of the most significant.
Increased Security for You and Your Website’s Visitors
While an SSL certificate is unquestionably important, we should start by saying that it’s not a fix-all. Rather, it’s one step in a highly intricate system that ensures online safety for both you and your prospective visitors. For visitors, it’s a matter of peace of mind—they see it and know instantly that the people behind the scenes aren’t asleep at the web security wheel. This can invite more visitors, improve online sales and ensure a secure experience for those looking to explore your website in depth.
Compliance with Search Engines Making SSL’s Mandatory
We have a sneaking suspicion that Google is not going to be the only major search engine to make SSL certificates a bare-bones prerequisite. The benefits you get from such a simple upgrade are impressive, and anyone not making the switch is taking a real risk when it comes to their search results position. As more and more search engines get on board with this, once-high ranking websites may end up having to look way, way in the back.
Win Business Over Competitors without SSL Certification
Well, this one’s a bit of a no-brainer. You’re looking at the same item for sale on two different websites. One has a valid SSL certificate, the other gives you a warning prompt about trusting unknown sources. Who would you give your payment, billing and shipping information to?
Don’t Let an Outdated SSL Certificate Erase Your Online Presence
The bottom line here is almost blatant; those organizations who’ve taken the time to upgrade their website’s security features—including their SSL certificate—will be in a far better position to rank favorably when compared to those utilizing grossly outdated web security. If you don’t see an “s” after the “http” in your web address, this affects you. Fortunately, it’s also a very easy fix.
For information on how to upgrade to a secure SSL certificate, or to schedule a free security review of your existing website, get in touch with CMS Max today.
