SSL certificates are used to keep data between a web browser and a website’s server secure from cyber attacks. They also help websites comply with data protection regulations and build trust with their customers.

Users can verify the certificate information, which varies depending on the type of SSL purchased (EV or Business), to know that they are interacting with a legitimate business.

1. Increased Security

When a website has an SSL certificate, all data that is transmitted between the web server and the browser is encrypted. This prevents unauthorized threat actors from stealing sensitive information like passwords and credit card details. In addition, many modern browsers display a padlock icon or the HTTPS prefix at the start of a URL, which further increases visitors’ confidence in your site and encourages them to share their personal information or make purchases online.

Furthermore, SSL certificates are required for compliance with PCI standards if your business collects credit cards online. So, it is essential for all businesses to ensure their websites have an SSL certificate to reduce the risk of data breaches and other security incidents. You can verify a website’s SSL certificate by using online SSL checker tools.

2. Better User Experience

SSL certificates encrypt sensitive information that visitors send to your website, including login credentials and credit card numbers. This helps to protect your customers from cybercrime and data breaches, while also enhancing your credibility and trustworthiness as a business.

Customers are increasingly security-conscious, and they’ll avoid websites that don’t show them that their information is safe. By displaying an SSL certificate on your website, you can build trust with potential clients and encourage them to engage with your brand.

SSL also authenticates your domain name, giving your website a more trustworthy appearance and increasing visitor confidence. Plus, SSL is compatible with modern web browsers and won’t slow down your site. That’s good news for your SEO rankings as well. Google rewards sites that have SSL installed.

3. Higher Search Engine Rankings

SSL certificates are a ranking factor for search engines. If two websites meet all other SEO criteria and are otherwise equal, the website with SSL will rank higher.

This is because users trust sites with SSL more than those without it, knowing their personal and financial information is protected. This is one of the most important reasons for businesses to invest in an SSL certificate.

However, it’s important to note that an SSL certificate doesn’t drastically improve SEO rankings. It’s just one small factor in a larger strategy to boost organic performance. Still, if you’re looking for an edge in a competitive market, an SSL certificate can be just the ticket. It helps build customer faith and improves traffic in the long run. It also meets PCI/DSS requirements and helps you stay compliant with privacy laws.

4. Increased Conversions

As a business, it’s crucial to make sure your website is secure. SSL certificates are an inexpensive way to do just that. Plus, you’ll get a slight SEO boost because Google favors websites that are HTTPS-secure.

In addition to data protection, SSL certificates also help build trust with your website visitors. This is important because, as you know, customers are often hesitant to enter personal information or make purchases on unsecure sites.

Unsecured websites are often flagged by browsers as “not secure.” This scares potential customers away, leading them to bounce from the site or even avoid visiting it altogether. SSL certificates fix this problem by showing a “secure” indicator in the address bar to let users know that the website is safe. This can significantly improve conversion rates.

5. Increased Sales

If you’re an e-commerce business, SSL is vital to your success. Consumers are much more likely to purchase from a website they trust to be secure, and an SSL certificate shows them you care about their security.

SSL ensures that information sent from a web browser to your website server is encrypted, meaning it can’t be intercepted by hackers. This provides users with peace of mind that their personal and financial information is safe.

Additionally, Google has stated that they will favor websites with SSL certificates in search engine rankings. This means that if two similar websites have all other ranking factors equal, the site with an SSL certificate will rank higher than the non-secure site. This is due to Google’s HTTPS Everywhere initiative.