Why You Should Care About SSL Certificates

Have you ever noticed that some URLs start with “http://”, while others begin with “https://”? You may have seen that extra “s” when browsing sites where you need to enter sensitive information, like when paying bills online.

But where does that extra “s” come from, and what does it mean?

Simply put, the extra “s” indicates that your connection to that website is secure and encrypted. Any information you enter is safely transmitted to that site. The technology behind that little “s” is called SSL, which stands for “Secure Sockets Layer.”

As a consumer, you should always look for “https://” when visiting any site that requires sensitive information. As a marketer, you must ensure your audience’s safety by securing your website with at least one SSL certificate.

Let’s talk about why SSL is so important.

What Is an SSL Certificate?

SSL certificates are small data files that cryptographically establish an encrypted connection between a web server and a browser. This connection ensures that all data passed between the browser and the web server remains private.

When you land on a webpage with a form to fill out, the information you enter can be intercepted by a hacker if the site is not secure. This data can range from bank details to email addresses used for a subscription. In hacking terminology, this interception is called a “man-in-the-middle attack.”

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How Attacks Happen

Here’s how a common attack might work: A hacker installs a small, undetected “listening” program on the server hosting the website. This program sits idle until a visitor starts typing information, at which point it activates, collects the data, and sends it back to the hacker.

Sounds scary, right?

However, when you visit a website encrypted with SSL, your browser creates a secure connection with the web server. It checks the SSL certificate, and then binds your browser to the server with encryption to ensure that only you and the website can see or access the data you input.

This connection happens almost instantly, and in fact, some suggest that SSL-enabled sites load faster than non-secure ones.

SSL is a security technology that creates an encrypted link between a browser and a server, ensuring that any data exchanged between them remains private. If your website collects personal information, such as email addresses or payment details, you should have an SSL certificate in place. When visitors see “https://” and a padlock icon, they know their data is secure.

Types of SSL Certificates

SSL certificates vary based on the level of validation and encryption they offer, as well as the number of domains or subdomains they cover.

Types of Validation-Based Certificates:

  1. Organization Validated (OV) SSL Certificates
    • OV SSL certificates confirm your domain ownership and the legal status of your organization. They offer a medium level of encryption.
    • These certificates display your company’s name in the browser, offering a moderate level of trust without the cost of EV SSL.
  2. Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates
    • EV SSLs display the padlock, “https://”, the business name, and the country of origin in the address bar, reducing the risk of being mistaken for a spam site.
    • They are the most expensive but offer the highest level of trust, proving the authenticity of your business.
    • You must prove your authority over the domain when applying for an EV SSL, making it crucial for businesses that collect sensitive data, such as payment information.
  3. Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates
    • DV SSL certificates offer a basic level of encryption. They display a green padlock next to the URL and are quick to obtain.
    • However, DV certificates do not validate the identity of the site owner, making them less secure than OV or EV certificates.

Types of Domain-Based Certificates:

  1. Wildcard SSL Certificates
    • Wildcard SSLs secure a domain and its subdomains. For example, if you purchase a certificate for example.com, it will also work for blog.example.com and mail.example.com.
    • This is a cost-effective option for those needing to secure multiple subdomains.
  2. Unified Communications (UCC) SSL Certificates
    • Also known as Multi-Domain SSL certificates, UCCs allow multiple domain names to be secured under one certificate.
    • Initially designed for Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications servers, UCCs now support various domain names owned by the same person or business.
    • UCCs can also be configured as EV SSLs to display the green padlock and text.
  3. Single Domain SSL Certificates
    • A Single Domain SSL secures one domain name only. If you purchase a certificate for example.com, it will not protect blog.example.com or secondexample.com.

How to Get an SSL Certificate for Your Website

The first step in obtaining an SSL certificate is determining what type of certificate you need. If you’re hosting content across multiple platforms or subdomains, you might need multiple SSL certificates. However, a standard SSL certificate will suffice for most websites.

SSL certificates can range from free to paid versions. For free certificates, Let’s Encrypt is a popular choice, though you’ll need technical expertise to set it up and renew it every few months. On the other hand, paid certificates usually offer better support and longer validity.

Is SSL Good for SEO?

Yes. While SSL’s primary role is to secure data between visitors and your site, it also benefits your SEO efforts. According to Google Webmaster Trends Analysts, SSL is part of Google’s ranking algorithm. If two sites offer similar content but one has SSL enabled, the secured site might receive a ranking boost.

How Can I Tell If My Website Uses SSL?

Here are a few things to look for when determining if a website is using SSL:

  1. The URL starts with “https://.”
    • The “s” stands for “secure.” Additionally, many browsers display this text in green alongside a padlock.
  2. A padlock icon appears in the URL bar.
    • Depending on your browser, the padlock will appear on either the left or right side of the URL. Clicking on it will provide more information about the site’s certificate.
  3. The certificate is valid.
    • Even if a site has “https://” and a padlock, the certificate might still be expired. Double-checking the validity of the certificate is always a good idea, especially for sites that ask for sensitive information.

To check a certificate’s validity in Chrome, go to View > Developer > Developer Tools and select the “Security” tab. From there, you can view the certificate details, including the expiration date.


Having SSL certificates installed on your website is crucial for building trust with your users. Not only does it protect your customers’ data, but it also gives them confidence in your website’s security. Make SSL a priority if you haven’t already!

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