Having SSL integrated on your website is becoming more imperative these days for many reasons, not the least of which includes a boost in your SEO ranking.
In April 2017, Google announced Chrome browsers would display the words “Not Secure” on all websites without an SSL security certificate when users enter data on an HTTP page and on all HTTP pages visited in Incognito mode. In 2014, Google announced that they were adding SSL Certificates to their list of known SEO ranking factors.
The ultimate goal for Google is to have HTTPS standard across the web. 
Moving forward, SSL integration will be a necessity for any business or organizational website that wants to be found online by prospects, customers or business partners.
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL Certificate is a means of encrypting sensitive information shared between websites and site visitor computers using Secure Sockets Layer protocol technology. In the search bar of your browser a secure website will have their web address displayed as https://www.mycompany.com (note the ‘s’ on the end of the http, which indicates it is secure).
In addition to the https vs. the http at the beginning of the web address, you can also tell that a website has an SSL Certificate by the green lock symbol that displays alongside the domain in the web search bar. However, each browser, including Chrome and Firefox, have specific ways to indicate the safety and security of your website connection. In addition, Google has announced plans to start labeling sites without SSL as non-secure in the Chrome browser later this year.
While having an SSL Certificate is a known best practice for all websites, it is often passed up due to the extra, although minimal, cost. In recent years, it was common to only see SSL integration on sites that processed sensitive information or credit card transactions.
But, even if your website doesn’t process sensitive details, simply having an SSL Certificate tells site visitors that each page of your website is secure. With growing online security and privacy concerns, this simple measure shows site visitors that you value security of data and are taking measures to protect information that may be generated while they browse your website, complete a transaction or submit a form.
What Are the Benefits of SSL Integration?
When a website owner chooses to integrate an SSL Certificate on their site, the entire website community wins! And, as more and more websites embrace SSL Certificates, the internet grows stronger in the face of hackers, identify thieves and infringement of personal/private information.
One of the larger benefits of an SSL Certificate is the search ranking reward which boosts SERP placement, especially when a secure website is returned in results alongside sites that do not have SSL Certificates. This alone is a tremendous benefit as it can help potential customers find your website in a sea of search results.
Other benefits that SSL Certificates afford to site visitors and website owners include:
- Privacy and encryption of data, including information accessed, submitted or transferred via the website
- Enhanced site visitor trust
- Authentication, which ensures site visitors that they are connecting to the correct site vs. an imposter site
SSL Certificates Are Becoming an Integral Web Standard
It’s rare that Google is so straightforward about the factors that impact how your site is returned in search results. So, when they do make such an announcement, it’s best to take note, or get left in the dust of your online competitors.
Luckily, an SSL Certificate is easy to obtain and something that the Deep Footprint team can easily integrate on your site. When you’re ready to learn more or move ahead with trusted data security for your website, let us know!
While incorporating an SSL Certificate on your website won’t push you to the top of the search results, getting on board with this low-cost upgrade will certainly benefit the overall SEO health of your website, along with heightened trust and loyalty from your site visitors.
