What are SSL Certificates & How to Get One
Chances are that you've clicked on this link because any phrase with 'Google' and 'ban' in the same sentence scares you a little bit.
If you aren't aware, Google will be going on a banning spree in mid-2018. Any website without an SSL certificate will be marked as 'not secure', which will also impact your rankings on Google's SERP.
In the digital age, a lot of us are constantly turning to the website to buy, sell and to seek out news and information.
This means that the further we progress digitally, the more that staying relevant and competitive on the Internet is impacted by whether you can be found on Google by those looking for your types of products or services.
So, if you're not ranked on the first page, it is likely that your traffic and business will be affected.
Now, even with the best SEO, if you don't have your SSL Certificate installed on your website by July, Google is going to start devaluing your website, which ultimately impacts your rankings.
What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Socket Layer) is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and browser. It helps to:
+ Encrypt personal information
+ Protect you from cyber criminals
+ Build trust & brand power
HTTPS encryption essentially protects the channel between your browser and the website that you're on. The encryption is a way of protecting the middle to ensure that nobody can toggle with or spy on what you're doing.
Without the encryption, you open a gateway for people that have access to your ISP or router to intercept your activities and inject malware into an otherwise secure website.
If you don't have an SSL certification, it means your website cannot establish a secure connection - and your company is not digitally connected to a cryptographic key. In simple terms, it means that your website lacks security - which Google will penalise you for.
How do you get an SSL Certificate?
There are a few ways that you can get an SSL certificate. Some hosting companies may offer it for free, or for a fee. If you have the experience and technical expertise to install it, you can do it yourself.
Webplanners also offers services to help you with the purchase and installation of SSL certificates for your business.
So if you're a business without the little lock and marks of security on your website, you can reach out to us and we can give you a hand. Reach us on (03) 9510 0717.