There has been a bit of news regarding SSL certificates, whether they are required and if they affect Google rankings.
What is SSL?
SSL or Secure Sockets Layer makes your website secure and protects information that can be inputted into your website. For example when someone fills in a contact form or enters credit card information.
To be able to create an SSL connection to your website you require an SSL Certificate, which must be configured and installed correctly to work
When you have an SSL certificate installed and configured properly, your website will be displayed using HTTPS rather than just HTTP.
Do I need an SSL?
Back in April, Google Announced that their internet browser software Chrome, from October 2017 will mark HTTP (normal website) as “Not Secure” IF they have forms where users enter data like the contact forms on your website. They also said that the “Not Secure” warning would appear on all HTTP Pages when in Incognito mode (Private Browsing mode)
According to a recent HubSpot Research survey, 82% of respondents would leave a site if they saw this “Not Secure” warning.
We recommend that you have an SSL Certificate configured and installed as good practice, not only to secure your website but to also help future proof it.
Does being Secure improve my Google rank?
Google also announced that they’d give a ranking benefit to secure websites or those websites with SSL certificates installed. While the ranking benefit is relatively minor, it is a good practice to have a secured website, especially if you are an eCommerce type store or collect personal information in any way.
WordPress Websites
WordPress themselves have also announced that some features of WordPress will now require you to have an SSL certificate installed.
“We’re at a turning point: 2017 is going to be the year that we’re going to see features in WordPress which require hosts to have HTTPS available.”
How can I secure my website?
If you are a Netpresence Hosting customer, then the process is easy.
Purchase your SSL below
Select your SSL duration, your website address (URL), Add to cart and then checkout. If you have multiple domains you will need to purchase each one separately.
Once we receive the order and payment, We will configure and install it for you and let you know once it has been done. Normally 2-3 business day.
Purchase your SSL Certificate Here
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns regarding SSL certificates, reach out to your Netpresence Contact or send us an email - support@netpresence.com.au