If you’ve ever shopped online and purchased something from a retailer like Amazon, then chances are you’ve probably noticed and felt reassured by the little green lock icon at the top of your browser. But what is HTTPS/SSL, and why should you care when it comes to your own website?

The Basics

HTTP – Hypertext Transfer Protocol

HTTPS – Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure

SSL – Secure Socket Layer

TLS – Transport Layer Security

To put it as basically as I possibly can, HTTPS is an encrypted, secure connection between the user’s device and your website. In order to achieve this encrypted connection, the user’s browser uses either an SSL  or TLS connection to your web server. The server has something called an SSL certificate, which the user’s browser automatically uses to verify it is talking to your website, and not someone’s malicious spoof of it. Once a secure connection is achieved, the little green lock icon shows up in the browser reassuring the user they are connected securely to your website. 

Why You Should Care

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a big reason you should care. For starters, Google gives a boost to any website that is secured with an SSL certificate. If you’re trying to rank for certain search terms, having a secured site will definitely help get you there faster. 

Along with preferential treatment, Google intends to further shame unsecured websites starting in January 2017. They reported they will start flagging unsecured pages that have password or credit card fields as “Not Secure,” further illustrating the Google preference for a secure web. It’s not too far of a stretch to imagine as time continues, secured sites will be given even more preferential treatment in search rankings as well. 

Aside from increased visibility, another major reason to think about a secured site is that your customers will feel much more comfortable providing you with any information, such as name or email address. A secure connection means they can rest assured no one is going to intercept any information they share with you through your site. 

One of the services included with any website we develop is the option to secure the site with an SSL certificate giving your customers and visitors peace of mind when visiting your website. If you have questions about SSL certificates, or our web design services in general please Request a Consultation, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible!