SSL certificates are small data files that digitally bind a cryptographic key to an organization’s details. When it’s installed on a web server, it activates the padlock and the https protocol, and it allows secure connections from a web server to a browser. So, why should you have SSL certificates?

Trust and brand power with customers

One of the major benefits of SSL certificates is that they will help you gain the trust of your visitors. Your website will be displayed with a security padlock in the address bar of the browsers. This will indicate that the connection is secure and will show your website’s visitors that you care about their privacy. If your website doesn’t have the certificate, then some browsers might think of your website as unsafe.

Safety for all subdomains

A specific type of SSL certificate, known as a Wildcard, lets you secure your main site and all its subdomains with a single SSL certificate. That’s especially useful if you are a business owner with multiple websites or if you maintain large websites with several subdomains. With a standard SSL certificate, you have to install separate certificates for each of your subdomains, which still makes your website incredibly safe.

Increased site safety

Another benefit of SSL certificates is that they protect the sensitive data transmitted from and to your website. This information can be things like signups, login details, payment information, personal information, and addresses. SSL certificates will encrypt the connection and help protect your visitors’ data from being misused by attackers.

SEO advantages

SSL certificates also have search engine optimization (SEO) benefits. When you have SSL certificates installed, you’ll see an SEO improvement in rankings that your site will get on search engines. Google has an HTTPS everywhere initiative, and it gives websites with encrypted connections a slight rankings boost. Your certificate can give you an advantage over your competitors that don’t have one.

You only have 10 seconds to make an impression and tell your customers what they’ll get out of your website. After this time, or even before, they’ll leave. Having an SSL certificate can help you impress your consumers, making them more comfortable to be on your site, ultimately leading to more purchases.