WILL A SSL CERTIFICATE HELP MY WEBSITE RANK HIGHER IN GOOGLE?

CAN A SSL CERTIFICATE HELP WITH SEO?

Do I need a SSL Certificate?

Having read some interesting news from a few varied sources regarding SSL Certificates I decided to put the rumour mill to the test. As there have been some varying comments and discussions on how much this will actually help.

So I built a new website and optimised the website as I normally would do but this time with a SSL Certificate.

SSL Certificates cost about £50 per year depending on where and who you purchase it from and can be relatively simple to set up!
What will the results tell us?

Please read my other blog post regarding duplication issues which the SSL Certificate has impacted websites with.

By Zach Mendelsohn 

​Best SEO London

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Get a free SSL Certificate with Weebly

SSL Certificates: Why They Are Essential for Your Website and How to Get One for Free
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Why They Are Essential for Your Website and How to Get One for Free
In today’s digital landscape, securing your website is more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to ensure your site’s security is by implementing an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. At SEOLIT, we understand the critical role SSL certificates play in SEO and user trust. Let’s explore why SSL certificates are now ubiquitous, why they weren't always used, and how you can obtain one for free.

What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection. This encryption ensures that any data transferred between the web server and the browser remains private and secure. Websites with SSL certificates display “https://” in their URL, along with a padlock icon, signaling to users that the site is secure.

Why SSL Certificates Are Essential
 1. Enhanced Security
SSL certificates protect sensitive information such as credit card numbers, login credentials, and personal data from being intercepted by malicious actors. This encryption is crucial for any website that handles user data.
2. Boost in SEO Rankings
Google has made it clear that SSL is a ranking factor. Websites with SSL certificates are favored in search engine results pages (SERPs), potentially leading to higher rankings and increased organic traffic.
3. Increased User Trust
When users see the padlock icon and “https://” in the URL, they are more likely to trust the website. This trust can lead to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty.
4. Compliance with Regulations
Many data protection regulations, such as GDPR, require websites to implement measures to protect user data. SSL certificates help ensure compliance with these regulations.

Why SSL Certificates Weren’t Always Used
 1. Cost
In the past, SSL certificates were expensive and often seen as an unnecessary cost for smaller websites. However, the rise of free SSL certificate providers has made it more accessible to all website owners.
 2. Complexity
Implementing SSL certificates used to be a complex process that required technical expertise. Today, many web hosting providers offer simple, one-click SSL installation, making it easier for non-technical users.
3. Lack of Awareness
There was a general lack of awareness about the importance of SSL certificates. As cybersecurity threats have increased, so has the understanding of the need for secure websites.

How to Get a Free SSL Certificate
 1. Let’s Encrypt
Let’s Encrypt is a free, automated, and open certificate authority (CA) that provides SSL certificates. Many web hosting providers support Let’s Encrypt, allowing for easy installation and renewal.

Steps to Get a Let’s Encrypt SSL Certificate:
  1. Check if your web hosting provider supports Let’s Encrypt.
  2. Use your hosting provider’s control panel to enable Let’s Encrypt SSL.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

2. Cloudflare
Cloudflare offers free SSL certificates as part of its free plan. By routing your traffic through Cloudflare, you can secure your website with SSL.
Steps to Get a Cloudflare SSL Certificate:
  1. Sign up for a free Cloudflare account.
  2. Add your website to Cloudflare and change your DNS settings to point to Cloudflare’s servers.
  3. Enable SSL in the Cloudflare dashboard.

 3. Web Hosting Providers
Many web hosting providers, such as Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator, offer free SSL certificates as part of their hosting packages. Check with your provider to see if they offer this service.

SSL Conclusion
Incorporating an SSL certificate into your website is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. From enhancing security and boosting SEO rankings to increasing user trust and ensuring regulatory compliance, the benefits are clear. The barriers of cost and complexity have been significantly reduced, making it easier than ever to secure your website.

For personalized advice on implementing SSL certificates and optimizing your website’s SEO, visit Best SEO London. Our experts are here to help you navigate the complexities of digital security and achieve your online goals.