Ever noticed the green padlock you see on some websites next to the URL? Or noticed the ‘s’ after HTTP at the start some web addresses? This denotes the SSL certificate that provides an encrypted connection between the web-server and the viewers web browser. In other words, all the content sent between the viewers computer and the web-server is encrypted for security.

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer and this technology is important in keeping any information sent via the connection private, for example, information you fill in on web forms, website login pages, or eCommerce shop checkouts.

Besides being ‘good practice’ for web owners and developers, many of the popular browsers and anti-virus programs are beginning to mark websites that don’t use an SSL connection as ‘insecure’ or ‘potentially dangerous’. In some instances, the browser will even attempt to block access to the site.

From a website visitor point of view, many visitors will simply leave your site if it doesn’t have the SSL green padlock. According to recent HubSpot Research, up to 85% of people will not continue browsing if a site is not secure.

There are also now SEO benefits to having an SSL certificate. Google has begun to use this signal in its ranking algorithm to decide where a website should appear in the search results. In other words, even if you don’t require any personal information on your website, it’s now become almost imperative that you have an SSL certificate on your website.

The good news is that, here at Seven Creative, we now provide an SSL certificate with every website we produce. We can also quickly generate and apply SSL certificates to established websites.

Get yourself a green padlock on your website – call us today on 0114 383 0711 to find out how.