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What is an SSL certificate, and why does it matter for SEO?

May 25, 2021

The importance of Google HTTPS Ranking can no longer be overlooked. Technically, this does not imply that something is wrong with your web, but the mark can cause visitors to be confused.

Google needs a more stable internet, so it’s rolling out updates to the Chrome browser in stages to enable website owners to use HTTPS, also known as SSL.

According to Google Chrome usage data, more than 70% of Chrome users visit HTTPS-enabled websites, indicating that HTTPS browsing is becoming the standard. With this information, Google is taking steps to “encourage” global SSL/HTTPS adoption.

SSL Certificates 

SSL is a form of encryption technology that ensures data remains encrypted as it travels through the internet from device to computer. This safeguards all records, including credit card numbers, email addresses, and other information gathered by a website.

A Certificate Authority issues an SSL Certificate, also known as a Digital Certificate, which authenticates the purchaser’s identity. This safeguards the records and assures users that their information is safe from hackers and stable.

What impact does it have on search engine rankings?

Let’s talk about how SSL affects a website’s search engine ranking now that you know what it is and how it functions.

An SSL credential has the following effects on a website’s search engine rankings:

Why Does it Matter to SEO?

Google has reported that a stable website with an SSL certificate would have an advantage over other websites that are not as safe and encrypted — as long as other SEO factors remain constant.

It can be challenging to determine the exact effect of an SSL credential on a site’s SEO rankings. Compared to another website in the same market but with thousands of more strong backlinks, it’s difficult to determine the actual effect of an SSL credential on a site’s search engine rankings.

Under that case, the benefit of having 1,000+ additional strong backlinks may outweigh the downside of not having an encrypted safe connection (an SSL certificate).

As a result, website owners should be aware that obtaining an SSL certificate does not guarantee that their content will appear at the top of the search engine results list. On the other hand, holding an SSL credential would give them the much-needed boost to surpass other websites in a difficult and competitive niche if they take care of the other search engine ranking criteria and do all the other relevant stuff correctly.

Google recently announced that getting an SSL credential is one reason that contributes to higher search engine rankings. The algorithm is set up to appear higher in SERPs (SERP) pages with SSL certificates.  Almost any site with a higher Google ranking has an SSL license.

Improving the customer interface to improve SEO

There’s no denying that having an SSL certificate (a protected and stable website) enhances the user experience.

If a user visits an insecure website, he will see clear signs that the site is not protected and can be avoided. Google Chrome ensures that.

Google Chrome is raising much-needed consciousness about internet protection among general internet users by deliberately shaming unencrypted websites. They are now much more mindful of the dangers of visiting unencrypted websites and are afraid to do so. Personal information is becoming more challenging to obtain on http:// websites (those lacking SSL certificates).

The argument is that websites with a mediocre user interface will never rate at the top of the SERPs regularly. Websites that are not encrypted or do not have SSL certificates do not have a decent user interface.

Assume an internet user looks for a particular keyword and comes across your page on Google. He clicks it, arrives on your homepage, aims to fill out a form, and is immediately greeted by a Google Chrome warning that the website is not safe. He quits it as soon as he lands on it.

This is all that Google notices. If many website users do just this — like in this situation — Google will eventually demote the website in the SERPs.

Since too many users abandon the website so quickly after arriving, it seems that the website is unworthy of being rated so high for that keyword.

The indirect effect of making an insecure and unencrypted website is eventually a drop in search engine rankings. The domino effect drives it even lower.

Fewer traffic views imply fewer chances for backlinks, viral traffic, and increased interaction rates, among other things.

Few other Advantages include:

Strong encryption to secure information

Customer data (IDs, passwords, credit card, debit card numbers, and so on) is like a gem in this highly competitive sector. As a result, the company cannot make any compromises in terms of consumer data protection. SSL Certificates protect data in transit between the server and the browser. To put it another way, it keeps details confidential and safe. Through converting data into an unreadable file, SSL helps to shield data from hackers and skimmers.

Protect the Website from Phishing Attacks

Consider the possibility that someone built a replica of your website and enticed people to visit it to access their personal information. The attackers would steal user credentials or credit card information if an innocent tourist visited it on that platform.

Visitors will trust the website because it has an SSL license. When users see the certificate confirmation in their browser, they know they can trust your website with their details. It’s a fast and straightforward way for tourists to verify that your site isn’t a phishing scam.

Secure Payments for a Safe Shopping Experience

No one will put their credit card details on an essential HTTP website. To comply with the PCI security requirements set out by the payment card industries, a business site must also have an SSL licence.

Company pages that don’t use SSL can’t hope to get a single profitable credit card purchase. Visitors will trust your website more if you use SSL, and they will be able to buy securely over HTTPS.

Verdict

SSL certificates demonstrate to the rest of the world that the website is legitimate and not a phishing attempt. HTTPS will also encrypt the users’ data and foster loyalty, which are also essential considerations for any website. Contact us now for assistance with any web support or web development needs.

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