What is an SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) I hear you saying. An SSL certificate is a digital certificate placed on a server where a website is hosted. This certificate authenticates your website and tells the browser that it must encrypt any data that is transferred between user and website.
Reasons why you should invest in a certificate
When you have an SSL certificate in place on your website, you will see a padlock symbol by the address bar. This padlock symbol reassures your users that firstly you are who you say you are and secondly gives them piece of mind that their data is not getting into the wrong hands. If you don’t have a certificate in place your browser will display not secure in the address bar, which can be off putting to potential customers. Having a SSL certificate will also get you a higher ranking in Google. Google for a while now has been committed to making the internet a safer place.
What does it cost
SSL certificates start from £55 a year depending on the level of security you require. Generally, for most small business websites the Simple certificate would be ideal.