What is an SSL Certificate?

SSL certificates are a product that checks the correctness of site addresses and ensures that data communication between two points is transmitted securely over an encrypted channel. SSL certificates never ensure the security of the code you write or your website.

SSL certificates differ according to the guarantee, support service and additional features they offer. Basically, the technical benefits of all certificates are the same.

The Secure Sockets Layer protocol, or SSL in its more commonly used abbreviation, allows a secure connection between the website and the browser used by visitors. This protocol, also known as Digital Certificate, makes credit card transactions, data transfer and member logins more secure. In line with the recent need, SSL certificates are also used by forum pages and social media networks for information security.

By having the SSL certificate installed on your web server, you can ensure that your visitors can log in securely on your corporate website to promote your brand or the services you provide. You can tell that the certificate has been successfully installed on your server when the application protocol in front of your web address changes from HTTP to HTTPs. In the same way, the lock icon and the green bar indicate that the protocol is active. When users see these icons on a website, they are more willing to shop or sign up. In this way, a new entrant to the sector can easily attract users with a high level of loyalty under its roof.

Why is an SSL Certificate Important for Websites?

An SSL certificate consists of small data files that digitally bind information on an organization's web server and an encryption key. Thus, only authorized recipients can access sensitive information. You can take advantage of this feature of the certificate and prevent unwanted access to information from your customers or members from outside the server. You can increase your reliability by protecting vital data for your organization and brand reputation such as credit card numbers, usernames and passwords. With this aspect, SSL has a significant impact on the likelihood of e-commerce initiatives to be successful.

In addition to encryption, SSL certificates also provide authentication. This feature ensures that the protocol is sending information to the correct server, so you can prevent your customers who perform the same transaction from multiple computers throughout the day from being deceived by malicious third parties. However, in order to benefit from this feature of the certificate efficiently, it is necessary to get service from a reliable SSL provider. Because the certificate offered by each provider to its customers may differ in terms of the features it contains.

Does SSL Certificate Affect Search Engine Rankings?

The contribution of web browsers, especially Google Chrome, to the ranking of SSL certificates should not be ignored. When users search using certain keywords, they tend to visit sites listed on the first page. If the site they are viewing does not have an SSL certificate installed, the browser automatically warns the user. In such a situation, instead of signing up or continuing to fill out forms, users turn to more secure options. In this way, secure websites get more traffic than others. Therefore, they surpass their competitors who do not use certificates in search results.

SSL enhances the user experience and helps the website representing your brand to be one step ahead of your competitors in search engine rankings and to be displayed on the first page.
If you offer your customers or members a more secure environment through your website, you can easily increase their loyalty to you.

As a result, the SSL certificate, which is extremely easy to install, makes your website more secure and paves the way for your target audience to choose you first to meet their needs. While achieving this result, it also contributes to the rise of your website in search results, which will allow you to promote your business or ideas.