Websites with SSL certificates are rewarded with a slight ranking boost over non-secure websites.
Previously, SSL certificates were not considered a major ranking factor by search engines like Google. However, in recent years, Google has begun giving a ranking boost to websites that use HTTPS, the secure version of HTTP.
This simply means that if you want to rank higher in search results, you need to get an SSL certificate.
The implementation of SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates has become a standard practice for safeguarding sensitive information and protecting users' trust.
In this blog post, we go over what exactly an SSL certificate is and how SSL certificates can help you boost your Google ranking and get a competitive advantage in the digital world.
What is SSL Certificate?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that legally certifies the identity of a website and encrypts the data transmitted between the website and the user's browser.
This allows you to prevent hackers from intercepting sensitive data such as login credentials, contact information, credit card data and passwords.
SSL certificate is essential for any website that collects sensitive user information.
Web browsers visually indicate a secure connection to users by displaying a padlock icon and "https://" in the address bar when visiting a website with an SSL certificate.
This visual cue helps instill trust in users, encouraging them to interact with the website more confidently.
Some SSL certificates display the organization's name or a green address bar to further increase user trust.
Types of SSL Certificates
There are five main types of SSL certificates according to the validation level and the amount of domains/subdomains they can handle:
1. DV Certificates
Domain Validated (DV) certificates are the most basic SSL certificates and just verify the website's domain name. These certificates are typically issued fast and are appropriate for personal websites, blogs, or small business websites where encryption is the main concern.
2. OV Certificates
Organization Validated (OV) certificates render a higher level of validation than DV certificates. In addition to authenticating domain ownership, these certificates verifies the organization's data, such as its legal existence, physical address, and phone number. These certificates are often used by medium-sized businesses and organizations that collect user data or carryout e-commerce transactions.
3. EV Certificates
Extended Validated (EV) certificates ensure the highest level of security and validate the domain name, the organization's legal and physical existence, its identity, and its operational data. EV certificates are advised for e-commerce websites, fintech startups, and any website that wants to instill the highest level of trust with customers.
4. Wildcard Certificates
The purpose of a wildcard SSL certificate is to provide security for both the root domain and each of its sub domains. For example, a single wildcard certificate for "www.example.com” can secure "one.example.com," "two.example.com," "three.example.com," plus any subdomain under "example.com."
5. Multi-Domain Certificates
Multi-Domain certificates (aka SAN or Subject Alternative Name) permit you to secure multiple domain names using a single certificate. For example, you can secure "example.com," "example.in," and "notexample.org" using a single multi-domain SSL certificate. All five types of SSL certificates provide encryption and security for data transmission. They differ primarily in terms of the level of validation and visual indicators they provide.
Thus, it depends on your needs which kind of SSL is best for you!
SEO Benefits of SSL Certificates
SSL certificates are not only used to protect data, but also provide significant SEO benefits:
1. SSL is Ranking Factor
Search engines, including Google, have confirmed that SSL certificates are a ranking signal. A website with an SSL certificate gets a slight ranking boost over a website with an HTTP connection. Due to the high priority search engines place on user security and experience, having an SSL certificate is an important ranking factor to rank on top.
2. Boost Trust & Credibility
User trust is an important KPI of any successful SEO strategy. SSL certificates help to build credibility and trust among your website users. The padlock icon and "https://" in the address bar tell users their data is safe and protected.
3. Lower Bounce Rate
When a website lacks SSL certificates, a "Not Secure" warning is displayed in web browsers, urging users to leave the website immediately. SSL-encrypted websites, on the other hand, provide a sense of security, which reduces the likelihood of premature exits. Google equates lower bounce rates with higher user satisfaction, which means higher search engine ranking.
4. Increase CTR
Your website is more likely to be clicked by users if the padlock icon and "https://" appear in search engine results. A secure website can result in a higher click-through rate (CTR). A higher CTR can improve your SEO ranking.
5. Data Security and Privacy
SSL certificates are necessary for data security and privacy compliance, especially for sites that collect private data like login credentials, personal details, or payment information. Encrypting this data during transmission ensures confidentiality and security. Search engines respect user privacy, and having SSL certificates indicates that you're committed to protect user data, leading to higher ranking.
An SSL certificate is the new norm - just like responsive design was a couple years ago.
All new websites should have SSL certificates installed. It is worth your time and money to have an SSL certificate on your website. This lets visitors know that your site is safe from hackers and has been verified.
This can significantly improve your SEO rankings.
Common SSL Certificate Errors
There are different types of SSL certificate issues that could happen on your website. Let's look at the most common SSL certificate errors:
1. Not Trusted Certificate
An SSL certificate is issued by a Certificate Authority (CA) and is usually part of a chain of trust. Whenever there is an issue with the certificate chain, SSL handshakes may fail, which can lead to warnings and errors from browsers.
To avoid this, make sure to purchase your SSL from a reputable certificate authority. Some of the most popular certificate authorities include Comodo SSL, Digicert, RapidSSL and Let’s Encrypt.
2. Mixed Content Errors
When a secure HTTPS website contains non-secure HTTP website resources, such as images, videos or scripts, browsers may block them, which results in mixed content errors. To prevent this, use tools like Why No Padlock or browser developer tools to identify mixed content resources. All non-secure resources must be replaced with HTTPS versions and this can be done by either hosting the resources on a different secure server or by using a content delivery network (CDN) like CloudFlare.
3. Name Mismatch Error
This warning indicates that the URL entered into the browser doesn’t match the domain name in the SSL certificate. For example, if you type www.examplesite.com while the certificate is set up for https://examplesite.com, then you will get this name mismatch SSL error.
4. Expired SSL Error
SSL certificates have a validity period and will expire if you do not renew them on time. Visitors will receive security alerts if your certificate is expired, which may cause them to leave your site.
5. Revoked SSL Error
This error indicates that the CA has canceled or revoked the SSL certificate before its expiration date due to security concerns or policy violations.
6. SSL Protocol Error
SSL protocol errors can occur for various types of reasons. For example, your browser may be running an outdated version of SSL, or a firewall may be interfering with the SSL protection, or missing digital signature. Alternatively, the certificate could have been incorrectly configured.
You can defend your website, protect user data, avoid potential SEO risks by understanding the most common SSL errors and the above-mentioned troubleshooting tips.
FAQs
Q1. Is HTTPS a ranking factor in search engine algorithms?
Yes, all search engines, including Google, have confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal. Websites with SSL certificates get a modest advantage over non-secure HTTP sites.
Q2. Do all pages need SSL certificates for SEO benefits?
Yes, it is recommended to secure all web pages because users desire a secure environment throughout your website.
Q3. Can I switch to HTTPS without losing SEO rankings?
Switching to HTTPS definitely improves your SEO, however it may harm your SEO if you make certain mistakes. So careful migration is crucial. Implement 301 redirects, update internal links, and use tools like Google Search Console to notify search engines about the change.
Q4. Can I have multiple domains under one SSL certificate?
Yes, multi-domain and wildcard certificates allow you to secure multiple subdomains or domains with a single SSL certificate, making maintenance easier.
Final Thoughts
As you strive to create a secure and successful online presence, remember that SSL certificates are not only vital for safeguarding sensitive data but also contribute to higher search rankings.
With search engines like Google favoring secure sites, an SSL certificate becomes a pivotal tool for achieving SEO success.
Secure connections inspire user confidence, reduce bounce rates, and boost your site's credibility – a holistic approach to enhancing online visibility and engagement.
Don't just secure, optimize with SSL for a robust SEO foundation.
