What's an SSL Cert and Why Do You Need One

Have you ever noticed the little padlock at the top of your browser window when you are surfing the internet? This padlock indicates that your site is secure and this security is guaranteed by an SSL cert. SSL-secure sites also have https:// before the domain, instead of just http://

What does SSL stand for?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer which is basically a tool that creates an encrypted link between a web server (where your website is stored) and a web browser (think Chrome, Safarai, Firefox etc).

Without going into the tech details of how SSL certs enable website servers to talk safely to web browsers, the main thing to understand is that the SSL cert ensures that any data transmitted through your website (contact info, credit card details etc) is secure.

What are the benefits of an SSL Cert?

There are two over-riding benefits.

• Firstly, Google only ranks sites that are SSL secure and that have the little padlock before the domain name.

• Secondly, it increases trust with your customers as no one wants to share their credit card details with an un-secure site. How do they know your site is secure? The little padlock is the guarantee.

• And thirdly, you are breaching GDPR rules without an SSL cert as you must guarantee the security of and data that is processed on your website.

How do I get an SSL cert?

When my clients get a Squarespace site, their SSL cert is included in their annual Squarespace subscription. We just need to tick a box in the Squarespace settings to enable the cert and your site will have the little padlock before your domain. Your https:// will also become https://

Likewise, if you are selling online courses or memberships, Kajabi will handle the SSL certificate for you on the backend.

If your website is on WordPress, you can get an SSL cert from your domain host very cheaply. Just ring them and say you’d like an SSL cert for your domain.

Was this useful? I hope so!