If your website still shows "Not Secure" in the browser address bar, you are losing visitors and search ranking every day. SSL certificates are no longer optional infrastructure — they are a baseline requirement for any website that wants to be taken seriously.
What an SSL Certificate Actually Does
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, now technically TLS (Transport Layer Security), encrypts the connection between your visitor's browser and your web server. This means that data transmitted — form submissions, login credentials, payment information — cannot be intercepted by third parties.
The padlock icon and "https://" prefix in the browser address bar indicate that an SSL certificate is active and valid.
Why SSL Matters for SEO
Google confirmed in 2014 that HTTPS is a ranking signal. While it is not the most heavily weighted factor, two otherwise identical sites will see the HTTPS version ranked higher. More importantly, Google Chrome marks all HTTP sites as "Not Secure" — a warning that significantly increases bounce rates as visitors lose confidence and leave.
Types of SSL Certificates
**Domain Validation (DV):** The most common type, verifying only that you control the domain. Free options like Let's Encrypt provide DV certificates. Suitable for most websites.
**Organization Validation (OV):** Verifies the organization behind the domain in addition to domain ownership. Appropriate for business websites where trust is important.
**Extended Validation (EV):** The highest level of validation, requiring thorough verification of the organization's legal identity. Previously displayed a green bar in browsers; now shows the organization name. Appropriate for financial institutions and high-value e-commerce.
Free vs. Paid SSL Certificates
Most reputable hosting providers now include free SSL certificates powered by Let's Encrypt. For the vast majority of websites, a free Let's Encrypt certificate is entirely sufficient. The certificate provides the same encryption strength as paid alternatives.
Paid certificates from providers like DigiCert or Comodo offer extended validation options, warranty coverage, and dedicated support — features that matter primarily for large e-commerce operations and financial services.
How to Get an SSL Certificate
If your hosting provider includes free SSL (most do), activation is typically a single click in your control panel. For WordPress sites, the Really Simple SSL plugin can handle the technical migration from HTTP to HTTPS automatically.
If your host does not include SSL, you can obtain a free certificate from Let's Encrypt directly or switch to a host that includes it — which is our recommendation.
Last verified March 2026. Web hosting products, pricing, and features change frequently. We review and update our content regularly to ensure accuracy.