Look at your browser’s address bar right now. See that little padlock icon? That’s SSL at work—and if your website doesn’t have one, you have a problem.
Let’s break down what SSL is, why it matters, and how to get it.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security technology that creates an encrypted connection between a website and its visitors.
When a site has SSL:
Without SSL:
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge all display warnings on sites without SSL:
Visitors see these warnings and leave. They assume your site is dangerous—even if it’s not.
Since 2014, Google has used HTTPS as a ranking signal. Sites with SSL have an advantage over sites without it.
Not a massive boost—but all things being equal, the secure site wins.
When customers:
SSL encrypts that data so it can’t be intercepted by attackers on public WiFi or compromised networks.
That padlock isn’t just technical—it’s a trust signal. Visitors recognize it as a sign of legitimacy.
In surveys:
Modern web features only work on HTTPS sites:
Without SSL, you can’t use these features.
What it validates: You control the domain How it looks: Padlock icon Cost: Free to $50/year Best for: Most small business websites
This is what most sites need. It proves the connection is encrypted and you own the domain.
What it validates: Domain ownership + business is legitimate How it looks: Padlock icon Cost: $50-200/year Best for: Businesses wanting extra verification
Requires submitting business documents. Shows business name in certificate details (but not prominently displayed).
What it validates: Extensive verification of legal entity How it looks: Padlock icon (formerly showed company name in green) Cost: $100-500+/year Best for: Banks, financial institutions, large e-commerce
Requires extensive documentation and verification. Once showed the company name in the address bar (browsers removed this). Still has value for high-security needs.
Most quality hosting providers now include free SSL:
Hosts offering free SSL:
If you need OV or EV certificates:
Many domain registrars sell SSL certificates that work across hosts.
You need to:
This is where many DIY installations go wrong. Partial implementation causes errors.
What it is: Your site is HTTPS, but some images or scripts load over HTTP.
What you see: Padlock with warning, or no padlock at all.
Fix: Audit all resources (images, scripts, stylesheets) and update URLs to HTTPS.
What it is: SSL certificates have expiration dates (usually 1 year).
What you see: Full-page browser warning about expired certificate.
Fix: Renew the certificate. Set up auto-renewal to prevent this.
What it is: SSL was issued for example.com but you’re accessing www.example.com.
What you see: Browser warning about name mismatch.
Fix: Get a certificate that covers both www and non-www versions.
What it is: HTTP redirects to HTTPS which redirects back to HTTP.
What you see: “Too many redirects” error.
Fix: Check .htaccess or server config for conflicting rules.
Temporarily, there can be a small dip as Google reindexes your site. But:
The transition is worth it.
Yes. Let’s Encrypt certificates provide the same encryption as paid certificates. The encryption is identical.
Paid certificates offer:
For most small businesses, free DV certificates are perfectly adequate.
Consider professional installation if:
Our website maintenance services include SSL installation and management.
SSL isn’t optional anymore. It’s a baseline requirement for any legitimate business website.
If your site shows “Not Secure,” you’re:
The good news: For most sites, SSL is free and relatively easy to implement.
Need help securing your website? Contact us and we’ll get that padlock appearing.
©Copyright 2020 by Avid Tech Usa. Built with ♥ by Omar Madjitov.
Avid Tech Usa