What is SSL Certificate?
SSL Certificate is a security protocol that encrypts data transmitted between a website and its visitors, enabling HTTPS connections. Search engines, particularly Google, treat HTTPS as a ranking signal and browsers flag non-HTTPS sites as “Not Secure,” directly impacting user trust and click-through rates from search results.
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What You Need to Know about SSL Certificate
HTTPS Is a Confirmed Ranking Signal
Google has explicitly stated that HTTPS is a ranking factor. Sites with SSL certificates gain a competitive advantage in search results, particularly in competitive markets where small ranking differences matter.
Browsers Flag HTTP Sites as Insecure
Modern browsers display “Not Secure” warnings for sites without SSL certificates. This warning immediately damages credibility and causes visitors to abandon sites before they load.
SSL Certificates Are Standard Practice
SSL certificates are now table stakes for any professional website. They’re inexpensive and often free through providers like Let’s Encrypt, making cost no longer a valid excuse.
Migration Requires Proper 301 Redirects
Moving from HTTP to HTTPS requires implementing 301 redirects from all HTTP URLs to their HTTPS equivalents. Failing to redirect properly causes duplicate content issues and ranking drops.
Mixed Content Breaks HTTPS Protection
Loading HTTP resources on HTTPS pages creates mixed content warnings that break the security benefit. All images, scripts, and stylesheets must load via HTTPS after migration.
Search Console Must Be Updated
After implementing SSL, add the HTTPS version of your site as a new property in Google Search Console. The HTTP and HTTPS versions are treated as separate sites by Google.
Frequently Asked Questions about SSL Certificate
1. Does SSL improve search rankings?
Yes. Google confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal in 2014. While it’s not the strongest ranking factor, SSL certificates provide a competitive edge when other factors are equal.
2. Will I lose rankings when switching to HTTPS?
Not if implemented correctly. Use 301 redirects from all HTTP URLs to HTTPS versions, update internal links, and verify everything in Search Console. Properly executed migrations maintain rankings.
3. Do I need SSL for every page?
Yes. Partial HTTPS implementation creates mixed content issues and security warnings. Modern best practice requires SSL certificates covering the entire domain and all subdomains.
4. How much does SSL cost?
SSL certificates range from free to several hundred dollars annually. Let’s Encrypt offers free certificates that provide the same encryption and ranking benefits as paid options.
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