Why Your Business Needs an SSL Certificate (And How to Get One Free)

You've probably seen the padlock icon in your browser bar when visiting websites. That padlock means the site has an SSL certificate. If your website shows 'Not Secure' instead, you have a serious problem.

What Is an SSL Certificate?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is technology that encrypts data transferred between your website and its visitors. HTTPS is the protocol that uses SSL — websites with HTTPS have the padlock, those without have 'Not Secure'.

Why SSL Is Essential

1. Google Penalises Non-SSL Sites

Since 2018, Google has used HTTPS as a ranking factor. Non-HTTPS sites rank lower in search results.

2. Google Chrome Shows Security Warnings

Chrome (used by 65%+ of users) displays a 'Not Secure' warning for sites without SSL. This significantly increases bounce rates.

3. Customer Trust

Visitors are far less likely to fill in contact forms, share personal information, or make purchases on a 'Not Secure' site.

4. It's a Requirement for Payments

If you take any payments online, an SSL certificate is a mandatory requirement.

Types of SSL Certificates

Domain Validation (DV): Basic encryption. Free or cheap. Sufficient for most websites.

Organisation Validation (OV): Company identity verified. More expensive. Used by larger businesses.

Extended Validation (EV): Highest trust. Shows company name in the browser bar. Used by banks and enterprise organisations.

How to Get a Free SSL Certificate

Thanks to Let's Encrypt (a non-profit certificate authority), free DV SSL certificates are widely available.

Most quality web hosting providers include free Let's Encrypt SSL in their hosting packages — including OWD Web Design's hosting. If your current host doesn't include free SSL, it's worth switching.

Is Your Website SSL-Protected?

Check your website now. If you see 'Not Secure' in the browser bar, get in touch with us — we'll fix it as part of our hosting or web design service.