What is an SSL certificate and why does your website need one?
The padlock in the browser bar is more than decoration. Here is what SSL does, how it protects your visitors and how it affects your search ranking.
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When you visit a website and see a padlock next to the address, that site is using an SSL certificate (today the technology is called TLS, but everyone still says SSL).
What does SSL do?
It encrypts the information that travels between the visitor's browser and your server. Passwords, contact forms and card details cannot be read by anyone who intercepts the connection.
Why it matters
- Trust: browsers show a "Not secure" warning on pages without SSL, and many visitors leave right away.
- SEO: Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal.
- Payments: you need SSL to accept online payments.
Types of certificates
Domain validation (DV)
Confirms that you control the domain. It is issued in minutes and is enough for most websites and blogs.
Organization validation (OV) and extended validation (EV)
They also verify the company behind the website. They are used by online shops, banks and businesses that want to show their identity.
How to activate it
All our hosting plans include a free SSL certificate that renews automatically. After you point your domain to the hosting, the certificate is installed for you. If you need OV or EV validation, you can order it from the SSL certificates page.
