SSL Needed for Google
Google makes them a necessity.
The SSL certificate
An SSL Certificate is a form of security for webpages; you'll have seen them all over the web. They add an extra layer of encryption to a site, usually used for ecommerce. At Iconography, we recommend it for several reasons, partly for the security and partly for peace of mind for the customer.
The thing is, you probably won't have noticed, unless you know where to look.
Like all encryption, SSL's work is largely done behind the scenes, but if you know where to look, you can find it:
Just keep an eye on your address bar.
When you can see the padlock symbol, you know you're secure. The one above is taken from Google Chrome, but other browsers do have similar icons.
Still, there's another, really important reason:
Google visibility
Since 2014, Google have been recommending that you have an SSL certificate. In fact, Google explicitly say that they use it as a ranking signal.
That means an SSL certificate will have a beneficial effect on your search rankings.
That's great!
On the other hand, but they want even more:
Nearly two years ago, we announced that Chrome would eventually mark all sites that are not encrypted with HTTPS as “not secure”. This makes it easier to know whether your personal information is safe as it travels across the web, whether you’re checking your bank account or buying concert tickets. Starting today, we’re rolling out these changes to all Chrome users.
That means Google want every page to be protected. They'll also penalise you if your website doesn't have one. They'll be hurting your SEO ranking, and really hitting the user experience.
The cut off is pretty hard. From July 2018, all pages are marked as unsecure.
What makes it worse is the Chrome is designed to really highlight the lack of security as soon as a customer starts to type. There is no way to avoid scaring your customer unless you increase your security.
Remember that where Chrome leads, other browsers follow, so you can expect the same requirements for Edge, Firefox and Safari.
Google Merchant Center
To make the internet safer, Google want everyone who sells online to have an SSL for their checkout.
Seems sensible, right?
Enhanced security is better for customers, but troublesome for retailers.
The problem is that we're getting reports that Google are kicking retailers out of Merchant Center.
While we can't fault their motives, the impact can be enormous. You'd lose an entire avenue of sales.
The solution
The answer is pretty simple - get an SSL Certificate.
You've probably already got one, but if not, let us know. We can help!
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25th October 2019