SSL is the easy solution to Google’s Not Secure warning that webmasters have recently begun receiving. Last night Google began notifying webmasters that beginning in October 2017 “Chrome (version 62) will show a “NOT SECURE” warning when users enter text in a form on an HTTP page, and for all HTTP pages in Incognito mode.” Unfortunately many small and medium sized business owners won’t know about the issue, especially if their website hasn’t been submitted to Google Webmasters.

Why SSL Is Important

ssl secure connection logoSSL is short for Secure Sockets Layer which provides an encrypted link between a web server and your browser ensuring that data passing between them remains private. It is the industry standard and used to only be ‘required’ for websites that collected sensitive credit card information.

With the rise of identify theft, it is makes sense to also protect additional personal information such as name, email address, home or work address and other personal details collected by web forms.

It’s a good ideal for your business to use SSL – it shows you care about your customer’s and prospective customer’s privacy, and it can also offer a slight boost to your sights ranking.

Back in 2014 it was revealed that having an SSL certificate installed on your site will provide a rankings boost.

At the time I didn’t move my own site to SSL, but I will in the near future and I’m recommending it to all my clients!

What Does the Warning Mean for Business

chrome not secure warning screen shotImagine you are looking to request a quote from your local service provider. Their site is not protected by SSL and when you attempt to navigate to their free quote page you see this warning message that looks something like this.  Well, you are probably not going to visit that page, I know I wouldn’t.

Would you call them? Maybe, if you had a good relationship with them, but most people are going to look elsewhere.

So, bottom line: expect your business to decline and maybe dramatically.  Google’s Chrome browser is used by more than 70% of internet users.

How to Install SSL Certificate on Your Website

Installing SSL on your website isn’t an overly complicated process the details of how it is done depends on where your website is hosted.

Here are links to some popular hosting company helps section regarding SSL:

If your host isn’t listed simply visit the support page with you hosting company.

If your website is built on the WordPress content management system the folks at Moving to HTTP have created a step by step guide on the process.

But if, as a busy business owner, you don’t have the time or skills to make the change yourself, contact Peacock Creative Services, we’ll be happy to help.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This