SSL — Secure Sockets Layer — is the technology that encrypts data between a visitor's browser and your website. When it's active, your site loads over HTTPS rather than HTTP, and a padlock icon appears in the browser bar.
Why it matters
Google ranks HTTPS sites higher. Since 2014, SSL has been a confirmed ranking signal. It's a small factor, but it's free — so there's no reason not to have it.
Browsers flag non-HTTPS sites as "Not Secure." Chrome, Safari, and Firefox all show a warning for sites without SSL. For most visitors, a "Not Secure" warning is enough to make them leave immediately.
It's required for contact forms and any data collection. If you have a contact form, a newsletter signup, or any input on your site, not having SSL means that data is transmitted in plain text — readable by anyone on the same network.
How to get SSL
On most modern hosting platforms, SSL is free and automatic. Vercel, Netlify, and similar platforms provision a Let's Encrypt certificate automatically when you connect a domain. Shared hosts like SiteGround and Blacknight offer free SSL via cPanel.
If your site is on an older hosting plan that charges for SSL, it's time to move to a modern host. There's no longer any reason to pay for an SSL certificate.
Is your site covered?
Type your website address into a browser and check the address bar. If it shows a padlock and "https://", you're good. If it shows "Not Secure" or "http://", contact your hosting provider today.