So what does that extra ‘S’ stand for in addition to the usual HTTP shown at the start of your website address?

The ‘S’ stands for SSL? Huh? Not more acronyms.

Well SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer and really thats all you need to be concerned about – the additional security going HTTPS adds to your website.

The security of adding SSL to your website helps to prevent intruders from tampering with the communications between your users’ browser and your website. Intruders use every possible unprotected communication type to gain information about your browsing activity.

In addition to security, which let’s be honest should be a reason in itself to add SSL to your website, your website will also benefit in the following:

1) It’s good for Google Search results.

Google Webmaster Trends Analyst Gary IIyes stated, “If all quality signals are equal for two results, then the one that is on HTTPS would get … or may get … the extra boost that is needed to trump the other result.” So without categorically stating it, Gary is saying HTTPS will gain better results than a website without it.

2) Stop the “Not Secure” warning

Nothing is going to put of a visitor to your website than a “Not Secure” or similar message showing in their browser. But that is exactly what is happening in some key browsers if your website does not use HTTPS.

3) Credibility

If a user visits your website and sees the secure HTTPS it will only add credibility, without it can have the opposite effect, putting people off using your website.

Adding HTTPS to your website is pretty much essential for the security of visitors, the experience they have when arriving at your website and also to potentially improve your Google Ranking.

If you are interested in adding HTTPS to your website, give us a call on 01386 764747 or email create@staging.swimminghippo.co.uk, we can help.