What is SSL?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a standard security technology to establish an encrypted link between a web server and a user’s internet browser. This type of link ensures that the user and the server exchange all information privately and securely.
Usage of SSL Certificates
Millions of websites use this certificate as an industry standard to protect online transactions with customers.
Implementing SSL
To implement SSL, you need an SSL Certificate. When you decide to use this certificate on your web server, you must answer a series of questions about your company and website identity.
Then, your web server generates two cryptographic keys: the private key and the public key.
The Importance and Impact of SSL on SEO
The internet is evolving, and people are more concerned than ever about security in the online space. Therefore, many individuals prefer to encrypt their information on the internet. To enhance security, Google announced in 2014 that SSL usage would have a positive impact on website rankings.
Google’s Disclosures on Ranking Factors
Google usually does not disclose the factors that contribute to website rankings because these factors are kept secret. SEO experts try to decipher these algorithms by studying search engines. However, this time, Google made an exception regarding the use of this certificate.
Other SEO Considerations
Nevertheless, for SEO, your website still needs dynamic content, proper structure, etc., with the help of this certificate. Google increases the ranking of approximately 5% of websites using this certificate, and this can make a difference of one to two pages in search results (note that most users make their decisions on the first page and are less likely to visit subsequent pages).
Conclusion
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a crucial security technology that encrypts data exchanged between web servers and users, protecting sensitive information during online transactions. The implementation of this certificate not only enhances security but also positively influences SEO rankings, as indicated by Google’s acknowledgment of SSL’s role in website ranking since 2014. By obtaining an SSL certificate, businesses can ensure their users’ data is secure while also improving their visibility in search engine results, making it an essential component for modern websites.