Have you ever wondered why some websites rank higher than others in search engine results? Or why do certain websites have a secure connection while others have an unsecured one? The answer is simple - SSL.
SSL certificate is a protocol that encrypts data sent between two computers, providing users with a secure connection and helping improve rankings on search engines.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the importance of SSL in SEO and how HTTPS can help improve your website’s ranking.
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that confirms a website's security and creates an encrypted connection between the user's browser and the web server.
SSL certificates are installed by businesses and organizations to safeguard personal and sensitive information, demonstrating trust to customers.
SSL was replaced by TLS for improved security, though the name SSL is still commonly used.
Websites equipped with an SSL certificate tend to have a higher ranking on search engines like Google when compared to those without it, assuming all other factors are equal. SSL certificates can enhance a website's ranking in various ways:
1. Better SEO Ranking by Improving User Experience
2. Search Engine Rankings Are Enhanced as A Result of SSL Certificate Protection
3. A Website with SSL Certificates Loads Faster
4. The Creation of Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) Requires SSL
1. Better SEO Ranking by Improving User Experience
Offering an excellent user experience is a critical factor for SEO success.
Websites that prioritize user experience generally enjoy better search engine rankings. SSL certificates play a significant role in enhancing user experience by providing a secure and private browsing environment.
When a website lacks an SSL certificate, Google displays warnings that the connection is not secure, which can cause visitors to leave the site immediately.
Google Chrome also cautions users against disclosing their personal or financial information on unencrypted websites, negatively impacting user experience.
Search engines consider user experience when ranking websites, and those that fail to offer a positive experience may struggle to achieve high rankings.
Furthermore, search engines may penalize websites without an SSL certificate. Installing SSL certificates ensures that customers do not encounter these warnings when accessing your site, promoting a positive user experience and boosting website traffic.
2. Search Engine Rankings Are Enhanced as A Result of SSL Certificate Protection
When ranking websites, Google considers various factors, including security, which is crucial for visitor safety. An SSL certificate can provide advantages over sites without it, assuming all other SEO parameters are equal in Pakistan.
However, it is challenging to quantify the impact of an SSL certificate on SEO ranking since multiple factors influence a website's ranking.
For instance, a website without an SSL certificate but with multiple backlinks may rank higher than a site with an SSL certificate but no backlinks.
It is essential to note that obtaining a cheap SSL certificate does not guarantee a website's rank improvement. However, combining an SSL certificate with other factors such as quality content, easy navigation, and high loading speed can lead to enhanced SEO rankings.
Consequently, a website with an SSL certificate can outrank sites that lack one.
3. A Website with SSL Certificates Loads Faster
The user experience is greatly improved by a website's loading speed, which also contributes significantly to SEO ranking.
Since there are no warning messages displayed when users access an HTTPS website, HTTPS sites typically load more quickly than HTTP sites.
Google prioritizes websites with a quick load time. A website's SSL certificate installation improves user experience and SEO ranking by showing HTTPS before the URL in the browser.
4. The Creation of Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) Requires SSL
The number of people accessing the internet through their mobile phones is increasing due to easy data access. According to a Statista report, more than 55% of total web traffic comes from mobile devices, with higher percentages in Asia and Africa.
This trend is expected to continue growing in the coming years.
As a business owner, it is essential to ensure that your website is mobile-friendly to reach more people and expand your business.
For web pages to be mobile-friendly, Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) must be used.
Search engines like Google give mobile-friendly websites a higher ranking. An SSL certificate is required for building AMP, which means that purchasing a SSL certificate is necessary for building mobile-friendly websites, both of which help to raise the SEO ranking of your website.
How to Obtain an SSL Certificate?
Obtaining an SSL certificate is a straightforward process, with various providers offering their services and their prices online.
Depending on the type of SSL certificate including Comodo Positive SSL, Comodo Essential SSL, Positive SSL Multi-Domain, Positive SSL Wildcard, or even Comodo EV SSL that is required, submitting the relevant documentation will suffice.
After verification of the documents, the certificate will be issued, including essential information such as the domain name, certificate type, and issuing authority.
Furthermore, instructions on installation are typically included with the SSL certificate you buy for your website.
SSL Certificates are an essential aspect of website security, providing encryption for sensitive and personal information, thus increasing reliability. In addition, SSL helps to enhance the user experience by improving website load times.
Moreover, SSL certificates are beneficial in improving SEO rankings, making it a vital aspect of attracting traffic to your website.
Failure to install SSL certificates could result in falling behind your competitors; thus, it is advisable to buy SSL certificates as soon as possible.
