What SSL and HTTPS do
SSL/TLS encrypts data travelling between the browser and your server, so passwords, form details and payment information cannot be read in transit. A site with a valid certificate loads over https:// and shows a padlock instead of a “Not secure” warning.
Why it matters for business
- Trust – visitors are less likely to fill forms on a “Not secure” site.
- SEO – HTTPS is a lightweight Google ranking signal.
- Required features – payment gateways and many browser features need HTTPS.
- Data protection – it is a basic security safeguard under data protection laws.
Free vs paid certificates
Free certificates (such as Let’s Encrypt, included with most good hosting) give the same encryption and are enough for most business websites. Paid OV/EV certificates add organisation verification and warranties, mainly useful for large e-commerce or financial sites.
Setting up HTTPS correctly
- Install the certificate and enable auto-renewal.
- Redirect all http:// URLs to https:// with 301 redirects.
- Fix mixed content – images or scripts still loading over http.
- Update the site address in Google Search Console and analytics.
Our website development team designs and builds websites that load fast and convert. Talk to us.
Frequently asked questions
Is a free SSL certificate safe?
Yes. Free certificates provide the same encryption strength as paid ones; paid certificates mainly add business validation and warranties.
Why does my site still show “Not secure” after installing SSL?
Usually because some images or scripts still load over http (mixed content) or the http-to-https redirect is missing.
Does HTTPS improve SEO?
It is a small ranking signal and also improves trust and conversions, so it is worth having on every site.
Talk to an expertEvery business is different. If you’re planning something similar, our team can review your requirement and suggest the right approach — free of charge. Contact us →
