Google now visibly rewards SSL-enabled (HTTPS) sites and punishes Non-SSL (HTTP) sites with a “Not Secure” message to warn users. While many SSL certificate providers have reduced prices, it’s your opportunity to create a safer internet by protecting user data, among other benefits. Read on for our SSL certificate tips.
Following SSL certificate tips: What’s in it for you?
Securing your site with an SSL certificate will enhance its position and potential. Besides, there are indications that Google may further reward HTTPS sites by the way of a little SEO boost.
So, it’s a win-win situation for everyone: websites, SSL certificate vendors, and users. However, there’s no one way guaranteed, because there are SSL certificates offering different levels of security. These SSL certificate tips will help you choose the most relevant certificate and install it properly.
Installing SSL certificates: A vital process
A free SSL certificate only offers domain validation. It doesn’t prove you’re the real company owner or if the company exists. There are different certificate options and you need to choose the ideal one that matches your business, budget, and objectives.
For premium business benefits, you need premium certificates as they validate online and offline identity after rigorous verification.
But only if you install the certificate correctly, otherwise Google may continue treating your pages as “Unsecured”. Exposing you to HTTP (not Secure) site disadvantages. So, here are the points to remember when buying or installing SSL certificates for your site.
The three types of SSL certificates
Domain Validation Certificate
When you apply for domain validated certificates, the CA will check the WHOIS information of your domain. Then sends you an email with a validation link which will make you eligible for a Domain Validation Certificate. You can get these free or at cheap rates, but they offer the least assurance to the visitors. Why?
- First, you don’t need to submit any business documents.
- Second, it doesn’t vet any legal or corporate info on the domain name.
- And finally, there are concerns of Domain Validation Certificates over-simplifying the validation process, offering a false sense of security and being easily misused.
Organization Validation Certificate
When you apply for an Organization Validated Certificate, you need to submit key documents related to your organization’s legal and corporate profile. Besides, it also involves manual verification of some aspects of your business. Hence, proving the organization really exists and operates and offering better assurance to site visitors.
Extended Validation Certificate
This also needs you to submit various organizational documents vetting identity and location. It’s both an online and manual process, which is more detailed than the rest. Hence, it can take between a few days to a few weeks to get.
However, when users visit your site, the address bar turns completely green. Thus, emitting strong visual indication that your site meets the highest security standards. In most cases, this is the best SSL certificate option for enhancing your site potential, at a reasonable price.
How to choose the best SSL certificate
This may be overwhelming for non-technical buyers, so here are our SSL certificate tips:
1. Check reliable SSL certificates available in your market
Get prices, features, and limitations, then evaluate the best SSL certificate for you. Use DigiCert’s visual guide to differentiate between SSL certificates key benefits. They are the most trusted digital certificates provider, with fast delivery and a hassle-free process.
So Plesk partnered with DigiCert to help customers install DigiCert SSL certificates with extra ease via Plesk control panel. You should buy an SSL certificate from your existing hosting provider for the best pricing and services.
2. Beware Server Compatibility issues
Shared hosting clients might have compatibility issues so check with your hosting or SSL certificate provider before you buy. Fortunately, many reputable SSL providers offer free phone or chat advice.
Moreover, since the Google Update, many providers have been offering discounts and schemes on VPS and dedicated hosting plans. So, it may be the right time for you to level up your hosting plan and benefit from discounts.
3. Accept technical help during installation
Get free / reasonably priced SSL installation services from the provider because incorrect installation may deny you SEO and compliance benefits. And you may still have “No Secure” messages on pages.
If you don’t have an IT team, invest in an expert to install your SSL. Many locally situated service providers might also allow you to visit their facilities physically and get the SSL installed on your site. Beats doing it yourself, even with a step-by-step guide.
4. Follow up even after these SSL Certificates tips
Don’t feel assured by the security stamp on your homepage. Check that the security stamp is visible on all pages of your site. The green address bar and padlock that will now win over site visitors’ trust.
5. Renew your SSL certificate periodically
Lastly, keep your SSL certificate updated. This will depend on its validity period, so make sure you stay on top of it. Because failing to do so can demote your site to HTTP status once again!
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One comment
At first I never thought that there are different types of SSL certificate. And, I also never thought that its level of security varies. That is why I tend to get free SSL because I was thinking that as long as you have greenlock already, your site is secure.