SSL Certificate: Why Your Website Needs HTTPS
You have surely seen it: that little padlock next to the URL in your browser. It means the website has an SSL certificate and uses HTTPS. But what exactly does an SSL certificate involve, why is it so important, and how do you install one on your website? In this in-depth article we explain everything about SSL certificates and why HTTPS is indispensable for every website.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that encrypts the connection between a browser and a web server. An SSL certificate is the digital proof that the encryption is active. When a visitor opens your website, the browser and server exchange encryption keys to set up a secure connection.
Technically speaking, we now use TLS (Transport Layer Security), the successor to SSL. But everyone still calls it SSL, similar to how people say "copy" instead of "duplicate".
HTTP vs HTTPS: the difference explained
| Feature | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | No encryption | Encrypted connection via SSL/TLS |
| Data transfer | Readable by third parties | Unreadable by third parties |
| Browser indicator | "Not secure" warning | Padlock next to the URL |
| SEO impact | Disadvantage in Google rankings | Advantage in Google rankings |
| Port | 80 | 443 |
| Trust | Low, visitors are put off | High, visitors feel safe |
Why do you need an SSL certificate?
1. Protection of data
Everything visitors enter on your website, such as passwords, credit card numbers, names and email addresses, is sent encrypted when you have an SSL certificate. Without SSL, someone on the same network, think of public WiFi in a cafe or on a train, can intercept this data with simple tools.
2. Visitor trust
Modern browsers show clear warnings for websites without SSL. Chrome shows "Not secure" next to the URL, Firefox shows a crossed-out padlock. This puts visitors off, especially when they have to fill something in, log in or buy. Research shows that more than 80 percent of visitors leave a website when they see a security warning.
3. Better position in Google
Google confirmed in 2014 that HTTPS is a ranking factor. Websites with an SSL certificate have an advantage in the search results over websites without SSL. In practice it has now reached the point where websites without SSL are penalized: Google expects every website to use HTTPS.
4. Legal requirements
The GDPR requires you to take appropriate technical measures to protect personal data. An SSL certificate is one of those measures. If you have a contact form, online store or login page without SSL, you may be violating privacy legislation.
5. Required for modern web features
Many modern web features only work over HTTPS. Think of HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 for faster load times, the geolocation API, service workers for offline functionality and push notifications. Without an SSL certificate you miss out on these capabilities.
Types of SSL certificates
There are different types of SSL certificates with different levels of validation and price:
| Type | Validation | Price | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domain Validated (DV) | Domain ownership only | Free to 50 euro per year | Blogs, portfolios, small websites |
| Organization Validated (OV) | Domain + company details | 50 to 200 euro per year | Business websites |
| Extended Validation (EV) | Extensive company verification | 100 to 500 euro per year | Online stores, financial services |
| Wildcard SSL | Domain + all subdomains | 50 to 300 euro per year | Websites with many subdomains |
| Multi-domain (SAN) | Multiple domains on 1 certificate | 100 to 400 euro per year | Managing multiple websites |
Let's Encrypt: free SSL for everyone
Let's Encrypt is a free certificate authority that issues DV certificates. The certificates are technically just as secure as paid DV certificates. The only difference is that Let's Encrypt certificates have to be renewed every 90 days, which happens automatically at most hosting providers.
At Theory7 you get free Let's Encrypt SSL certificates that are installed and renewed automatically. You do not have to do anything for this yourself.
Installing an SSL certificate: guide
On shared hosting with DirectAdmin
- Log in to DirectAdmin
- Go to SSL Certificates
- Choose Free and automatic certificate from Let's Encrypt
- Select the domain names for which you want to activate SSL
- Click Save
- Wait a few minutes until the certificate is generated and installed
Forcing HTTPS via .htaccess
After installing your SSL certificate you want to make sure that all visitors are automatically redirected to the HTTPS version of your website. Add the following code to your .htaccess file:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
Forcing HTTPS in WordPress
For WordPress websites: go to Settings, General and change both the WordPress Address and the Site Address from http to https. In addition, install a plugin such as "Really Simple SSL" that automatically converts all internal links and references to HTTPS.
Solving common SSL problems
Mixed content warnings
Mixed content means that your HTTPS page still loads HTTP resources, such as images, scripts or stylesheets. The browser then does not show a full padlock. Solution: find and replace all http:// references in your website with https:// or use protocol-relative URLs (//yourdomain.com/path).
SSL certificate has expired
Expired certificates cause a red warning page in the browser. With Let's Encrypt the certificate has to be renewed every 90 days. If the automatic renewal fails, check whether the domain points correctly to your server and contact your hosting provider.
"Not secure" despite SSL
If your browser still shows "Not secure" despite a valid SSL certificate, there is probably mixed content on the page. Use the browser console (F12, Console tab) to see which resources are still loaded over HTTP.
SSL certificates and the impact on SEO
The impact of an SSL certificate on your SEO performance is significant:
- Direct ranking boost thanks to HTTPS as a Google ranking factor
- Higher click-through rates because visitors are more likely to click websites with a padlock in the search results
- Lower bounce rate because visitors are not put off by security warnings
- Better crawling because Googlebot crawls HTTPS sites preferentially
- Referral data retention when traffic goes from HTTPS to HTTPS, the referrer information is kept in Google Analytics
Frequently asked questions about SSL certificates
Is a free SSL certificate just as secure as a paid certificate?
Yes, in terms of encryption a free Let's Encrypt certificate is identical to a paid DV certificate. Both use the same encryption algorithms. The difference lies in the validation level and any guarantees: paid certificates sometimes offer a financial guarantee in case of security incidents.
Do I need SSL if I do not have an online store?
Yes, absolutely. Even if your website does not process payments, you need an SSL certificate. Browsers show warnings for every website without SSL, Google penalizes websites without HTTPS in the search results, and if you have a contact form, you process personal data that must be protected.
Can SSL slow down my website?
No, in practice SSL actually makes your website faster. HTTPS is required for HTTP/2, the faster protocol that modern browsers use. The small overhead of the SSL handshake is more than compensated by the performance benefits of HTTP/2. In addition, SSL connections are reused thanks to session resumption.
What happens when my SSL certificate expires?
Visitors see a full-page warning that advises them not to visit your website. Most visitors leave your site at that moment. Make sure automatic renewal is set up or set a reminder before your certificate expires.
An SSL certificate is no longer an option but an absolute necessity for every website. It protects your visitors, improves your position in Google, prevents browser warnings and is legally required for processing personal data. With free certificates from Let's Encrypt there is no longer any excuse not to secure your website with HTTPS.
At Theory7 you get free SSL certificates that are installed and renewed automatically. Take a look at our web hosting plans and secure your website with HTTPS today. Do you have an existing website that does not have SSL yet? Our support team is happy to help you make the switch.
SSL certificate: advanced topics
Certificate Transparency (CT)
Certificate Transparency is a public log of all issued SSL certificates. You can check which certificates have been issued for your domain name via crt.sh. This is useful for detecting whether someone has requested a certificate for your domain without authorization, which can indicate an attempt at phishing or a man-in-the-middle attack.
HSTS: HTTP Strict Transport Security
HSTS is a security header that instructs browsers to only connect to your website over HTTPS. After setting up HSTS, the browser will never try an HTTP connection again, even if a visitor manually types http://. This prevents downgrade attacks in which an attacker tries to reset the connection to unencrypted HTTP.
Setting up CAA records
With a CAA (Certificate Authority Authorization) DNS record you can specify which certificate authorities are allowed to issue an SSL certificate for your domain. This prevents an unauthorized CA from accidentally or intentionally issuing a certificate for your domain. Add a CAA record to your DNS with the value "letsencrypt.org" if you only want to allow Let's Encrypt.
Checking and monitoring your SSL certificate
It is wise to check your SSL certificate regularly. Here are some handy tools and methods:
- SSL Labs Server Test at ssllabs.com/ssltest gives an extensive assessment of your SSL configuration with a score from A to F
- Browser Developer Tools click the padlock in your browser to view certificate details such as the expiry date and issuer
- Online monitoring services such as UptimeRobot can warn you when your SSL certificate is about to expire
- openssl command if you have SSH access you can use openssl s_client to check the certificate chain and validity
What should you look out for during the check?
| Checkpoint | Desired status | Risk on failure |
|---|---|---|
| Expiry date | More than 14 days in the future | Website shows a security warning |
| Certificate chain | Complete and valid | Some browsers refuse the connection |
| Protocols | TLS 1.2 and 1.3 | Vulnerable to known attacks |
| HSTS header | Set with a long max-age | No protection against downgrade attacks |
| Mixed content | No HTTP resources on HTTPS pages | Browser does not show a full padlock |
By checking your SSL configuration regularly, you make sure that your website stays optimally secured and that visitors always see the reassuring padlock next to your URL.
SSL certificate: technical operation explained
To understand why an SSL certificate is so important, it helps to know how it works technically. The process behind a secure connection is fascinating and essential for modern web security.
The SSL/TLS handshake
When a visitor opens your website, a so-called TLS handshake takes place. This process runs in milliseconds and consists of several steps. The browser sends a request to the server with the supported encryption protocols. The server responds with the SSL certificate and the chosen encryption method. The browser verifies the certificate with the certificate authority. Next, a shared session key is exchanged with which all further communication is encrypted. All of this happens invisibly to the visitor.
Understanding encryption levels
Modern SSL certificates use at least 256-bit encryption. This means there are more possible key combinations than there are atoms in the universe. The encryption strength depends on the protocol used (TLS 1.2 or 1.3) and the chosen cipher suite. TLS 1.3 is the newest version and offers better performance and security than earlier versions. Check whether your server supports TLS 1.3 for the best combination of speed and safety.
Comparison of TLS versions
| Protocol | Status | Security | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSL 3.0 | Outdated, insecure | Vulnerable | Slow |
| TLS 1.0 | Outdated | Insufficient | Moderate |
| TLS 1.1 | Outdated | Insufficient | Moderate |
| TLS 1.2 | Actively supported | Good | Good |
| TLS 1.3 | Recommended | Excellent | Excellent |
SSL certificate: impact on SEO and trust
An SSL certificate has a direct influence on your position in search engines and the trust visitors have in your website.
Google and HTTPS as a ranking factor
Google has officially confirmed HTTPS as a ranking factor. Websites with an SSL certificate get a small ranking boost compared to unsecured sites. In addition, Chrome shows a warning for websites without SSL, which puts visitors off. The combination of better rankings and more visitor trust makes an SSL certificate one of the best investments for your website, especially since free options are available.
Trust signals for visitors
The padlock icon in the browser gives visitors an immediate signal that the connection is secure. Research shows that consumers are more inclined to fill in personal details and make purchases on websites with HTTPS. For online stores this is essential, because the absence of SSL can lead to a significant drop in conversions and revenue.
Want to install an SSL certificate? Read our article about everything you need to know about SSL certificates for a complete installation guide.
SSL certificate: frequently asked questions and practical tips
When implementing an SSL certificate, many of the same questions come up. Below we answer the most frequently asked questions with practical tips.
Should I buy an SSL certificate or is free enough?
For most websites a free SSL certificate is completely sufficient. The encryption is just as strong as with paid certificates. Paid certificates are only needed if you want Organization or Extended Validation, need a financial guarantee, or require wildcard support for multiple subdomains. Start with a free certificate and only upgrade if your specific business requirements call for it.
How do I check whether my SSL certificate works correctly?
The simplest check is viewing your website in the browser: a padlock icon in the address bar confirms that SSL is active. For a thorough analysis, use SSL Labs Server Test, which gives a detailed report with your SSL configuration, supported protocols and cipher suites. Also check whether all pages are loaded over HTTPS and that there are no mixed content warnings by opening the browser console.
Frequently asked questions about SSL
- Does SSL slow down my website? No, with TLS 1.3 and modern hardware the impact is negligible. The handshake adds only a few milliseconds, and HTTP/2 (which requires HTTPS) actually makes your site faster.
- Can I use SSL on shared hosting? Yes, virtually all modern shared hosting providers support SSL. Many providers offer free SSL certificates through their control panel.
- What happens when my certificate expires? Visitors see a warning in their browser that the connection is not secure. Most visitors leave the website right away. Set up automatic renewal to prevent this.
- Do I need a separate certificate per subdomain? A standard certificate secures a single domain. For multiple subdomains you need a wildcard certificate that covers all subdomains under your main domain.
SSL certificate: summary and essential steps
An SSL certificate is no longer optional but an absolute requirement for every website. Here we summarize the essential steps for a correct SSL implementation.
SSL implementation in five steps
Step one: choose the right certificate type for your website. For most websites a free DV certificate is enough. Step two: install the certificate through your hosting panel or ask your provider for assistance. Step three: configure a 301 redirect from HTTP to HTTPS so that all visitors reach the secure version. Step four: solve mixed content problems by updating all internal URLs to HTTPS. Step five: set up automatic renewal and monitor the validity of your certificate.
Maintenance and long-term management
After the initial installation, your SSL certificate requires minimal but important maintenance. Check monthly whether your certificate is still valid and functioning correctly. Test your SSL configuration periodically with online scanners to verify that you follow the best security practices. Keep your web server up to date to support the latest TLS versions and cipher suites. Update your HSTS header to instruct browsers to always use HTTPS. With this minimal maintenance you guarantee a continuously secure connection for all your website visitors.
SSL certificate: influence on search engine optimization
An SSL certificate has a proven positive influence on your position in search engines. Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking factor and gives secured websites a small but measurable advantage over unsecured alternatives. In addition, modern browsers show warnings for websites without SSL, which leads to higher bounce rates and less traffic. Make sure that after installing an SSL certificate all internal links, canonical URLs and sitemaps are updated to HTTPS to prevent mixed content warnings that can negatively affect your SEO performance.
In summary, an SSL certificate is no longer optional but a fundamental requirement for every modern website. Installation is simple, often free, and the benefits for security, trust and search engine optimization are undeniable. Invest in an SSL certificate today if your website does not have one yet.
Sources and references
- Let's Encrypt: Free SSL certificates (letsencrypt.org)
- SSL Labs: SSL Server Test by Qualys (ssllabs.com)
- Dutch Data Protection Authority: GDPR information (autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl)
