If you have a website, you have probably heard the term SSL certificate. It sounds technical, but the idea behind it is actually very simple. An SSL certificate keeps your website secure and helps your visitors trust you.
An SSL certificate protects the information shared between your website and your visitors.
What is an SSL certificate?
When a website has an SSL certificate, the web address starts with https instead of http, and you will usually see a padlock icon in the browser bar.
This shows that any information entered on your site, such as contact forms, login details, or payment information, is encrypted and protected from being intercepted.
Put simply, SSL keeps data safe and reassures visitors that your website is legitimate.
Why SSL is important
SSL certificates play an important role in how your website is perceived and how it performs.
They protect your visitors’ information
They help build trust by showing your site is secure
They are required for online payments and most forms
They are a ranking factor for Google, which can support your SEO
Modern browsers actively alert users when a site does not have SSL, which can turn potential customers away before they even see your content.
What happens when an SSL certificate expires?
SSL certificates need to be renewed regularly.
If an SSL certificate expires, visitors may see security warnings stating that the site is not secure. In some cases, browsers will block access or require users to bypass prominent warning messages.
This often leads to reduced trust, fewer enquiries or sales, and a hit to search engine visibility.
Free vs paid SSL certificates
SSL certificates do not have to be expensive.
Free SSL certificates
Most hosting providers include a free SSL as part of their hosting plans, commonly via services like Let’s Encrypt. These certificates are secure and suitable for most small business websites.
Paid SSL certificates
Paid options can offer additional features such as extended verification or higher warranty coverage. These are usually used by large ecommerce sites or organisations handling sensitive data at scale.
For the majority of websites, a properly configured free SSL is more than sufficient.
What most hosting plans include
Many hosting plans now include:
A free SSL certificate
Automatic installation
Automatic renewal
That said, SSL issues can still occur. Changes to domain settings, hosting migrations, or renewal errors can cause certificates to lapse or misconfigure.
How I can help
If your website is showing security warnings, has suddenly changed from secure to not secure, or you are unsure whether your SSL certificate is working correctly, I can help.
I can check your SSL setup, resolve renewal or configuration issues, and make sure your website stays secure without the stress.
Get in touch if you would like your SSL checked or need help fixing a security warning. It is often a straightforward fix with a big impact on trust and usability.