Back in October of 2017, the Chrome browser will show a NOT SECURE warning when users enter information into a form on an unencrypted website. The same goes for all HTTP pages in Incognito mode. Because of this, all businesses must have an encrypted website.
The encrypted website requirement is now in effect and yet, many websites are still not encrypted. In many cases, a free Let’s Encrypt certificate is all you need to keep that nasty “NOT SECURE” warning from flashing when visitors come to your site. It’s simple to fix and your web designer can do it without much fuss.
Why You Need an Encrypted Website
A user seeing NOT SECURE displayed on a web page is likely to visit other sites. Clients want to feel safe online, and providing an encrypted browsing experience can do just that. A site employing an SSL certificate can decrease concerns about a site’s safety, as well as its bounce rate.
Also, Google has announced that it will use SSL as a positive factor in its organic search rankings. The search engine giant has started using HTTPS as a ranking signal to encourage site owners to make the switch. Websites that want to remain viable will have to obtain an SSL certificate to compete. The entire structure of the internet is changing with a push to require all internet websites to use HTTPS.
Sites make their livelihood based on their first-page ranking, so as Google changes the way sites rank (giving preference to encrypted sites), site owners must follow the new ‘rules’ by obtaining their SSL certificate. But this isn’t only a Google-led initiative. Both Mozilla and Apple are on board with the required HTTPS initiative, which means compliance isn’t optional if you want to do business on the web.
How to Make Your Website Encrypted
SSL certificates were costly but now for many leading web-hosting providers, free SSL certificates can be used. However, you still have to enlist the help of your web designer to configure everything on your site to load through HTTPS instead of HTTP. While eliminating the upfront cost of an SSL certificate, you’re still paying for configuration costs. Fortunately, this usually only takes about an hour of work for your web developer.
Overall, the move to require encryption on all sites is a positive thing and could reduce the amount of criminal activity on the web. It would also create a feeling of security and a sense of trust. Perhaps, by forcing site owners into compliance, Google and other major internet players are looking out for everyone’s best interests.
What Should You Do?
If you are one of the many businesses that haven’t made the switch to an encrypted website, don’t panic. The transfer only takes a small amount of time and for most, the actual cost of your SSL will be free. Call Effect Web Agency today and find out how you can make the move to an encrypted website and avoid that NOT SECURE warning on your website.
If you need help encrypting your website, consider reaching out to a digital marketing expert for help. When it comes to running your business, you don’t want to risk getting something wrong. A digital expert will help ensure your website is secure and operational according to Google’s standards so you can continue doing what matters most. running your business!
We Can Help!
Effect Web Agency partners with businesses to help them achieve the maximum results from their digital marketing efforts. Contact Effect for your free web consultation.
