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Rank higher in Google with SSL

Written by Marcel Landeweerd
 

At WebwinkelKeur we regularly receive questions regarding search engine optimization (SEO). That's why every week for the next few weeks we're going to share a tip on how to make your online store rank better in Google. Last week we talked about measuring and optimizing website speed , today we have Kelly, Sales Manager of Xolphin , talking about the advantages of an SSL certificate for online stores.

It is not always clear if, and which SSL certificate you need as a merchant and what the advantages are. At least, that is what we often notice from the reactions we get. Time to separate fact from fiction and make a list of pros and cons. SSL and security As described in an earlier blog , the Data Protection Act states that you must take 'appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect customer data'. So as a merchant, you have a responsibility to protect customer data. SSL plays a crucial role in this.

SSL secures the connection between customer and webshop, so that confidential data of visitors cannot be intercepted. This applies not only to payment information that is exchanged via the online store, but also for passwords and other privacy-sensitive things that customers leave behind. For example, via an application form. When that data is sent, the information is encrypted so that the information sent cannot simply be retrieved by hackers. So it is a misconception that only the payment step in your web store needs to be secured with SSL.

SSL and trust As a webshop, you can show which organization is behind the website by choosing an SSL certificate with Extended Validation. For the customer, this is immediately visible because they see a green address bar with the company name when they come to the web shop. This allows them to check who they are dealing with, essential for extra trust and therefore more sales.

With this Extended Validation, a lot of data is checked. This ensures that issuing this certificate with the green address bar sometimes takes up to a week. Because Xolphin is WebTrust certified, the Xolphin team is allowed to perform these validations itself. As a result, SSL certificates with Extended Validation (EV) can often be issued within a day.

If a green address bar is not required, certificates without a green address bar are also available. These are a lot cheaper because the checks are less extensive, but secure the connection just as well.

SSL and Google Google considers SSL on your entire Web site so important that a higher ranking is awarded. Note: SSL on the entire website, that is. Google emphasizes the entire website and not just the payment page of the webshop, for example, because this is a lot more secure. This is because if the entire website is secured with SSL, there is no switching from secured to unsecured pages. Hackers can redirect visitors on an unsecured page undetected via so-called "man-in-the-middle" attacks and thus still intercept confidential data. In addition, websites with SSL on all pages prevent visitors from receiving confusing warnings when they switch from secure to unsecure pages.

[caption id="attachment_1256" align="alignnone" width="600"] A "man-in-the-middle" attack[/caption] So to improve one's ranking in Google search results, the entire website must be secured at https://. For Google, only the fact that the entire website is secured with SSL counts, which does not necessarily require choosing an SSL certificate with a green address bar. Securing the entire website with SSL is also possible with an SSL certificate where only the domain or domain and organization are checked.

What to watch out for Converting the website from https:// to https:// can - if not done carefully - also have adverse consequences. A few tips:

  • Notify Google that the url has changed
  • Make sure your system administrator sets up the server optimally

In this article a detailed explanation of these tips.

In short Besides the fact that as a merchant you want to be careful with customer data, SSL also has a commercial function.

  • Secure your entire website with SSL
  • Choose SSL with a green address bar for more trust and therefore more sales.

Members of Webwinkelkeur get 10% discount on an SSL certificate of your choice, use "WebwinkelKeur" as payment reference.

Still have questions? Xolphin is the largest supplier of SSL certificates in the Netherlands. With its team of over 20 people, Xolphin has been known for years for its expert support and fast issuance of SSL certificates with green address bar. Do not hesitate to email or call . The team of Xolphin is ready to answer all your questions.