Does the thought of changing over to https:// protocol and the mere mention of SSL feel you with fear? “That’s something big companies need to do – not little ole me!”
Unfortunately not – it’s for everyone and every site. It will make your site more secure AND reassure your visitors that their information is safe when they visit your website. Particularly important if you’re running an online shop! Google recently announced as from July 2018 it will begin to mark websites without a certificate as “Not Secure”.
On February 8th 2018 Google said:
For the past several years, we’ve moved toward a more secure web by strongly advocating that sites adopt HTTPS encryption. And within the last year, we’ve also helped users understand that HTTP sites are not secure by gradually marking a larger subset of HTTP pages as “not secure”. Beginning in July 2018 with the release of Chrome 68, Chrome will mark all HTTP sites as “not secure”.
The key phrase there is “will mark all”, so it’s time to take that step if you’ve been putting it off for a long time!
GDPR
Yep – those 4 dreaded letters that every UK business is currently scrabbling around trying to comply with. Having SSL and using the https:// protocol is one more step towards being compliant! If your website uses forms to submit data over the internet i.e. to collect business leads, enquiries, recruitment then YOU NEED a SSL certificate otherwise the data being submitted could be read if intercepted. Websites that use HTTPS send data over an encrypted connection so having a SSL certificate it is step in the right direction towards GDPR compliance.
So not only will you keep Google happy, your website higher in the SERPS, your website users happy to deal with you AND have a nice green padlock displayed in Google Chrome and Mozilla FireFox but you’ll also be taking a step towards GDPR compliance.
Get it done now! Special Offer…
If you run a WordPress website and have access to cPanel – I’ve got a special offer for you so that you can tick this off your list and get it done and dusted! Don’t wait until the end of June – or the GDPR deadline date of May 26th.
These spaces are limited and you must have all the below in place before purchasing:
- Access to cPanel
- Access to your Google Console and Analytics accounts
- Have LastPass – follow the instructions here
If you’re unsure – drop me a line here.
The cost is £47 and is a one off fee. Simply select the time slot you wish to take and make payment, I’ll then be in touch to get all the relevant information from you so we can get your SSL installed and working.
If you do not have Google Analytics, Console (Webmaster Tools) set up this can be set up and installed for an additional fee. Contact me directly to discuss this.
N.B. some hosting companies may not have let’s encrypt installed on their cPanel and they may make additional charges to you to install a SSL certificate. If you are unsure of any of the above please let me know. If it’s the case that your certificate cannot be installed via cPanel a full refund will be given.
