What happens if I don’t have an SSL on my website?
Ever noticed that little padlock in your browser’s address bar? That’s the sign of an SSL certificate, and it’s a big deal for your website. Thinking about skipping it? Hold up—let’s talk about why that might not be the best idea. Without an SSL, you’re leaving your site vulnerable to hackers, risking your visitors’ trust, and even taking a hit on your search engine rankings.
We'll break down exactly what happens when you go without that crucial layer of security and why getting SSL is a no-brainer for keeping your site safe and credible. If you're running a WordPress website Bellingham, adding an SSL certificate is usually straightforward and often included with quality hosting.
What are the ramifications of not having an SSL on my website?
- "Not Secure" indicator - Chrome Browser (made by Google) has 66% of the browser market share worldwide. If you do not have an SSL, Chrome will mark your site as “Non-Secure”. All major browsers including Firefox and Safari are moving to a user interface that will warn users about insecure pages. That warning appears right in the address bar. Visitors see it before they even scroll. First impression? Your site looks unsafe.
- Consumer distrust – I have received my fair share of notices saying my information had been part of a security breach. Seeing a “not secure” notice when I visit a site makes me a little less likely to want to complete any online transaction (even if it’s not monetary), create an online account or complete a contact form with that company. People hesitate to share information on non-SSL sites. That means fewer form fills, fewer calls, and fewer customers. Your digital marketing Bellingham efforts will send traffic, but a "not secure" warning will kill conversions.
- Lower search rankings – It is rare to have Google come right out and tell you one thing you can do to increase your search engine rankings, but they have with SSL. Google has said that they are using HTTPS as a ranking signal. That means sites without SSL rank lower. Even if you invest in SEO services Bellingham WA, missing SSL holds you back.
- Data loss and/or site hacking – the core function of an SSL is to protect your site data. Keep hackers out of your site (strong passwords help here too, more on that in a later blog) and keep your site communications private with an SSL. Without SSL, data sent between your visitor's browser and your server is plain text. Hackers can intercept it. That includes passwords, credit card numbers, and form submissions.
Our recommendation is that all sites have an SSL certificate installed. If you have questions or want to learn more visit our hosting information page or contact us directly!
For more info on SSL Certificates, watch our short video below.
Conclusion
Skipping SSL is a bad bet. You get a "not secure" warning in Chrome. Visitors lose trust. Google ranks you lower. And your data becomes vulnerable. The good news? SSL certificates are easier and cheaper than ever. Many hosting plans include them for free. There's no good reason to wait. Protect your site, your visitors, and your rankings. Get SSL today.
Worried your site doesn't have SSL? Contact Profusion Web Solutions at (360) 738-8188 or [email protected]. We will check your site and install an SSL certificate fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It encrypts data between a visitor's browser and your website server. That keeps passwords, credit cards, and form submissions private.
How do I know if my site has SSL?
Look at your browser's address bar. If you see a padlock icon and "https://" at the start of your URL, you have SSL. If you see "Not Secure," you don't.
Does SSL really affect Google rankings?
Yes. Google confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal in 2014. Sites without SSL rank lower than secure sites with similar content and authority.
Is SSL free or do I have to pay?
Many hosting providers now offer free SSL certificates through Let's Encrypt. Some premium SSL certificates cost money. Free SSL provides basic encryption, which is enough for most small businesses.
Can I run Google Ads without SSL?
Yes, but your quality score may suffer. Google prefers sending traffic to secure sites. Visitors who click your ad and see a "not secure" warning will bounce back to search results.
Will SSL slow down my website?
Modern SSL certificates have minimal speed impact. Fast hosting and proper setup matter more. The security benefits far outweigh any tiny speed difference.
Do I need SSL if I don't sell anything online?
Yes. Any site that collects form submissions, email signups, or login information needs SSL. Even a simple contact form sends data that should be encrypted.
How long does it take to install an SSL certificate?
With good hosting, 15 to 30 minutes. Some hosts install it automatically. Others require a few clicks in your control panel. A developer can handle it for you same day.
What happens if my SSL expires?
Your site will show security warnings immediately. Browsers will block access or show full-page warnings. Visitors will leave. Set up auto-renewal to avoid this.
Is SSL the same as a firewall or backup?
No. SSL encrypts data in transit. Firewalls block malicious traffic. Backups restore lost files. You need all three for complete website security.