You have your website up and running smoothly. Every link is fully functional. Both the theme and layout look great on every device from tablets to laptops. You've got a beautiful platform, but do you have your SSL certificate ready?
You may wonder if having SSL for small business websites is even necessary. Regardless of your business size and sales volume, every ecommerce site needs to have an SSL certificate to be competitive in today's market.
SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer is a security technology that is standard for encoding data that flows from a server (the main service providing computer) to other computers and devices. Data sent without an SSL certificate is in the form of plain text, making it very easy for someone to intercept and read the information. With SSL, the information travels in a scrambled form that must be unlocked with a code. SSL deters outside parties who want to snatch personal information for criminal use.
SSL certificates work like a pair of keys. One is public and one is private and both are used to establish a connection that is unreadable to the naked eye. In addition, these specific keys prove that information is meant to be sent across a certain path and nowhere else. Certificates also show the identity of the site owner, proving to customers that they are interacting with you and no one else.
Consider this. You wouldn't want a cashier flashing your credit card around to different people. As they ring you up at a register, you expect them to not leave your card on a counter within reach of others. You wouldn't like the idea of a copy of your social security card lying out on someone’s desk after they finish up your paperwork. You expect a certain level of professionalism and care from the businesses you interact with.
You can perhaps think of SSL as the hand that covers the keypad while you punch in your pin number or unlock your computer or phone. You want to make sure that no one watches you and that the keys don't end up with anyone you don't trust. You would want sensitive information online to be covered from people in the same way.
An encrypted connection establishes a relationship of trust between you and your customers. SSL ensures that as you pass financial and log-in information that it is seen only by you and the customer. Having SSL installed on your website will allow them to see that you value their privacy as they browse your site and complete online transactions. Further, the certificate protects you as a business owner, saving you from the trouble associated with processing financial information in unsafe online conditions.
As people move to making more and more online transactions, the decision for what brand to buy from might ultimately come down to a simple matter of security. Having an SSL certificate makes you competitive with other businesses that are investing in this technology for their customers. Set yourself apart as a business that cares about your customers both in person and virtually.