Key takeaways:
- An SSL certificate encrypts data and verifies your website’s identity, which helps you build customer trust.
- SSL certificates improve SEO rankings and help meet compliance standards like PCI DSS.
- Small businesses should start with the right SSL certificate type and ensure timely renewals to avoid errors.
For any small business owner, the digital world can feel overwhelming. From building a website to reaching customers online, there are many moving parts. However, one important element you can’t afford to overlook is an SSL certificate.
An SSL certificate creates a secure connection by encrypting data and verifying your site’s identity. It acts like your website’s digital padlock and ID, so customers know they’re in the right place.
This article will define an SSL certificate, why your business needs one, and how you can get one to secure your online presence.
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate is a digital file that performs two functions. First, it verifies your site’s identity, like an online ID for your business. This tells visitors that your site is legitimate and trustworthy.
Second, it secures the connection between your website and visitors by encrypting any data between them. This encryption scrambles sensitive information, making it unreadable to potential hackers.
What does SSL mean?
You might see the terms SSL and TLS used interchangeably. Let’s clarify the difference.
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It’s the original security technology developed to create an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. However, SSL technology has been replaced by a more modern, secure, and efficient version called TLS (Transport Layer Security).
Even though TLS is the current standard, the term “SSL certificate” is still widely used. Today, when you buy an “SSL certificate,” you’re purchasing a certificate with TLS encryption.
The name “SSL” just stuck around because it’s what people are familiar with. You can think of them as part of the same security family, with SSL/TLS being the technology that secures your website.
How can you tell if a website has SSL?
Identifying if a website has an SSL certificate is easy and takes a few moments; you only need to look for the following visual cues:
- The padlock icon. A padlock icon to the left of a page URL signifies that it owns an SSL certificate. This is a universal sign of trust for small business owners.
- HTTPS in the URL: A secure website’s address will begin with https:// instead of the older, unsecured http://. HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure and indicates that the connection is encrypted.
- Certificate details. You can get more information by clicking on the padlock icon. This will bring up a window with the certificate’s details, including who it was issued to and the Certificate Authority (CA) that verified it.
The CA’s digital signature confirms the certificate’s authenticity; you can check the issue and expiry dates to ensure it’s still valid. Finally, the details will show the public key used for securing the connection, while the private key is kept secret on the server.
Why do small businesses need an SSL certificate?
Your SSL certificate is a key investment for your business. It helps you build trust, ensure long-term growth, and protect your customers and reputation.
As of June 2025, 88% of all websites use HTTPS, making a secure connection the industry standard. Here are more key reasons why an SSL certificate is non-negotiable for small businesses today:
It protects customer data
If your website collects personal information, such as email address or credit card details, an SSL certificate encrypts that data transfer between customer and the server. This secures online transactions and prevents hackers from intercepting sensitive information.
It builds trust and credibility
When visitors see the padlock icon in their browser and the “https” in your URL, they feel a sense of security. This visual cue builds immediate trust and makes customers feel safe.
It improves your SEO ranking
Google has confirmed that having an SSL certificate is a ranking factor. Websites with SSL are prioritized in search results, giving you a small but important advantage over competitors. This means a secure site is more likely to get higher search rankings, helping new customers find you.
It helps you meet industry standards
If you accept online payments, you must meet the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). An SSL certificate ensures compliance and protects your business and customers from financial risks.
How does an SSL certificate work?
SSL certificates may sound technical, but that’s far from the truth. It all comes down to the SSL handshake, a quick, automated conversation between your visitor’s web browser and your website’s server.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the steps:
- Step 1: Request. When a visitor types your website’s address, their browser asks your server for proof of identity (called a certificate signing request).
- Step 2: Handshake. Your server responds by providing the SSL/digital certificate to the browser. The browser then checks for validity and if issued by a trusted Certificate Authority.
- Step 3: Creating the key. Once the browser verifies the certificate, it and the server create and share a unique encryption key. The server then uses its private key to decrypt the secure data.
- Step 4: Secure session proceeds. With the keys in place, the browser and server can now communicate securely. All data exchanged is encrypted and remains unreadable to anyone else.
Troubleshooting tip: Even properly installed SSL certificates can have errors like an ERR_SSL_PROTOCOL_ERROR, which result from misconfigurations. If you encounter it, you can clear your browser cache, then run Qualys’ free SSL Server Test to determine what’s causing the error.
How do you get an SSL certificate for your website?
Acquiring an SSL certificate is a key step in securing your website. Depending on your business needs, you have a few options.
Free vs. paid SSL certificates
When exploring your options, you’ll likely encounter both free and paid certificates.
- Free SSL certificates are available through hosting providers or organizations. They offer basic Domain Validation (DV) security, verifying that you own the domain and providing the encryption needed to secure your site. They are a good starting point if you have a simple blog or informational site.
- Paid SSL certificates offer more than basic encryption. They come with higher levels of validation, such as Organization Validation (OV), which verifies your business details, or Extended Validation (EV), which provides the highest level of trust and verified business details in certificate information.
Steps in getting an SSL certificate
No matter which type of certificate you choose, the process is straightforward. Many web hosting companies, including Network Solutions, offer SSL certificates.
- Choose a provider. Select a trusted provider that offers the type of SSL certificate you need. Network Solutions offers a range of SSL options to fit every business size and budget.
- Purchase and activate. Once you choose and purchase it, follow the steps to activate it for your domain.
- Installation. If you’re using a web hosting provider like Network Solutions, the provider will often automate the process.
What are the different types of SSL certificates?
When choosing the right SSL certificate, it helps to know the three available types. They differ primarily in the level of validation required and the trust they convey to your visitors.
Here is a table summarizing the different types of SSL certificates:
| SSL type | Validation level | Best for | |
| Domain Validation certificates | Basic | Blogs, personal sites, and small informational sites | |
| Organization Validation certificates | High | Businesses and organizations | |
| Extended Validation certificates | Highest | E-commerce sites, banks, and large corporations |
Domain Validation (DV)
The most basic and common type of SSL certificate. To get one, the Certificate Authority simply verifies that you own the domain name. This process is quick and affordable, providing the necessary encryption to secure your site.
It’s a great choice for blogs, personal websites, and small informational sites.
Organization Validation (OV)
An OV certificate requires a higher level of vetting, where the Certificate Authority verifies domain ownership and authenticates your organization’s details. This includes confirming your business name, physical address, and other information visitors see when they view the certificate details.
OVs have more trust factor than DV certificates and are more appropriate for businesses and organizations.
Extended Validation (EV)
EV certificates offer the highest level of security and trust. Their validation is the most rigorous, involving a comprehensive check of your business’s legal and physical existence.
When users visit an EV-secured site, they’ll see your verified company name displayed prominently in the browser interface. This is the standard for major e-commerce sites and large corporations, as it provides maximum credibility and assurance to customers.
Wildcard SSL Certificates
A Wildcard SSL certificate is a single certificate that can secure one main domain and an unlimited number of subdomains. For example, a single wildcard certificate for yourdomain.com would secure blog.yourdomain.com, shop.yourdomain.com, and any other subdomain.
Multi-Domain SSL Certificates (MDC)
Also known as a Subject Alternative Name (SAN) certificate, a Multi-Domain SSL certificate can secure multiple, unique domain names with a single certificate. It suits businesses that manage several different websites or a mix of top-level domains.
Unified Communications Certificates (UCC)
A type of Multi-Domain certificate, security experts design UGCs to secure multiple domain names on Microsoft Exchange and Office Communications servers. Like MDCs, they can secure various domains, including a primary domain and multiple SANs. This makes them a popular choice for securing unified communication platforms.
For most small business owners, an Organization Validation (OV) certificate is a great choice as it balances trust and affordability. If you want to expand, an Extended Validation (EV) certificate is the ideal option to build the highest customer trust.
Secure your website with Network Solutions’ SSL certificates
An SSL certificate is important for both securing your website and instilling trust and loyalty with your customers. Securing your site can protect your sensitive data, and result in more customer conversions.
When you’re ready to secure your website and build trust with your customers, Network Solutions is here to help. We understand that as a small business owner, you need solutions that are not only powerful but also easy to use. That’s why we offer a range of SSL certificates for specific needs and budgets.
Protect your business, improve your search ranking, and give your customers the confidence they need to buy from you. Secure your website with an SSL certificate from Network Solutions today.
Frequently asked questions
An SSL certificate secures a website’s connection with visitors by encrypting data and verifying the site’s identity.
An SSL certificate is essential for protecting customer data, especially payment information. It helps build customer trust, boosts your SEO, and helps you meet compliance requirements like PCI DSS.
Most SSL certificates are valid for 12 months, though industry rules are moving toward shorter lifespans. To avoid lapses and downtime, always enable auto-renewal or set reminders well before your certificate expires.
Yes, having an SSL certificate affects SEO rankings as per Google.
The cost of an SSL certificate varies. Free SSL certificates, often provided by hosting providers or organizations, are available. Paid SSL certificates, which can offer higher validation and warranties, are also available.
