What Is SSL (HTTPS) and Why Your Website Needs It

You may have seen a small padlock next to a website address. This means the site uses SSL, and the address starts with https instead of http. It is a basic sign of a safe website.

What SSL does

SSL protects the connection between your visitor and your website. Information that travels between them, such as a name or phone number in a contact form, is scrambled so other people cannot easily read it.

Why you need it

• Browsers can show a "Not secure" warning on sites without it. Many visitors leave when they see this.
• It protects the details people type into your forms.
• It builds trust, especially for shops and service businesses.
• Google prefers secure sites, so it is a small help for your search results.

How to check your site

1. Open your website in a browser.
2. Look at the address bar.
3. You should see a padlock and an address that starts with https://.
4. If you see a warning, tell your designer or hosting provider.

How to get SSL

Most good hosting companies give SSL for free or at a small cost. Your designer can switch it on and make sure every page opens in https.

Also ask them to set up a redirect, so people who type http are sent to https automatically. The SaraTech website does this.

Keep it working

SSL certificates expire after some time and must renew. Good hosting renews them for you. Check your site now and then to be sure the padlock is still there.

To learn about the other basics every site needs, see domain and hosting explained.