Have you ever visited a website and noticed a “Not Secure” warning? It likely made you think twice before entering any personal information, didn’t it? In fact, 85.5% of internet consumers instantly leave unsecured sites. This is why setting up an SSL certificate for your business is so important.

Whether you run a small business website or an e-commerce store, having the right SSL certificate is essential. In this guide, we will explain what an SSL certificate is, why you need one, and how to choose the right one for your website.

What is an SSL Certificate?

Think of an SSL certificate as a digital padlock for your website. It ensures that any data exchanged between your website and visitors is secure, making it difficult for hackers to gain access to sensitive information and more.

But here’s something many don’t realize—SSL certificates are tied directly to your domain. When a user visits your website, their browser checks if the SSL certificate matches your domain. If everything lines up, the connection is secure, and you’ll see that reassuring padlock icon in the address bar.

Quick Recap of How an SSL Certificate Works

  • It encrypts data between your website and users, protecting sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal data.
  • It ensures your website is authenticated, proving to visitors that they’re in the right place and not on a fake or malicious site.
    Most importantly, it adds the “https” and padlock icon in the browser bar, signaling to users that your site is secure.
  • Without an SSL certificate, your website is left vulnerable, and visitors may see a “Not Secure” warning—not a good look for your business. Now that we know what an SSL certificate is and how it works, let’s explore what happens if you don’t have one.

Security Risks of Not Having an SSL Certificate

Skipping an SSL certificate can expose your website to serious security risks, including:

  • Data Theft: Without encryption, cybercriminals can gain access to sensitive information, such as login credentials and payment details, leading to identity theft or financial fraud.
  • SEO Penalties: Google prioritizes secure websites in search rankings. Without an SSL, your site may rank lower, reducing your visibility and traffic.
  • Loss of Customer Trust: Visitors who see a “Not Secure” warning may leave your site immediately, resulting in higher bounce rates and lost sales.
  • Compliance Issues: Many industries require SSL encryption to meet data protection regulations. Failing to comply could result in legal issues or fines.
    By securing your website with an SSL certificate, you help safeguard user data, maintain credibility, and avoid any potential cyber threats.=

Now, let’s look at the different types of SSL certificates and how to choose the right one for your needs.

How to Choose the Right SSL Certificate

Not all SSL certificates are created equal. There are different types based on the structure of your website and how much validation you need:

Here are some examples of different types of SSL certificates:

1. Single-Domain SSL Certificates – Perfect for small websites or blogs. These come in three types:

    • Domain Validation (DV): Basic encryption, great for personal sites.
    • Organization Validation (OV): Verifies the organization, better for business sites.
    • Extended Validation (EV): Offers the highest level of security and credibility, often used by financial institutions and e-commerce sites.

2. Wildcard SSL Certificates – If you have multiple subdomains (e.g., shop.yoursite.com, blog.yoursite.com), a wildcard SSL covers them all under one certificate.

3. Multi-Domain SSL Certificates (MDC) – Best for businesses managing multiple domains under one umbrella (e.g., yoursite.com, yourbusiness.net, yourblog.org).

Choosing the right SSL depends on your website setup and how much authentication your visitors need to trust you. Next, let’s talk about how much an SSL certificate will cost you.

Estimated Cost for an SSL Certificate

The price of an SSL certificate depends on the type and number of domains covered. Here’s a general breakdown:

  • Single Domain: $5 – $60 per year
  • Wildcard & Multi-Domain SSL: $60-$250 per year
  • Organization Validation: $20-$1300+

Some hosting companies include SSL certificates as part of their packages, so it’s worth checking before you buy one separately. Keep in mind that the cost may vary due to available discounts and market conditions.

Is There a Free SSL?
Yes! Many hosting providers offer a free SSL certificate through Let’s Encrypt. This is a great starting point, especially for smaller websites and developers testing new projects. However, there’s a catch—these free certificates typically expire every 90 days, requiring regular renewals. For long-term business use, a paid SSL is usually the better choice. If you’re running a serious business, upgrading to a paid SSL ensures long-term security and trust from your visitors.

What Happens If Your SSL Certificate Expires?

If your SSL certificate expires, your website visitors may see an alarming warning message stating that your site is not secure. This can drive away potential customers and hurt your search engine rankings. The good news? Fixing this issue is easy.

Contact your web hosting provider right away. Your SSL certificate is typically managed where your site is hosted, so they can help get things back on track and ensure your website is accessible and secure for your visitors. We understand all of this can seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

Need Help Choosing the Right SSL for Your Business?

If you’re unsure which SSL certificate is best for your site, our team of pros are here to help! Whether you need hosting, security, or domain guidance, we’d love to work with you.

If you have questions, we have answers – well at least we’ll do our best to serve you!  Reach out to us today!