In late July, Google Chrome’s new update is rolling out, but what does that mean for your business?
Since the birth of the World Wide Web in 1989, millions of businesses have been creating a plethora of different websites to help better reach their clientele. From buying to selling, the web indeed has it all. With more and more info being put online, many users look for safe and secure websites in which they can trust with their personal information.
Secure Sockets Layer also known as SSL, is essentially a protocol which was created to help better secure websites, thus strengthening bonds between businesses and clients. With Chrome 68, Google is joining the fight to help secure the internet in hopes to make it a safer and more secure place. In this particular update, Google will begin flagging websites that are not SSL certified. If a website is not certified, an icon on the upper left corner of the search bar will be listed as ‘Not Safe.’ If your website is secured, a green lock can be seen, and ‘Not Safe’ will be replaced with ‘Secure.’ According to Tarun Sharma from ServerGuy.com, “Google will flag 2/3rd of the web as unsafe.”
Safety First
In this day and age, it is hard to trust the internet entirely. With cybersecurity news continually being displayed on every primary news channel – it’s safe to say that everyone is on edge with the thought of their personal information getting into the wrong hands. As many business owners know, the trust between consumer and producer is crucial. If there is no trust, then what is there?
If your website has not yet received an SSL certificate, then it will be marked as ‘Unsafe.’ To the average user – this is a major red flag. Even if Google has never detected viruses or potential threats on your site, for the average person, seeing this could potentially make them leave your site without hesitation. There is a direct correlation between trust and sales. Why would a consumer trust a business with their personal information if their site is prominently displaying ‘Not Secure’ in the top left corner.
Verification
Along with the added consumer and producer trust benefits, making your website, SSL certified can also legitimize your business in the eyes of Google. If your site is listed as secure, Google can verify you as a trusted business. While this doesn’t sound like much, being on Google’s good side can be quite beneficial for your company. If you take the time to become certified, then Google takes the time to help you promote your business.
When your business is verified through Google, a few perks can come from it. One major perk is that you will be entered into the ‘Google My Business’ platform. With the help of Google, your business will be displayed prominently on their map service as well as when someone searches your company. This allows users to quickly, find your business, post pictures, and share their experiences. Whenever a user leaves a review, you are immediately notified, allowing you to be always on the same page with your consumers.
Getting SSL Certified
Now more than ever, people are cautious about internet safety. Living in an online world absolutely has its benefits, but it also has its shortcomings. Companies, big or small, have an obligation to their customers that they know that any information you may hold for them will never be compromised. That little green lock on the top or your page really can make a world of difference when it comes to making your customers feel safe. If you have not been SSL certified, the fix is easy. You just have to know where to look.
Many corporations such as GoDaddy & Comodo can charge you upwards of $75 and above for SSL certification packages. At Outer Banks Media, we know that securing your website can be a bit pricey. If you or your company are looking to update and secure your website, Outer Banks Media is here for you. We have fully managed WordPress website hosting packages that include SSL certificates and site configuration. Along with our hosting packages, we also will speed up your website, providing your users the best possible experience.