Why does an online store need an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate is an essential security tool for every online store. It encrypts customers' personal and payment information during the purchase process, protecting them from cybercriminals. An SSL certificate transforms an HTTP connection into a secure HTTPS connection, which is displayed as a padlock icon in the browser's address bar. Without an SSL certificate, customers will not trust your online store, and your Google ranking will suffer significantly.

What is an SSL certificate and how does it work in online stores?

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that creates an encrypted connection between a customer's browser and the online store's server. It acts like a digital passport, verifying the authenticity of your website and activating SSL encryption for all data transfers.

When a customer enters their credit card or personal information on your online store, the SSL certificate immediately encrypts this data. The encrypted information appears as meaningless code to cybercriminals, even if they manage to intercept it. The HTTPS connection is automatically activated after the SSL certificate is installed.

In practice, an SSL certificate changes your website address from HTTP to HTTPS. Customers see a padlock icon in their browser's address bar, indicating a secure connection. This small detail immediately builds customer trust and encourages purchasing decisions.

Why don't customers buy from insecure online stores?

Modern consumers are aware of online security risks and actively avoid insecure websites. Browsers display clear warnings about sites lacking SSL certificates. Chrome, for example, marks HTTP sites as "not secure," immediately deterring customers.

Studies show that consumers interrupt the purchasing process as soon as they see a security warning. They understand that sharing personal and payment card information in an insecure environment can lead to identity theft or financial losses.

Social proof also influences purchasing behavior. When customers see other online stores using HTTPS connections and security seals, they expect the same level of security from all online retailers. The absence of an SSL certificate signals unprofessionalism and negligence, significantly weakening brand credibility.

How does the lack of an SSL certificate affect Google search results?

Google has used HTTPS as a ranking factor since 2014 and has consistently emphasized its importance. The search engine favors websites with SSL certificates in search results because they offer a better user experience and improved security . Without an SSL certificate, your online store loses a significant competitive advantage in search engine optimization.

Google's algorithm assesses website security as part of overall quality. An HTTPS connection improves a website's EAT score (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), which Google values highly, especially for e-commerce sites. Indexing of insecure websites may also be slower, as search engines handle them more cautiously.

From a user experience perspective, browser security warnings dramatically increase website bounce rates. A high bounce rate tells Google that the website doesn't meet user expectations, further lowering its Google ranking . Therefore, an SSL certificate is essential for both security and search engine visibility.

What kind of SSL certificates does an online store need, and how much do they cost?

Online stores need at least a Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate, which costs €10-50 per year. Organization Validated (OV) and Extended Validation (EV) certificates offer a higher level of trust and cost €50-300 per year. The certificate type depends on the size of the business and customer expectations.

A DV certificate is suitable for small online retailers because it quickly activates the HTTPS connection and the padlock icon. It only automatically verifies domain name ownership. An OV certificate requires manual verification of company information and displays the organization's name in the certificate details, which increases credibility.

An EV certificate is the most expensive option, but it offers the highest level of payment security assurance. It displays the company name in green in the browser's address bar and requires a rigorous background check. Large online stores benefit from EV certificates because they build maximum customer trust and differentiate them from competitors. The installation process is usually straightforward through a web hosting provider.

An SSL certificate is not an optional extra, but a fundamental requirement for successful online business. It protects customer data , improves search engine visibility, and builds trust, which is the foundation of all e-commerce. The right certificate type depends on the size of your business and customer expectations, but even a basic DV certificate provides the necessary level of security for starting online businesses.