Why SSL Certificate is Important for Your B2B Business
Trust and security are essential factors when it comes to doing business online. Anyone who shares sensitive information wants to have the assurance that their data is secure against a third-party. And with the nature and amount of information shared on a B2B website, the need to secure and encrypt data increases. Such security prevents hackers from accessing information, like social security numbers, bank card numbers and passwords, and other private details. Thus, to gain trust and improve security, your B2B website needs an SSL certificate.
SSL certificates are at the core of online security, mainly where online B2B sensitive transactions occur. They ensure that only parties with access can view the information. Since Google began to penalize websites that do not have active security certificates, it has become even more important for your B2B to get one. If your site isn’t secured with https encryption when viewed in Chrome, then it will be labeled with a warning to alert users that their information might not be protected.
In this post, we’ll take a look at what SSL is. We’ll also see the types available, why it’s essential for your B2B business, and what happens if a website is without SSL.
What Is SSL?
SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer. The SSL technology is used to create a secure https link between a web browser and a server. With the use of encryption, the data shared between browser and server cannot be intercepted. So when anyone visits your website and keys in any information, it is secure and safe.
A website’s URL that begins with “http:” indicates one that is not secure with an SSL certificate. This is because the URL of a B2B business website with an active SSL begins with “https:” Another indication that a website has an SSL certificate is the presence of a padlock sign and the word “secure.”
Types of SSL Certificates
There are presently three types of certificates. These certificates all involve their separate application processes:
- Domain validated:is a certificate that is simple and used only to verify the website owner. Anyone with a valid email can obtain this type of certification. Since it’s easily accessed, it is not the most trustworthy security for websites.
- Organizationally validated: certificates are for websites that deal with transactions with low-risk levels. To obtain this type of certification, organizations need to verify the organization’s name, location, and domain.
- Extended validated: offers the highest level of security. It is excellent for B2B business transactions that involve highly-sensitive information and data. For example, a paper writing review site like Online Writers Ratingcan use this to keep customer details safe and secure. To obtain this certification, an organization must undergo a thorough review process.
The type of SSL certificate you choose for your B2B depends on your business needs. And also the level of trust and security you wish to provide to your clients.
Why is SSL Important?
Besides keeping your customer’s details safe and building B2B credibility, there are several other reasons why SSL certificates are essential:
SSL Aids SEO and Increases Organic Traffic
When creating content for your B2B business website, it is aimed at generating organic traffic. Your website can generally get the best out of Search Engine Optimization when you use the right keywords. However, before your website comes tops in any search engine results, there are other criteria considered. For example, Google uses algorithms to determine the websites that show up for what searches.
One of the factors Google considers in the ranking of websites is a site with an SSL certificate. It means that an SSL certificate can improve your B2B website pages to rank higher in your client’s search results. The time factor that affects SEO and website rankings in Google search results is “time on site.” It is based on how long an average user stays on a B2B website. So a site that doesn’t have an SSL certificate means less users will spend time on the site. Thus this will score low on the websites Google algorithm.
SSL Provides Encryption for Sensitive Information
Any information sent using the internet goes through several computers and systems before getting to the intended recipient. Before the information gets to the recipients, there are multiple opportunities for hackers to intercept the process. But if your B2B business website is SSL protected, then the data you send is encrypted.
Thus no one can see the information sent via your website, except authorized persons. Even when hackers find a way in, they still need the encryption key required to access the data. So, all data and information between you and your B2B clients remain safe and secure.
SSL Adds the Secure Padlock Next to Your URL
When customers go onto an SSL certified B2B website, they’ll see a locked padlock sign next to the URL. It also has “https://” instead of “http://” before the site address. This informs your customers that the site is encrypted, and their details will be kept safe. A website that doesn’t have the padlock icon means the client will likely see warning messages that the website is “not secure.” Such a message could be a red flag for B2B customers and can affect website traffic.
SSL Provides Safer Online Payment Options
Another importance of SSL certificates to your B2B website is securing online payments. Without an active SSL certificate, a B2B website that makes use of online payment is at risk. Bank details are sensitive information, and no customer will want to use a site where their info can be compromised. For instance, SSL can provide data security for writing service review sites like Best Writers Online that use online payment channels.
What Happens to a B2B Website Without SSL?
Without an SSL certificate, it is not like your website will combust and come crashing down. However, what good is a website to your B2B if customers do not think it’s safe and refuse to interact? Your website traffic can decrease, and search engine results will be nothing to write home about. These can be devastating results for any B2B business website, especially for those who rely on customer trust.
Conclusion:
As a B2B business, customer security should be a top priority. And that is where SSL certificates come in. The SSL technology will ensure that information and data between you and your customers and encrypted and secure from hackers. It will also help improve SEO rankings and website traffic that aid B2B growth. Indeed the importance of an SSL certificate to a B2B website is numerous.