SSL certificate
The padlock in the address bar is the first thing a careful customer looks for. We install the certificate with every site we deliver.
An SSL certificate encrypts the data travelling between your visitor and your site, so the address opens on https and the browser stops labelling it “not secure”. With us the certificate comes with the hosting, and it is installed before we hand the site over.
- Encrypted trafficVisitor data protected on its way to you.
- No warningThe site opens on https with the padlock showing.
- Included with hostingNot a separate line on your bill.
- Better for indexingSearch engines prefer encrypted sites.
Signs your site needs a certificate today
- The browser writes “Not secure” next to your address.
- Your address starts with http and there is no padlock.
- You have a contact form or any field asking for personal details.
- Visitors hesitate before filling in a form or calling from the site.
What we check before and after installing
We issue and install the certificate, redirect every address to https, then go through the pages, images and files to make sure nothing is still being pulled over http — that mixed content is what makes the padlock disappear even when the certificate is fine. After that we watch the expiry date and renew it before it lapses.
Related: hosting and maintenance.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is an SSL certificate and why do I need one?
It encrypts the data between your visitor and your website, turns the address into https and removes the browser’s “not secure” warning. That warning alone is enough to make a customer leave.
It is standard now on any site with a form or a payment.
How much does it cost?
If your site is hosted with us, the certificate is part of the hosting at no extra charge. On another provider, the cost depends on the type of certificate they allow.
See hosting. We put the price in writing before we start, so nothing extra shows up later.
How long does installation take?
On our servers it is usually done the same day, and then we check every page so nothing is left loading over http. We show you the padlock in the browser before we call it finished.
Mixed content is the part that takes the care.
What is the difference between http and https?
http sends data as plain text; https encrypts it with a certificate. Browsers now warn visitors about http sites, which is why the change is not optional any more.
The redirect has to be done properly so old links keep working in search results.
Does SSL affect my ranking in Google?
Yes, in two ways: search engines prefer encrypted sites, and the warning on an unsecured site makes visitors leave quickly, which also affects your position.
The wider work is on SEO services. The hosting is on our own servers, and we keep an eye on the renewal and on the SSL certificate so the site never goes down or shows as not secure.
My site is hosted elsewhere. Can you install it?
Yes, if they give us access to the control panel. We install it, set the redirects and check the site page by page afterwards. If their platform will not allow it, we offer to move you.
See migration. We agree on every detail before we start, so you know what is inside the work and what is outside it.
Do certificates need renewing?
Yes. A certificate has a validity period, and the moment it expires visitors see a warning. We watch the date and renew it before it happens.
Renewals are handled under website management. After the site is live we stay with you, so any question or edit reaches the same team that built it.
Does a certificate protect my site from hacking?
No. It protects data in transit. Real protection also needs updates, strong passwords, backups and someone watching the site.
All of that is part of maintenance. We agree on every detail before we start, so you know what is inside the work and what is outside it.
Is your site still on http?
Send us the address and we will tell you what it takes to secure it.