Newsletter that went out to our clients.

Dear Clients

You might be aware of Google’s announcement regarding SSL Certificates?

From October 2017 Google Chrome is going to start displaying a “Not Secure” message if your website does not have an SSL certificate installed.

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It adds an extra layer of security to your website, which can never be a bad thing.

A website address with SSL will look like this: https://example.com

Without SSL it will look like this: http://example.com

Why have SSL?

Previously SSL was only really needed for ecommerce websites (all my ecommerce clients have this installed already). However, Google is putting more and more value in even smaller websites using it and as we all know, whatever Google values, affects Search Engine Optimisation. That means it also has a direct impact on our all time favourite race: The number one spot in a Google search. Websites with SSL Certificates will now rank higher than those without it. In my opinion, it will also start having a psychological effect on users, they will, and in a big way are already choosing to use websites that they see as safe – in other words displaying HTTPS rather than HTTP.

My Suggestion

For this reason, I would like to advise everyone to get an SSL Certificate installed via your host ASAP. It is not expensive (mine was R249 for a one year license from domains.co.za). There are easy plugins that you can download and install, that will make the process really easy. I recommend this free one:

If you would like me to do it for you I can do so for R599 including the certificate.

For my maintenance clients, I will install yours free of charge as part of your monthly maintenance once you give me the go ahead. The cost of the certificate will be charged to your next invoice.

If you are not convinced, I urge you to do a quick Google search and read a bit more about SSL Certificates and the need for them.