What is SSL and Why You Need it for Your WordPress Website | EP 130

What is SSL and Why You Need it for Your WordPress Website

1. What is it? 00:52
   • SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer and basically it’s a technology that encrypts the data between your website and the visitor’s browser.
   • From the visitor standpoint, they see https in their URL bar, instead of http.
   • Depending on the browser and depending on the level of the the SSL certificate, you might see a green bar or a green lock. Typically, there’s some visual to show that the site has additional security.
2. It’s crucial for accepting sensitive information 02:03
   • If your website is collecting payment or personal information, you need to have it.
   • So for example, if you are an e-commerce site collecting credit card information, your website should have an SSL certificate.
3. It’s becoming standard for all websites 03:43
   • It’s very easy to get for your website and it helps to build trust with your customers, so you might as well get it.
   • Regardless of personal information, users have become so afraid of hackers on the internet that they can be afraid to visit websites that don’t have additional security.
   • We will have an upcoming episode that goes into more depth on how to get an SSL.
4. Google favors sites with SSL 04:48
   • In this last 12-18 months, Google added SSL as part of their ranking algorithm.
   • So if you have it, your site is going to rank better.
   • You can bet that your competitors have it, so you should to!