You are more likely to close right away a website you have accessed that returns a "not secure" prompt.

But do search engine robots care?

According to Search Engine Journal, Google’s John Mueller deflated the suggestion that an SSL certificate would “boost” a website’s SEO, unambiguously stating that an SSL certificate does not boost your SEO.

That is on one hand. However, on the other, Google also gives up to a 5% search rankings boost to websites with SSL (according to The SSL Store).

But which is true? Anyway, let us first discuss what SSL is.

What is an SSL?

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates are a security measure for websites. They are small data files that are installed on a web server, activating a padlock that allows secure connection from a web server to a browser.

Just like this website, you can observe that it has an active SSL installed in it.

Let's take another definition:

SSL.com defines SSL as:

“SSL is the standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a web server and a browser. This link ensures that all data passed between the web server and browser remain private.”

How does an SSL affect search engine rankings?

To get the most out of your SSL and increase your rankings potential, it's important that you enable SSL encryption across every page of your website. You need to ensure that all your pages are put on HTTPS.

• SSL gives a boost in search engine rankings

You should understand that having an SSL certificate will not just automatically propel your site to the top of the search engine results page.

However, if you are taking care of the other search engine ranking factors and doing all the other important things right, having an SSL certificate will give you the much-needed boost to overtake other websites in a tough and competitive niche. In other words, you get to have extra SEO points for that matter.

• SSL improves SEO by improving the user experience

Undoubtedly, an SSL certificate (a safe and secure website) significantly improves the user experience of any visitor.

If a person lands on an unsafe website, they would see visible indicators that the site is not secure and that they are more likely to quit browsing it.

Do you need help installing an SSL for your site? Contact me today! I am an SEO specialist based in the Philippines who can help boost your online presence through the power of Search Engine Optimization.