As a web startup, whether you are collecting leads or doing direct sales, having the technology and messaging in place for an SSL certificate ...]]> If you’re ever shopped online, then there’s a good chance you have seen notifications of secure socket layer (SSL) connections which is a connection that encrypts sensitive data such as payment information. Since consumers want to ensure their data is safely transmitted, SSL certificates provide protection for sensitive data, which makes consumers more willing to shop online.

As a web startup, whether you are collecting leads or doing direct sales, having the technology and messaging in place for an SSL certificate setup can improve brand trust and conversion rates. When investing in an SSL certificate start by thinking like a consumer.  Visitors to your site need assurances to know exactly who they are working with and to ensure their data will be protected. Even if you have a high quality design, having an SSL “seal” and high quality protection visible on your site will further ensure users can be confident in your site.

The Business Case for Startups Implementing SSL Certificates

For web-based startups, building up consumer trust should be at the core of your business model.  Let’s suppose your business model is selling leads to local restaurants, since you’re building a restaurant review and culinary guide site. In this case, consumers will be required to enter their reservations details or catering requests which you then provide to your clients. To encourage users to enter this information, you can reassure them with an SSL certificate and seal. Having your lead form on a secure https (which is the secure version of the Hypertext transfer protocol that precedes web addresses), you give the user more confidence in your service.

While there are strong technical reasons to use SSL certificates, the primary benefit comes in terms of improved conversion rates. By improving user trust, visitors are much more likely to convert into leads which mean more revenue to your bottom line. Most SSL certificates have some upfront cost for implementation and setup as well as annual renewal fees, but studies have shown the certificates more than pay for themselves.  You have a variety of choices for certificate providers, and going with a reputable provider such as Geosign, Verisign or another large company can add additional credibility to your site.  Leading SSL providers offer you a seal which consumers can click to verify the security and identity of the form for increased verification.

Consumers today are well aware of the risks to shopping online, and both technology as well as consumer perspectives take these factors fully into account. If a user is entering sensitive information into an unsecure (http) page or a page with an unsigned security certificate, then their web browser may alert them, lowering the chances of a conversion. A reputable, signed certificate will allow users to verify the identity of your company, providing them with more confidence in your lead or transaction form. With a high quality SSL you improve conversions, limit your personal liability for the data and can start building on best security practices. As a startup, security and trust should be at the core of your investment decisions, and SSL implementation makes good business sense.

If you are planning to start an e-commerce website, it is best to start by getting an SSL certification.  You can get your SSL certificate from most of the top domain registration websites.  SSL certificates are not very expensive.  The will add a level of professionalism to your site that will make your clients comfortable with doing business with you online.

What Is SSL?

SSL is short for secure sockets layer.  SSL credentials enable the ability for safe ...]]> Understanding SSL Certificates

If you are planning to start an e-commerce website, it is best to start by getting an SSL certification.  You can get your SSL certificate from most of the top domain registration websites.  SSL certificates are not very expensive.  The will add a level of professionalism to your site that will make your clients comfortable with doing business with you online.

What Is SSL?

SSL is short for secure sockets layer.  SSL credentials enable the ability for safe e-commerce transactions on websites.  This technology was developed by Netscape in the mind 1990’s to help secure online interactions.  Since its original development, SSL has grown into the most trusted for of online security for e-commerce sites.

 How SSL Works?

SSL works in three ways, which all help you and your customers protect your personal information while buying and selling online:

• Encryption of private information during online transaction
• Verification of your SSL certification
• Verifies information about the owner of the website

Why do you need SSL certification?

Here are a few reasons to have a SSL certificate:

• If you value privacy and would like your potential clients to know that the information they are providing you is secure, then you need a SSL certificate. 
• If your online store or shopping cart accepts online orders or credit card payments, then sign up for an SSL certificate.
• If you receive personal information such as address, phone numbers, driver license numbers or any other information that could be used in identity theft, a SSL certificate will add to you security of your site.
• If users are required to sign-in to the site in order to use your site, it is best to have a SSL certificate.  Many social networking sites require clients to provide personal information to join these sites, if you are starting a social network, a SSL will be needed during the development process.
• If you own a company that is state or federal mandated to securely process personal information of your users, it is best to set up a SSL authority to ensure you are meeting the requirements.

How does SSL encryption work?

Encryption is a way to scrabble information so only the person that is has the key can read it.  SSL encryption takes the information from the user and then encrypts it so no one with out the unique key can read it.  The unique key is given to the certified user of the key and it encrypts the information for the owner to read.  You can tell if a website if SSL encrypted by looking at the URL string.  If it starts with the http:// it is not encrypted.  However, if the site URL has https://, the site is encrypted for the safety of its users and owners.

Conclusion

A SSL certificate is very easy to obtain through many web security service sites.  If you are starting an online store or any type of website that collects personal information, you need a SSL certification to ensure the safety of your clients as well as you own.  You should search the internet to find a company that offers SSL certification that fits your budget and your unique needs.