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HTTP vs. HTTPS: Why Does This Matter For Ecommerce?

HTTP vs. HTTPS: Why Does This Matter For Ecommerce?

HTTPS in browser search bar

HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol)

HTTP is essentially a communication standard between websites and clients. However, standard HTTP is not invincible. 3rd parties can see the sensitive data you’re downloading. This is not so bad for viewing a typical news article, but let’s say you hop over to view your account information. Then, your account is pretty much open for interception by 3rd parties. From here, devious 3rd parties can do many things. Like collect and sell your sensitive information, trick you into giving them more information, or force you to download malware.

Enter SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)- a security protocol that is used to secure data between two machines using encryption. Until 2017, only e-commerce websites needed to obtain SSL for online checkout processes, but it quickly became an essential practice for all organizations that obtain information from forms, signups, social media, and more, to install the SSL certificate onto its web server to initiate a secure session with browsers. There are a few identifying features that can tell you if the website you’re on utilizes this security feature, but the most common way is through HTTPS.

HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure)

For today’s browsers, security is essential. Without an SSL certificate, hackers can obtain usernames and passwords, credit card information, contact and identification information, and more. Out of the many reasons to protect your organization and customers with SSL, here are the main reasons you should make the switch today:

  • SSL keeps data secure between servers. You are legally protected, your customers are safe, and hackers are thwarted.
  • It’s a ranking factor when it comes to SEO. If two websites have content of equal quality, the HTTPS site will rank higher every time.
  • It increases consumer trust. By providing a secure browsing experience through encrypted data, it’s extremely difficult for thieves to steal sensitive information.

woman paying with credit card through a safe https browser

While HTTPS cannot increase sales, it certainly will not deter them. The added security reduces visitor anxiety about using a credit card online. Chrome has even started flagging websites as “Not Secure” if they are not HTTPS, warning users about the potential risks of e-commerce on a browser without the SSL.

Red Crow Marketing

Your website is your most important marketing tool, as almost all other marketing efforts lead back to your website. If your website design is unsafe or insecure, you’re going to lose the opportunity to engage with them. If you’re looking to start an organization, build a website, or simply fine-tune your marketing efforts, consider giving us a call at Red Crow Marketing. If you’re unsure where to start, make use of our handy, free, Site Audit Tool -a powerful website crawler that allows you to analyze the health of your website. It will provide you with a list of technical issues that will make it easy to see where exactly your website is struggling.

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