The short answer
An SSL certificate encrypts the connection between a visitor's browser and your website, so information passing between them (passwords, contact form submissions, payment details) can't be intercepted or read by anyone else. It's what turns http:// into https:// and shows the padlock icon in the address bar.
Why it matters beyond security
- Trust - visitors are wary of sites without the padlock, and browsers actively flag non-HTTPS sites as "Not Secure"
- Search rankings - Google factors HTTPS into search ranking, so having SSL helps your SEO
- Required for payments - any site accepting payment or sensitive information needs SSL as a baseline requirement
How it comes with our hosting
Several of our hosting plans include a free SSL certificate for the life of the plan - our WordPress plans, our VPS plans, and our higher-tier shared hosting plans. It's automatically installed, validated, and renewed, so there's nothing to configure or remember. As long as the hosting plan stays active, the SSL stays active with it. Our entry-level shared plans don't include it by default, so check the plan details on our hosting page if SSL is a must-have for you.
Already have a site without SSL? Many of our hosting plans include it automatically. If you're on a different host, we can help you move over and get properly secured.