Selling online requires a high degree of trust from your buyers. Luckily, there are many ways to create this trust, from looking professional to being transparent about your process. A key piece that many shop owners overlook, however, is a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate.
SSL is a protocol that creates a secure connection between a client and the server over which to send information. This certificate shows users that your website has been reviewed by a third party and deemed safe. SSL certificates are sold at different price points according to the depth of the third-party background check, and they display in different ways.
At the basic level, a secure site’s URL begins with “HTTPS” instead of the usual “HTTP.” With a more thorough check, your URL may have a small lock symbol appear in the browser box or even display in a separate box altogether.
You can usually purchase an SSL certificate from your e-commerce platform provider as an add-on. It doesn’t take much work on your end, and the relatively small investment is worth the trust it builds with customers.
Source: JP Hunt
