(and Why You Shouldn’t Pay Extra for It)

If you’ve ever looked at the top of your web browser and seen a little padlock icon next to a website address, you’ve seen an SSL Certificate in action.

SSL (which stands for Secure Sockets Layer) is the technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your website and your visitor’s computer. In the early days of the web, SSL was mostly for banks and giant e-commerce stores.

Today, it is a requirement for every small business website.

The "Google Factor": Why SSL is No Longer Optional

The biggest reason you need SSL today isn't just about security—it’s about how the world sees your business. Google and other major search engines have made SSL a top priority.

1. The "Not Secure" Warning

If your website doesn't have SSL, Google Chrome and other browsers will often display a "Not Secure" warning in the address bar. For a small business, this is a conversion killer. When a potential customer sees a warning before they even read your first paragraph, they are much more likely to hit the "back" button and go to a competitor.

2. Search Engine Rankings (SEO)

Google has officially stated that having an SSL certificate is a "ranking signal." This means that if two websites are otherwise equal, the one with SSL will likely rank higher in search results. If you want to be found on the web, you need that padlock.

3. Customer Trust

Even if a customer doesn't understand the technical side of encryption, they have been trained to look for the padlock. It’s a digital "seal of approval" that says your business is professional and cares about its visitors' privacy.

Do You Need to Pay for SSL?

This is where many big-name hosting companies take advantage of small business owners. They will often charge an additional $70 to $100 per year just to "add on" an SSL certificate.

At Hosting with Service, we believe you shouldn't have to pay extra for basic security.

We provide a browser-trusted SSL certificate at no additional cost on all of our hosting plans. Whether you are running a simple one-page site or a growing business portal, the padlock is included.

We Handle the "Tech" So You Don't Have To

Setting up an SSL certificate can be a nightmare for non-technical people. It involves generating "signing requests," managing "private keys," and ensuring that every single image and script on your site is loading through the secure connection. If you get it wrong, your site might not load at all.

The good news? I handle all of that for you.

When you host with us, I take care of the installation and the ongoing renewals. You don't have to worry about expiration dates or technical configurations. I make sure the padlock stays green so you can focus on running your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this cover my "www" and "non-www" address?
Yes. Our included SSL covers both versions of your domain automatically.

What about subdomains?
If you have a subdomain (like blog.yourdomain.com), it is fully supported and covered under our SSL service.

What if my domain is registered somewhere else?
As long as your website is hosted with us and your domain points to our servers, we can issue and manage your SSL certificate for you.

Are there ever reasons to pay for a 3rd-party SSL?
For 95% of small businesses, our included SSL is all you will ever need. However, if you are a large enterprise with specific compliance requirements or you want "Extended Validation" (where your company name appears in the address bar), 3rd-party paid certificates are available. We can help you determine if you actually need one (most people don't!).

The Bottom Line

If your website doesn't have a padlock, you are losing trust and potentially losing rank on Google.

Don't let a big-box host charge you an "SSL tax" for something that should be standard. If you’re ready to get your site secured without the headache, we’re here to help.

Is your site showing a "Not Secure" warning?
Contact us today and let’s get it fixed.