Do I need SSL/HTTPS for my website?

SSL (now technically TLS) creates an encrypted connection so data such as logins, form entries, and card details can't be read in transit. You can tell it's active when the address starts with https:// and the browser shows a padlock. Without it, Chrome and other browsers display a "Not secure" label in the address bar, which is enough to make many visitors leave before they read anything.

Beyond trust, HTTPS has been a Google ranking factor since 2014, and many modern browser features and all reputable payment gateways simply refuse to work on an insecure connection. So SSL isn't just an e-commerce concern; it's a baseline requirement for any real website, including a plain brochure site.

The good news is it's easy and usually free. Let's Encrypt issues certificates at no cost, and most hosting providers and site platforms provision and auto-renew them with a single click or by default. If your site still shows "Not secure", it's almost always a quick configuration fix rather than a real expense.