Advantages of a paid SSL certificate
Security of a website is an important concern. The security certificate of a website is one of the first things you see as a visitor. Without an SSL certificate you will immediately see the message 'not secure' in the browser bar:
Such a message can make you feel unsafe and can scare off customers who try to buy something through your website. So it has a negative impact on the performance of a website. If you process personal data on your website, which is already the case with a contact form, then it is even mandatory to activate an SSL certificate on your website. Without such a certificate you do not comply with the privacy legislation.
Besides meeting the regulations, an SSL certificate also offers other benefits. Besides a paid variant, you also have a free SSL certificate. Let's discuss the pros and cons in this blog post. And why ultimately choosing a paid SSL certificate is the better option.
The core function of an SSL certificate
The main reason why you would want to have an SSL certificate on your website is because the data that the visitor sends to your website runs through a secure connection. Previously, this was often not the case with many different parties. So as soon as you use a website or service that does not use a secure connection, people who are on the same network can "tap into" it.
With simple network tools like Wireshark you can see what information is being sent. It is even possible to see, for example, all the information from a contact form or payment. This can have dramatic consequences. Not only for the visitor but also for your business.
Fortunately, more and more websites are secured with an SSL certificate. This is obviously a positive development. With many webhosters including MijnHostingPartner.nl you can install a certificate fairly simply and quickly. So why choose a paid variant? Below is a small overview of the main differences between a free and paid SSL certificate:
| Free SSL Certificate | Paid SSL Certificate | |
| Lock in the browser bar | ✅ | ✅ |
| Secure connection via HTTPS | ✅ | ✅ |
| Better findability in search engines | ✅ | ✅ |
| Warranty up to 500.000 euro | ✖ | ✅ |
| Seal of approval from Sectigo | ✖ | ✅ |
| Better protection against Phishing | ✖ | ✅ |
| Extended Validation Certificates | ✖ | ✅ |
| Duration of one year or more | ✖ | ✅ |
| Installed and implemented by MijnHostingPartner.nl | ✖ | ✅ |
Advantages of a paid SSL certificate
A paid SSL certificate has some great advantages over a free SSL certificate. Let's discuss these further below.
The request and installation of a paid SSL certificate is taken care of by MijnHostingPartner.nl. We set up the SSL certificate for you and arrange the redirect for all traffic from http (unsecured) to https (secured). In addition, you do not have to worry about renewing the certificate. One less worry!
A paid SSL certificate is provided by MijnHostingPartner.nl through Sectigo, which used to be Comodo. Sectigo is the market leader in providing SSL certificates and besides the extensive security also provides a guarantee on the security and validation thereof. Something a free SSL certificate from Lets Encrypt cannot offer.
With Sectigo you can also display a logo on your website hosting. This gives an extra signal of trust to visitors of your website. The certificates can also be purchased for several years. That way you are ready for a long period of time. A paid variant can be arranged for a period of 6 years. A free Let's Encrypt variant must be renewed every 90 days.
Another option with Sectigo or a paid certificate is that you can request a Wildcard certificate. With such a certificate all underlying subdomains are also provided with an SSL certificate. The highest SSL security is achieved with an EV certificate. EV stands for Extended Validation. Such a certificate is only assigned after several verification procedures have been completed. In addition to the verification of your email address, you will also be contacted by telephone to verify the details provided. An EV SSL certificate shows that you take the safety of your website and your visitors seriously and leave nothing to chance. For online shops, administration offices and law firms, this can be a serious consideration for purchasing an EV certificate.
Another important advantage of an SSL certificate is that it gives an advantage in the ranking within the Google search engine. Google looks if you have installed a certificate and if it is valid. Do you have no SSL certificate or is it expired and does one of your competitors have a valid SSL certificate installed? Then there is a big chance that they have a higher position within Google than your website. It is important for the positioning of your website to install a certificate.
SSL certificates are therefore indispensable for almost any website. It does not matter if you have a blog, webshop or business website. As soon as you request anything personal, which can be just an email address, you are required to secure it with a SSL certificate. So place an order now at MijnHostingPartner.nl for a paid SSL certificate. For a competitive price and within no time we provide your website with a security certificate.
Disadvantages of a free SSL certificate
Many new webmasters want to reduce the costs of their website. However, there are a few things you should probably not save on. When you read up on the different options for an SSL certificate, you quickly come across the incredibly popular Let's Encrypt name. This is a party that issues free SSL certificates to anyone who wants one. And that brings us to one of the biggest disadvantages of a free Let's Encrypt certificate; anyone can request it. It is therefore also used by many phishing websites and malware distributors.
A Let's Encrypt certificate can therefore be a good option for a relatively simple website with a contact form. However, as soon as your business needs to make a choice, a paid SSL certificate is the safer and better option.
Small investment, big difference
So when you want to start a website for your company, an SSL certificate is one of the first serious considerations. Besides your own benefits such as ranking, it also gives your website visitors a peace of mind. They can feel safe filling out your contact form, send a message through your website or make a purchase knowing that their data cannot be viewed by third parties.
An SSL certificate: a safe and trusted feeling for you and the visitors of your website. Order it now! We'll take care of the rest.
