Important Google Update: Chrome set to mark certain websites unsecure

Author: Rachel Durkan Category: Industry, Marketing, Web Design Date: May 22, 2018

Google recently announced that on July 1, 2018 it will run a major update to Google Chrome. At that time, websites that do not have a correctly installed security (SSL) certificate will be marked as “not secure” in the Chrome browser. Your website is a marketing tool for your business, and visitors who see that your site is not secure may be concerned. Here is what you should know in preparation for the July 1st update:

What will happen if I don’t add an SSL to my website?
After July 1, when someone visits your website on Google Chrome, they will see the phrase “Not Secure” in the address bar before your URL. This may prompt visitors to leave your website, increasing your site bounce rate and endangering your inbound leads. Additionally, Google favors websites with SSL certificates in search rankings more so than those that don’t.

Here’s an example of what your visitors will see if you do not have an HTTPS:// address.

Here is what you need to do.

First, you need to determine if your site is secure.
You can determine if your site has an installed security certificate by following the steps below:
1. Open your web browser and type you web address into the URL bar.
2. If your website starts with HTTP:// then you are not secure
3. If your website starts with HTTPS:// it is most likely secure

Second, if it is not, you need to add an SSL.
A web developer can install an SSL for you. An SSL can be purchased from your website’s hosting account. Depending on your provider, some hosting accounts include SSL certificates in their standard fee. If it is not included, an SSL certificate costs approximately $40-$100 per year.

At Paradigm Marketing and Design, we offer SSL certificate installation. This can usually be accomplished in 2-4 hours, depending on your hosting provider and the size and scope of your website.

If you aren’t sure whether your website is secure or not, or would like more information, please contact us today.