When someone visits your website, they’re trusting you with their data—whether it’s a contact form, login credentials, or payment details. An SSL certificate helps protect that information by encrypting it, and it also shows visitors that your site is safe to use.
If your website still shows “Not Secure” in the browser bar or doesn’t include the padlock icon, it’s time to take care of that. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is an SSL Certificate?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates create a secure, encrypted connection between your website and the user’s browser. This ensures that data exchanged between the two stays private.
You’ll know a site has SSL enabled when:
The web address starts with “https”
A padlock icon appears in the browser bar
Visitors don’t get security warnings when accessing your site
SSL is essential for websites that collect any information, even something as simple as an email address.
Why Your Site Needs One
Whether you’re a small business owner, nonprofit leader, or launching a brand online, SSL is non-negotiable. Here’s why:
Protects visitor data from interception or misuse
Boosts trust and credibility with anyone landing on your site
Improves your SEO—Google favors secure sites in search results
Prevents browser warnings that drive people away
Enables integrations with payment tools, email forms, and more
Simply put: it’s a basic layer of professionalism and protection.
How to Get an SSL Certificate
If your site is hosted on InMotion Hosting or GoDaddy, adding SSL is straightforward. Both providers offer options for free and paid SSL certificates.
Free SSL (Recommended for Most Sites)
Most hosting plans from InMotion and GoDaddy include a free SSL certificate through providers like Let’s Encrypt. These are automatically renewable and suitable for most small businesses and nonprofits.
Paid SSL (For Extra Protection)
If your website handles sensitive transactions or needs additional validation, a premium SSL certificate offers added security features and warranties.
Third-Party Providers
It’s also possible to buy an SSL certificate from another provider and manually install it—but for most, using your host’s built-in tools is faster and easier.
How to Install an SSL Certificate
Installing SSL on InMotion Hosting
Log in to your cPanel
Under “Security,” click SSL/TLS
Use AutoSSL to apply the certificate to your domain
If needed, go to “Manage SSL Sites” to confirm installation
Installing SSL on GoDaddy
Log in to your GoDaddy account
Navigate to your hosting dashboard
Look for SSL Certificates or “Add SSL”
Follow the guided steps to apply it to your website
If you’re a YorkPoint Digital client, we’ll take care of this during the build or maintenance process.
How to Check if Your SSL Certificate Is Working
Once installed, it’s important to confirm that everything is functioning correctly. Here are a few quick checks:
Look for the padlock – Your browser should show a padlock next to the web address
Check the URL – It should start with https://
Use a free SSL checker – Try SSL Shopper or Why No Padlock for detailed scans
How Long Does an SSL Certificate Last?
Free SSL certificates typically renew every 90 days
Paid SSL certificates usually last one year
Letting your certificate expire can cause major issues: browser warnings, broken functionality, or loss of trust. If you’re on a YorkPoint maintenance plan, we handle SSL renewals for you.
Don’t Put This Off
SSL is no longer optional. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your visitors, boost credibility, and improve how your site performs in search. It also keeps you compliant with modern browser standards.
If your site isn’t secure—or you’re not sure—YorkPoint Digital can help with setup, renewals, or ongoing maintenance.