Yes — every Australian business website needs HTTPS (an SSL certificate). Google marks non-HTTPS sites as "Not Secure" in the browser, it's a confirmed (if minor) ranking factor, and visitors distrust sites without the padlock. The good news: SSL is free through Let's Encrypt and most hosting providers, so there's no excuse not to have it.
SSL used to be optional. It isn't anymore. A site without it looks broken and untrustworthy to visitors, and quietly costs you in search. Here's what you need to know, without the jargon.
What SSL actually does
An SSL certificate enables HTTPS — the secure, encrypted version of your website connection (the padlock in the browser address bar). It does three things that matter:
- Encrypts data between your visitor and your site, so information like form submissions can't be intercepted
- Builds trust — the padlock signals to visitors that your site is legitimate and safe
- Helps SEO — HTTPS is a confirmed Google ranking signal, and "Not Secure" warnings drive visitors away
Even a simple brochure site needs it. The moment a browser shows "Not Secure" next to your business name, you've lost credibility you didn't need to lose.
Why every business site needs it now
Browsers actively flag sites without SSL. A visitor arriving at a "Not Secure" site — especially one with a contact form — sees a warning that makes them hesitate or leave. For a business trying to win trust and capture enquiries, that's a self-inflicted wound. Add the minor SEO benefit and the fact that it's free, and there's simply no reason to run a business site without HTTPS in 2026. It's a baseline item on any technical SEO checklist.
How to check if your site has SSL
It's quick to verify:
- Look at the address bar. A padlock and a URL starting with "https://" means you're covered. A "Not Secure" label or "http://" means you're not.
- Check for mixed content. Sometimes the page is HTTPS but some images or scripts still load over HTTP, which can trigger warnings. A site with no console warnings and a clean padlock is properly configured.
- Confirm it's not expired. SSL certificates expire and need renewing — an expired certificate throws an alarming full-page browser warning.
What to do if your SSL is missing or expired
If you don't have SSL, most hosting providers offer it free (often via Let's Encrypt) and can enable it in a few clicks — check your hosting dashboard or ask your host. If yours has expired, it usually just needs renewing; many hosts auto-renew, but not all, which is one reason ongoing website maintenance is worth having. Once enabled, make sure your whole site redirects from HTTP to HTTPS so there's no insecure version lingering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my website need an SSL certificate?
Yes. Every business website needs an SSL certificate to enable HTTPS. Without it, browsers display a "Not Secure" warning that erodes visitor trust, you miss a minor Google ranking benefit, and any data submitted through your site isn't encrypted. SSL is free through most hosts, so every business site should have it.
Is an SSL certificate free?
Yes, in most cases. Let's Encrypt provides free SSL certificates, and most hosting providers include free SSL that you can enable in a few clicks from your hosting dashboard. There are paid certificates with extra validation features for specific needs, but for the vast majority of business websites, free SSL is perfectly sufficient.
How do I know if my website has SSL?
Look at your browser's address bar — a padlock icon and a URL beginning with "https://" means your site has SSL. A "Not Secure" label or a URL starting with "http://" means it doesn't. Also check the certificate hasn't expired, as an expired one triggers a full-page security warning that drives visitors away.
Does SSL affect SEO?
Yes, though modestly. HTTPS is a confirmed Google ranking signal, so an SSL certificate gives a small SEO benefit. More importantly, sites without SSL show a "Not Secure" warning that increases bounce rates, which indirectly harms performance. Given SSL is free and easy to enable, it's an easy technical SEO win worth securing.
Not sure if your site is properly secured?
We make sure every site we build and maintain runs on HTTPS with no insecure content or expired certificates. Explore our website maintenance and website design services, or get in touch and we'll check your setup.