SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It’s what encrypts the connection between your site and visitors, keeping data safe. You’ll know a site has SSL when you see the little padlock in the browser bar.

Without SSL, browsers may label your site as “Not Secure” — a big red flag for users, especially if you’re collecting emails, passwords, or payments. It can seriously damage trust and your bounce rate.

Luckily, many hosts offer free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt. Others sell premium ones with extended validation, useful for larger businesses or financial sites.

Installing SSL is usually just a couple clicks from your hosting dashboard. Once it’s set up, make sure all your URLs switch from HTTP to HTTPS to keep your site secure and indexed properly.

Want to know which hosting providers offer easy, free SSL by default? Just check the SSL comparison list on cheap web hosting — it saves time and stress.