SSL Certificates Explained: Why Your Website Needs One
If your website does not have SSL, Google is telling your visitors it is not secure. Here is what SSL does, why it matters, and how to get it for free.
What is an SSL certificate?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a technology that encrypts the connection between your website and your visitors. When SSL is active, your website URL changes from http:// to https:// and a padlock icon appears in the browser.
In practical terms, SSL means that everything your visitors type — passwords, contact forms, payment details — is encrypted and cannot be intercepted. Without SSL, this data is sent in plain text that anyone on the network can read.
Three reasons SSL is not optional
Chrome marks you “Not Secure”
Google Chrome — used by 65% of internet users — displays a prominent “Not Secure” warning on every page without SSL. This instantly destroys trust. Studies show that 85% of visitors will leave a site marked as not secure.
Google penalises non-SSL sites
Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal. Websites with SSL rank higher in search results than those without. If you are competing for “web hosting Tanzania” or “restaurant Dar es Salaam”, SSL gives you an edge.
Protects your customers
If your website has a contact form, login page, or payment system, SSL protects that data from being stolen. This is not theoretical — on public Wi-Fi networks (common in Tanzanian cafes and hotels), unencrypted data can be easily intercepted.
Types of SSL certificates
How to get free SSL at Sakurahost
Every Sakurahost hosting plan — from the Tsh. 55,000/year Start-Up to VPS and dedicated servers — includes a free DV SSL certificate. It is activated automatically when your domain is pointed to your hosting. No configuration, no extra cost.
If you need OV, EV, or Wildcard certificates for your business, you can purchase them from our SSL certificates page. We handle installation for you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to pay for an SSL certificate?
No — Sakurahost includes a free DV (Domain Validation) SSL certificate with every hosting plan. It is activated automatically. If you need OV or EV certificates for e-commerce, those are available from Tsh. 230,000/year.
How do I know if my website has SSL?
Look at your browser address bar. If you see a padlock icon and your URL starts with https://, your SSL is active. If you see "Not Secure", you need an SSL certificate.
Does SSL affect my Google ranking?
Yes. Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking factor. Websites with SSL rank higher than those without it. More importantly, Chrome marks non-SSL sites as "Not Secure" — which drives visitors away.
Get free SSL with every hosting plan
All plans include a free DV SSL certificate. Activated automatically.