While in Google Chrome, you may have noticed various sites showing a green “Secure” next to their URL in Google Chrome. Yet, your firm’s site has a “Not Secure” next to the URL. A little “i” with a circle around it also appears. Here, the text says “Your connection to this site is not secure.” Why is this?
What Makes a Site “Not Secure”?
The “Not Secure” next to your firm’s URL means your firm’s site is has no encryption to protect the connection or privacy of its visitors. This means that if someone were to put in any sensitive information on your firm’s site, it can be stolen by attackers. The encryption adds a layer of security that helps protect any sensitive information entered on your firm’s website.
Let’s say a potential client visits your firm’s “Not Secure” site looking for legal help and decides to fill out a contact form on the website. Here, they enter their email, address, date of birth or any other information you may ask. This information can be stolen by a hacker or intercepted if the visitor is on a public network. Aside from the risks you’re imposing on your potential clients, it’s a big red flag for anyone considering your firm.
How Does a Site Become Secure?
A secure site will begin with HTTPS instead of HTTP. The ‘S’ in HTTPS stands for “Secure.” This means the site is just an HTTP site with a secure socket layer certificate (SSL).
There are different sites you can get a SSL from, and some are even free (such as letsencrypt.org). You can also contact your firm’s domain host to find out their SSL options, though these you will often have to pay for. Once you have the SSL and it is applied to your firm’s site, the “Not Secure” will disappear and will be replaced by “Secure.” Even if you do have to pay for SSL, it’s usually inexpensive and well worth the effort.
You can about HTTPS in more detail here.
Why Does It Matter?
Having the “Not Secure” can turn potential clients away from your firm’s site. If they find a competing firm with a secure site, they may work with them instead of you. A site with “Secure” rather than “Not Secure” may appear to be more credible. No one wants to chance using an unsecure site and having their information stolen, especially when seeking legal help.
Having an SSL also impacts SEO. HTTPS sites are now faster than HTTP. Both the speed increase and SSL will help increase your firm’s SEO. Google uses the SSL and site speed as ranking factors, so your firm’s site will do better on search results. A slower, unsecure site is more likely to appear lower on search results than a faster, secure site. Not having a secure site makes it easier for competing firms who already have the SSL to rank higher than your firm.
If while making the switch to HTTPS you need to supplement marketing efforts, consider lead generation. Call us today to at 617.800.0089 for more information on pricing and availability for our Social Security disability, workers’ compensation, personal injury and employment law leads.