That little padlock in the address bar means every byte between your visitor and your site is encrypted. Passwords, checkout details, and contact forms can't be read or altered in transit — and browsers now warn loudly about sites that lack it.
Why it affects your rankings and revenue
Search engines rank HTTPS pages higher, and browsers label HTTP pages "Not Secure" — a warning that sends cautious visitors straight to competitors. SSL is no longer a premium feature; it's table stakes for trust.
Every Cobaltway plan includes a free Let's Encrypt certificate that installs itself and renews forever. You do literally nothing.
What we handle behind the scenes
Issuing, installing, redirecting HTTP to HTTPS, and renewing every 90 days — automatically. Mixed-content warnings get flagged in your control panel with one-click fixes, and WooCommerce stores get hardened TLS settings out of the box.
When to consider premium SSL
Most sites never need more than free SSL. The exception: large enterprises that want warranty-backed certificates with extended validation (the company name in the certificate details) for procurement checklists.
Check your site today — if there's no padlock, talk to support and we'll switch you to HTTPS free, usually within the hour.