An SSL certificate is the padlock in the browser address bar — the signal to visitors that their connection to your website is encrypted and that your site is what it claims to be. Without one, browsers display security warnings that deter visitors and damage trust. With one improperly installed or expired, the result is the same. TechSend manages SSL certificates across all the websites and web applications we host and support, ensuring continuous HTTPS coverage without the certificate management becoming a maintenance burden on your team.

Why SSL Matters

SSL certificates serve three purposes: they encrypt data in transit between your visitor’s browser and your server, they authenticate that your domain is controlled by a legitimate organisation, and they signal to Google that your site is secure — which has been a confirmed ranking factor since 2014. Sites without valid SSL certificates are flagged as “Not Secure” by Chrome and other browsers, and that warning significantly reduces visitor trust and conversion rates, particularly on contact forms and checkout pages.

Certificate Types

TechSend advises on and installs the appropriate SSL certificate type for each client’s needs:

• Domain Validation (DV) — The standard certificate for most business websites. Confirms domain ownership and enables HTTPS encryption. Issued quickly and cost-effectively.
• Organisation Validation (OV) — Validates both domain ownership and the legal existence of the organisation. Provides stronger trust signals for professional services and B2B websites.
• Extended Validation (EV) — The highest level of certificate validation, requiring comprehensive legal and operational verification. Historically used by banks and e-commerce sites requiring maximum trust signals.
• Wildcard & Multi-Domain — For businesses with multiple subdomains or multiple domains requiring SSL coverage under a single certificate.

Installation & Configuration

Correct SSL installation requires more than uploading a certificate file — it requires proper server configuration, HTTP to HTTPS redirect setup, HSTS headers, mixed content resolution, and verification that all page resources load securely. TechSend handles the complete installation and configuration process, testing every aspect of the implementation to ensure browsers display the secure padlock without warnings.

Renewal Management

SSL certificates expire — typically annually — and an expired certificate triggers the same browser warnings as no certificate at all. TechSend monitors certificate expiry dates and renews certificates proactively, ensuring there is never a gap in SSL coverage that could alarm your visitors or affect your search rankings.