Digital certificates are essential for securing e-commerce websites. They encrypt sensitive customer data and verify a site's identity, ensuring safe transactions and building user trust. Without them, your site risks being flagged as "Not Secure", which can drive customers away. Shopify simplifies this by offering free SSL certificates, automatically securing all stores. For other platforms, choosing the right certificate type (DV, OV, EV, or Wildcard) depends on your business size and security needs.
Key points:
Security not only protects data but also enhances customer confidence, directly influencing sales and conversions.
When it comes to securing your e-commerce store, not all SSL certificates are created equal. They vary in terms of validation level and the specific needs they address. Knowing these differences can help you select the best option for your business and budget.
Domain Validated (DV) certificates are the simplest SSL option, requiring only proof of domain ownership. The certificate authority (CA) verifies this by sending an email to confirm ownership, and the process is quick - certificates can be issued in just minutes.
Priced affordably at $3–$8 per year, DV certificates are a great choice for small startups or websites that need basic encryption. While they provide the padlock icon and HTTPS encryption, they don't verify business details, which means they lack the trust signals larger businesses often need. Still, they offer a basic layer of security and show customers that your site is authentic and safe to use.
For businesses looking for more credibility, upgrading to an Organization Validated certificate is a better option.
OV certificates go a step further by verifying both domain ownership and the business's identity. The CA ensures your business is legally registered and confirms your physical address before issuing the certificate.
This added layer of verification makes OV certificates ideal for mid-sized e-commerce stores that want to build trust with their customers. At $48 per year, they strike a balance between cost and added credibility. The validation process usually takes 1–3 days, as the CA reviews your business details.
When customers check your certificate details, they'll see verified business information, which reassures them that they're dealing with a legitimate company.
Extended Validation (EV) certificates provide the highest level of trust by requiring the most thorough verification process. The CA conducts an in-depth review of your business, including legal, physical, and operational checks.
These certificates are often chosen by enterprise-level businesses that handle sensitive data or high-value transactions. EV certificates go beyond the padlock icon by displaying your company name directly in the browser's address bar - a clear and immediate signal of your legitimacy.
Starting at $61.60 per year, EV certificates are an investment in customer confidence. The validation process takes 1–5 days due to the detailed checks involved. For businesses dealing with significant transaction volumes or sensitive information, the extra time and cost are well worth it.
Wildcard certificates are a convenient option for securing a primary domain and all its subdomains under one certificate. For example, a single wildcard certificate can protect shop.example.com, blog.example.com, and support.example.com simultaneously.
This makes them particularly useful for larger e-commerce stores with complex site structures. Instead of managing multiple certificates, you can simplify your security setup with one wildcard certificate. Starting at $34 per year, they are often more cost-effective than purchasing individual certificates for each subdomain.
Wildcard certificates are available in DV, OV, and EV validation levels, depending on your needs. However, they can't secure multiple top-level domains (like example.com and example.net), and EV certificates don't support wildcard functionality.
| Certificate Type | Starting Price | Validation Level | Issuance Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DV | $3–$8/year | Domain | Minutes | Small stores, basic pages |
| OV | $48/year | Domain & Business | 1–3 days | Mid-sized businesses |
| EV | $61.60/year | Extended Business | 1–5 days | Enterprise, high-value transactions |
| Wildcard | $34/year | Varies | Varies | Stores with multiple subdomains |
The right SSL certificate depends on your store's size, transaction volume, and the level of trust you want to establish with your customers. Investing in the right certificate can significantly enhance your site's security and customer confidence.
Picking the right Certificate Authority (CA) is crucial for ensuring security and building customer trust. Knowing which providers stand out can help you make informed decisions, especially if you're using platforms other than Shopify or require tailored solutions.
The digital certificate market features several well-known names that businesses rely on for security and trust. Sectigo (formerly Comodo) is a standout with its competitive pricing and industry-leading warranty coverage, offering up to $2 million for enterprise-level certificates. Their PositiveSSL EV Multi-Domain certificate, which secures up to 250 domains with a $1 million warranty, is particularly appealing for businesses that manage multiple sites.
DigiCert is another top choice, known for its premium customer support and quick certificate issuance. Meanwhile, GeoTrust and Thawte are recognized for their strong reputations and widespread browser and payment gateway compatibility - key factors for delivering a smooth shopping experience.
For businesses looking to save money, SSL2BUY and SSLs.com offer budget-friendly options without cutting corners on essential features. SSL2BUY provides 24/7 support and a wide range of certificate types, while SSLs.com is known for its incredibly low pricing, with personal SSL certificates starting at just $3 per year.
| Provider | Validation Levels | Key Features | Warranty | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sectigo | DV, OV, EV, Wildcard | High warranty, affordable, strong browser support | Up to $2M | $10–$70+ per year |
| DigiCert | DV, OV, EV, Wildcard | Premium support, fast issuance | Up to $1.5M | $200–$300+ per year |
| GeoTrust | DV, OV, EV, Wildcard | Trusted brand, easy management | Up to $1.5M | $149–$299+ per year |
| Thawte | DV, OV, EV, Wildcard | Global recognition, strong support | Up to $1.5M | $149–$299+ per year |
| SSL2BUY | DV, OV, EV, Wildcard | Low cost, wide selection, 24/7 support | Up to $1.5M | $8–$61.60 per year |
| SSLs.com | DV, OV, EV, Wildcard | Very low cost, easy purchase | Up to $1M | $3–$36 per year |
Wildcard and Multi-Domain SSL certificates are increasingly popular among e-commerce businesses managing multiple websites or subdomains. These options simplify certificate management and can save money compared to buying individual certificates for each domain.
Online stores face unique security challenges, making it essential to choose the right SSL certificate. For Shopify users, the platform automatically provides and renews 256-bit SSL certificates for all stores. This built-in feature covers your entire site and eliminates the need for manual installation or renewal. However, Shopify doesn’t allow third-party SSL certificates to be added directly.
If you're using a platform other than Shopify, there are a few key factors to consider. Start with compatibility - ensure the certificate works seamlessly with your platform. While major providers offer near-universal browser and device support, it’s worth double-checking compatibility with less common browsers or older devices your audience might use. All major providers also meet PCI DSS standards, which are essential for secure payment processing.
Another critical factor is warranty coverage, which provides financial protection in the rare case of a certificate failure. For businesses handling large transaction volumes, this added layer of security can bring peace of mind. Additionally, responsive customer support from your CA can help minimize downtime and resolve issues quickly.
For businesses managing multiple domains or subdomains, consider whether a Wildcard certificate or a Multi-Domain certificate would be more efficient. Wildcard certificates secure unlimited subdomains under a single domain, while Multi-Domain certificates are ideal for securing several related websites, simplifying security management.
Finally, while price is important, it shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor. The difference between a $3 Domain Validation (DV) certificate and a $300 Extended Validation (EV) certificate often lies in the level of validation and trust indicators, rather than the underlying security. Choose a certificate that aligns with your business needs and customer expectations.
Digital certificates do more than just encrypt data - they play a pivotal role in shaping customer trust and directly impact business performance. By signaling security and legitimacy, they influence customer behavior and drive key metrics.
The padlock icon in the browser address bar is one of the most recognizable trust signals for online shoppers. It works alongside HTTPS to immediately confirm that a site is legitimate and secure. Some businesses also use site seals provided by certificate authorities, which can be especially reassuring during checkout when customers are entering sensitive payment information.
For businesses aiming to go the extra mile, Extended Validation (EV) certificates offer a higher level of visible trust. When customers click on the padlock, they can see the verified company name, which communicates authenticity and professionalism.
Consider this: 70% of online shoppers have canceled an order due to concerns about a website's security. This statistic highlights how critical these trust signals are - not just for security, but for influencing customer decisions and, ultimately, sales.
These visible security features don’t just protect your site. They also contribute to better SEO rankings and smooth payment processing, further enhancing your store’s performance.
Did you know that SSL/TLS certificates are a ranking factor in Google’s search algorithm? Secure websites using HTTPS are favored over non-secure ones, which can lead to higher search rankings, more organic traffic, and better visibility for your store. Beyond rankings, customers are more likely to trust and click on secure sites in search results, improving click-through rates.
When it comes to payment processing, SSL/TLS certificates are non-negotiable. Major payment processors require them to ensure the encrypted transmission of financial data and compliance with PCI DSS standards. Without these certificates, stores risk losing their payment gateway capabilities, facing fines, or even encountering legal troubles. The cost of SSL implementation pales in comparison to the potential consequences of non-compliance. Plus, secure payment systems build customer confidence, helping to boost conversion rates.
There’s a clear connection between security and sales. SSL/TLS certificates help reduce cart abandonment by reassuring customers that their sensitive information is safe, especially during checkout. For many shoppers, visible security indicators can be the deciding factor between completing a purchase or abandoning their cart.
Reports show that e-commerce stores with SSL/TLS protection experience higher conversion rates and lower cart abandonment rates. This is especially important given that automated attacks targeted 62% of e-commerce stores in 2022. Shoppers are increasingly aware of these risks, making robust security a key factor in their purchasing decisions.
Beyond conversions, secure sites often see improvements in average order value and customer retention. When customers trust that their data is safe, they’re more likely to make larger purchases and return for future transactions. On the flip side, mixed content issues - where some site elements load over HTTP instead of HTTPS - can trigger browser warnings that erode trust instantly. Ensuring all resources, from images to third-party scripts, are securely delivered is essential for maintaining customer confidence.
The benefits of SSL/TLS certificates extend beyond trust. Improved security enhances search rankings, bringing more qualified traffic to your store. This creates a positive cycle: better security leads to more visitors, higher conversions, and increased revenue.
For Shopify store owners, the good news is that SSL certificates are automatically provided and managed by the platform. However, understanding how security measures impact customer trust can help you fine-tune other aspects of your store’s strategy to build even greater confidence with your audience.
Shopify makes managing digital certificates a breeze, thanks to its built-in SSL features. The platform takes care of SSL certificate management automatically, so you can focus on running your store without worrying about technical security details.
When you connect a custom domain to your Shopify store, SSL activation kicks in automatically - provided your DNS settings are correctly configured. To ensure everything runs smoothly, set your A record to Shopify's IP address (23.227.38.65) and your CNAME for "www" to shops.myshopify.com. Keep in mind that DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours, so it’s normal if your certificate status doesn’t show as active right away.
One of the best parts? You don’t have to deal with manual installations, renewal fees, or expiration dates. Shopify doesn’t support third-party SSL certificates, which simplifies the process and ensures that all certificates meet the platform's security standards.
Once your domain is connected, it’s a good idea to verify your certificate’s status to catch any potential issues early.
You can monitor your SSL certificate status directly in your Shopify admin. Navigate to Settings > Domains to check whether your SSL status is active, pending, or failed.
A valid SSL certificate ensures that your store displays the padlock icon and "https://" in the URL, signaling a secure connection. If you notice "Not Secure" warnings or missing security indicators, it’s a sign that something needs attention.
A common issue is mixed content errors, which occur when some resources on your site load over HTTP instead of HTTPS. To avoid this, always use HTTPS URLs for all site resources, including images, scripts, and stylesheets. If you use custom code or third-party apps, double-check for any hardcoded HTTP links. Fixing these errors promptly helps maintain your site’s secure status, which is crucial for building customer trust.
If your SSL certificate fails to activate, start by confirming that your DNS settings are correct and that your domain points to the proper Shopify servers. If the issue persists beyond 48 hours, it’s time to reach out to Shopify Support for help.
For stores with multiple domains or subdomains, Shopify’s SSL covers all connected domains as long as your DNS is set up correctly. Regularly monitoring your certificate - especially after making significant changes - and keeping your account details up to date will help you address any issues quickly. A secure site not only protects your customers but also reinforces their confidence in your store.
Shopify takes care of SSL certificates automatically, but creating a store that truly converts requires more than just the basics. That’s where specialized expertise comes into play. By combining Shopify's built-in security with advanced optimization techniques, Midday helps businesses achieve both safety and higher conversions.
Midday takes Shopify’s automatic SSL setup a step further, ensuring every aspect of your store boosts security and drives conversions. Their experienced developers weave security into the fabric of your store's design, eliminating issues like mixed content and maintaining the trust-inducing padlock icon in browsers.
What sets Midday apart is their focus on measurable outcomes. They connect security upgrades directly to business metrics like conversion rates, average order value, and customer lifetime value. For example, when refining checkout processes, they incorporate trust-building elements like SSL icons, secure payment badges, and compliance certifications to reduce cart abandonment.
With a deep understanding of Shopify's platform and top security practices, Midday’s team implements features that safeguard customer data while enhancing the shopping experience. This dual focus not only protects your store but also improves your return on investment.
While Shopify provides a secure foundation, Midday’s subscription model ensures your store stays ahead of evolving threats and optimization opportunities. Unlike traditional agencies that treat security and conversion updates as separate projects, Midday offers an unlimited subscription service. For a fixed monthly fee - starting at $1,000 - your store benefits from continuous updates that enhance both security and performance.
This model is particularly valuable when new security threats arise or Shopify updates its standards. Instead of waiting for lengthy agency timelines, Midday ensures timely fixes without additional charges. This quick response minimizes potential revenue loss and maintains customer trust.
With unlimited requests, brands can regularly improve their store’s security and conversion features without worrying about extra costs. Whether it’s adding new trust badges, fine-tuning checkout flows, or addressing emerging vulnerabilities, Midday’s team acts swiftly to keep your store secure and performing at its best.
Digital certificates play a key role in building trust in e-commerce. Shopify simplifies this by automatically providing 256-bit SSL certificates, ensuring critical technical security. But their impact goes beyond encryption. When shoppers notice the secure padlock icon and "https" in their browser, it sends a clear signal of trust - an essential factor, considering that 84% of customers may leave a site they perceive as insecure.
While Shopify’s built-in security lays a strong foundation, enhancing store performance often requires expert design strategies. As mentioned earlier, HTTPS not only boosts SEO but also meets payment gateway requirements. More importantly, these visible trust signals can make all the difference between a completed purchase and an abandoned cart.
For Shopify store owners, the automatic management of SSL certificates eliminates much of the technical complexity. However, increasing conversion rates often requires going a step further. Adding trust badges, simplifying the checkout process, and ensuring secure payment options can significantly enhance customer confidence and, in turn, revenue.
The combination of automated security and thoughtful design optimization is what defines success in today’s e-commerce landscape. Leading brands understand that security isn’t just about protection - it’s about giving customers the confidence to complete their purchase. By leveraging Shopify’s SSL capabilities alongside expert strategies, your store can deliver the security customers expect while driving the conversions your business needs to grow. A secure, well-designed store doesn’t just protect - it empowers your business to thrive.
Digital certificates play a key role in keeping your e-commerce store secure while earning your customers' trust. Here’s a quick overview of the three main types:
When deciding which certificate is right for you, think about your store’s size, your audience, and how much trust you want to communicate. For most e-commerce businesses, OV or EV certificates are better choices to enhance credibility and secure transactions effectively.
An SSL/TLS certificate is a key component for securing your e-commerce store. It encrypts the data exchanged between your website and its visitors, ensuring that sensitive customer details - like payment information - remain protected. Beyond security, it also builds trust. That little padlock icon in the browser bar reassures shoppers that your site is safe, which can encourage them to complete their purchases.
There's also an SEO benefit. Search engines like Google consider SSL/TLS certificates a ranking factor. Websites with HTTPS are given preference in search results, which can help your store gain more visibility and attract additional traffic. In essence, an SSL/TLS certificate boosts your store’s trustworthiness and online performance, making it an essential tool for any e-commerce business.
When choosing a digital certificate provider for your e-commerce store, it's important to prioritize security, compatibility, and customer trust. Opt for SSL/TLS certificates that deliver strong encryption to safeguard sensitive customer data, like credit card details and personal information. Certificates with higher validation levels, such as Extended Validation (EV) or Organization Validation (OV), can further enhance trust by displaying your verified business name in the browser.
Make sure the provider is compatible with your platform and offers an easy integration process for your e-commerce system. Also, take into account factors like pricing, renewal terms, and whether they offer 24/7 customer support to assist with any issues. Focusing on these key aspects will help keep your store secure while building confidence with your customers.