It’s no secret that running a small business means being smart with your money. As your web designer and webmaster, my job is to make sure your online presence is not only effective but also efficient. I’m always looking for ways to give you the best value, and one of the most common questions I get asked is about SSL/TLS certificates.
You’ve probably heard of them—they’re what make your website secure, showing that little padlock icon in the browser and changing your address from http to https. A secure site is non-negotiable, especially if you sell products or collect customer information.
Many of my clients who host with GoDaddy have purchased an SSL certificate directly from them. It’s a convenient option that GoDaddy offers as part of their service. However, it’s also a recurring cost that you might not need to pay.
The GoDaddy SSL: Convenience at a Cost
A GoDaddy SSL certificate is a perfectly valid and secure solution. When you buy it, they handle everything: installation, setup, and automatic renewals. For many people, this hands-off approach is worth the annual fee, which typically runs between $40 and $60. It offers peace of mind, knowing a big-name company is managing the security of your site.
The ZeroSSL Alternative: Free and Just as Secure
What many people don’t realize is that the security provided by a GoDaddy SSL is functionally identical to what you can get from a free service like ZeroSSL.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Same Security: Both certificates use the same powerful encryption to protect your website. A customer visiting your site will see the exact same padlock icon, regardless of who issued the certificate. For your customers and for payment processors like Stripe, there is no difference whatsoever.
- The Key Difference: The main difference is the business model. GoDaddy sells certificates for profit, while ZeroSSL offers them for free with the intention of encouraging automation. These free certificates are valid for 90 days, which sounds like a hassle. But for me, it’s not. As your webmaster, I have the tools and expertise to automate the renewal process.
- The Value: By using a free ZeroSSL certificate, I can eliminate the annual fee you’ve been paying. I’ll simply include the automated management of your SSL in your existing website maintenance plan.
My Recommendation for You
My goal is to give you a secure, reliable, and cost-effective website. While a GoDaddy SSL is a solid choice, you’re paying for convenience that I can provide you for a much lower cost. By switching to a ZeroSSL certificate, we can eliminate this recurring annual expense, with no change to the security or functionality of your site.
Your website will remain just as secure, and your wallet will be a little fuller. Let me know if you’d like to make the switch.