Which SSL Certificate is Best for Your Ecommerce Site?
An Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificate is best for an ecommerce site because it provides the highest level of security and displays the company name in the browser’s address bar, building customer trust. If you manage multiple subdomains, a Wildcard SSL or EV Multi-Domain SSL can also be ideal.
When you run an ecommerce website, one of the first things you need to think about is trust. Shoppers want to know their payment information, passwords, and personal details are safe. That’s where an SSL certificate comes in. It encrypts the data exchanged between your website and your customer’s browser, making it harder for hackers to steal sensitive information. For ecommerce, the right SSL is not just a technical requirement , it’s the foundation of customer confidence.
Why Ecommerce Websites Need SSL Certificates?
If you’ve ever noticed “https://” with a padlock icon in your browser, that’s SSL at work. Without it, most users hesitate to enter payment details. Here’s why it’s non-negotiable for ecommerce:
- Preventing abandoned carts: Research shows that users abandon purchases on sites without visible security.
- Customer trust and credibility: People are more likely to buy from a site that shows the padlock sign.
- Data protection: Payment details, addresses, and passwords stay secure during transactions.
- Better SEO rankings: Google rewards HTTPS-enabled sites by ranking them higher.
Also Read , How you can Transfer Domain Name of your website with these easy steps
Types of SSL Certificates
Not all SSL certificates are the same. Depending on your business, budget, and growth stage, you’ll need to pick the right one. Let’s look at the main types:
1. Domain Validation (DV) SSL
This is the simplest form of SSL. It verifies only that you own the domain. It’s quick and affordable, making it suitable for small ecommerce sites or startups. Example: A single-product store selling handmade candles.
2. Organization Validation (OV) SSL
Here, the certificate also verifies the legitimacy of your business. It displays your company name, offering more trust than DV. Example: A mid-sized online clothing store would benefit from OV.
3. Extended Validation (EV) SSL
This is the best SSL certificate for large ecommerce brands. It requires strict vetting and shows the company name in the browser bar, which boosts credibility. Example: Big ecommerce players like Flipkart and Amazon use EV to show customers they are verified and secure.
| SSL Type | Verification Level | Cost | Best for |
| DV | Domain ownership | Low | Small shops/startups |
| OV | Business + domain | Medium | Growing ecommerce |
| EV | Full business vetting | High | Large enterprises |
Single-Domain, Multi-Domain, and Wildcard SSL Explained
When choosing an SSL, it’s not just about the validation level (DV, OV, EV) , you also need to decide the coverage.
- Single-Domain SSL: Protects only one website. Example: mystore.com. Best if you have a single ecommerce store with no subdomains.
- Wildcard SSL: Covers one main domain and all its subdomains. Example: shop.mystore.com, blog.mystore.com. Ideal for businesses that run multiple sections (like a store, support portal, and blog) under the same brand.
- Multi-Domain SSL (SAN Certificates): Protects different domains under one certificate. Example: mystore.com, mystore.in, mystore.net. Perfect for ecommerce brands serving global audiences with multiple domain extensions.
This flexibility allows you to avoid juggling several certificates and makes management simpler.
Which SSL Certificate is Best for Small vs. Large Ecommerce Sites?
- Small ecommerce sites: Use a DV (Domain Validated) or OV (Organization Validated) SSL. They are cheaper and give good security.
- Large ecommerce sites: Use an EV (Extended Validation) SSL. It shows your business name in the browser and gives the highest trust for many transactions.
Cost vs. Security: How to Decide
You may wonder, “Can I use a free SSL for my ecommerce site?” Free options like Let’s Encrypt are great for blogs or informational websites. But for ecommerce, where payment security is critical, investing in a paid SSL makes more sense.
Paid SSLs offer stronger validation, warranties against misuse, and dedicated support. Think of it like insurance, you wouldn’t skimp on it when your customer’s trust is on the line.
How to Renew SSL Certificate?
- Check Expiry Date: Log in to your hosting or SSL provider account to see when your certificate will expire.
- Buy or Renew Plan: Purchase a renewal or confirm the auto-renew option with your provider.
- Generate CSR (if needed): Create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your hosting control panel if required.
- Validation: Complete domain or organization verification (email or file upload).
- Install New Certificate: Download the renewed SSL and install it through your hosting panel or ask your hosting support to install it.
- Test: Visit your site using “https://” to confirm it’s secure and updated.
Best Practices for Using SSL on Ecommerce Sites
Having an SSL certificate is the first step, but using it correctly ensures your ecommerce site is always safe and trusted. Here are some practices every store should follow:
- Always Use HTTPS, Everywhere
Don’t just protect the checkout page. Apply SSL across your entire site, including product pages, blogs, and customer accounts. Modern shoppers expect the little padlock symbol everywhere—not just when paying. - Enable Automatic Redirects
Force traffic from HTTP to HTTPS using 301 redirects. This prevents users from accidentally landing on unsecured pages and also helps maintain SEO rankings. - Choose Strong Encryption
Always select certificates that use 2048-bit keys and support TLS 1.2 or higher. Outdated protocols like SSL 2.0 or 3.0 are no longer considered safe. - Renew Before Expiry
Expired SSL certificates instantly scare customers away with browser warnings. Set reminders or enable auto-renewal with your provider to avoid downtime. - Monitor for Mixed Content
Sometimes, images, scripts, or third-party plugins may still load via HTTP. This creates a “mixed content” warning, which weakens trust. Regularly scan and fix these issues. - Pick the Right SSL for Your Scale
If you’re expanding globally, consider a multi-domain SSL. If you run multiple store sections, go for a Wildcard SSL. Right-sizing your certificate avoids headaches later. - Work With Trusted Providers Only
Free SSL options exist, but for ecommerce, always choose recognized Certificate Authorities (CAs). This ensures warranties, better support, and customer confidence.
Recommended SSL Providers for Ecommerce
While many companies sell SSL certificates, some stand out for reliability and support:
- DigiCert – Known for enterprise-level security and trusted by top global brands.
- GlobalSign – Offers high warranties and scalable solutions for growing ecommerce businesses.
- Sectigo (Comodo) – Affordable, with plenty of options for small and mid-sized stores.
- GoDaddy – Easy-to-use interface and 24/7 support, great for beginners.
- Thawte – Long-established provider with global recognition, good for international stores.
Final Thoughts
The right SSL certificate does more than protect transactions ,it shows customers you value their security. For small shops, DV may be enough, while growing stores should consider OV or Wildcard. Large ecommerce platforms should go for EV or Multi-Domain SSL for maximum trust.
When deciding which is the best SSL certificate, think about your store’s size, growth plans, and how much customer trust matters to you. After all, no ecommerce business can afford to lose sales over security doubts.
Strong security builds trust, and trust drives sales. At WebWorks Co., we focus on helping ecommerce brands grow online with effective digital marketing strategies. From improving visibility to building customer engagement, our solutions complement the technical foundation you set with SSL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How to choose the right SSL certificate for your website?
Pick based on your site’s size, number of subdomains, and trust level needed. Small sites can use DV/OV, large e-commerce sites should choose EV or Wildcard if many subdomains.
Q2. Which SSL certificate is best?
EV SSL is best for e-commerce or high-trust sites because it shows your business name and gives the strongest security.
Q3. What is SSL used for in eCommerce websites?
It encrypts data like payments and personal details, keeping customer information safe during transactions.
Q4. Can GoDaddy SSL be used for e-commerce websites?
Yes, GoDaddy SSL certificates work well for e-commerce and meet security standards.
