HubSpot SEO Certification Practice Test

What is the primary purpose of an SSL certificate in relation to SEO?

1. To improve loading speeds

2. To enhance customer trust and site security

3. To manage server issues

4. To facilitate email marketing

The correct answer is: To enhance customer trust and site security

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate primarily serves to enhance customer trust and site security. When a website has an SSL certificate, it encrypts the data transferred between the user's browser and the web server, ensuring that sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and personal data is protected from interception by malicious actors. This security feature not only protects users but also builds trust, which is vital for encouraging visitors to engage with the site, submit personal information, or make purchases. From an SEO perspective, having an SSL certificate is crucial because search engines, including Google, consider security a ranking factor. Websites that use HTTPS (the protocol enabled by SSL) are often favored in search results over non-secure HTTP sites. This means that having an SSL certificate can directly contribute to better search engine rankings, bringing more organic traffic and improving visibility. While other options mention important aspects of website management or functionality, they do not directly connect to the primary role of an SSL certificate in the context of SEO and user trust.