SSL Certificate
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts data transmitted between a visitor's browser and the web server, indicated by 'https://' in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser. It's a baseline security requirement for all ecommerce sites.
Why It Matters for Shopify Stores
SSL is a direct Google ranking factor — sites without SSL are ranked lower. More critically, Chrome (and all major browsers) display 'Not Secure' warnings on HTTP pages, which immediately destroys trust for potential customers. Shopify provides SSL certificates automatically for all stores on custom domains. However, misconfigurations (mixed content warnings, expired certificates) can still occur and should be monitored.
How to Check Your Store
Visit your store and check for the padlock icon in the browser URL bar. Open Chrome DevTools > Console and look for 'Mixed Content' warnings, which indicate some resources loading over HTTP.
Use the free trust score calculator toolHow to Fix It
Shopify manages SSL automatically. If you see mixed content warnings, check for hardcoded HTTP URLs in theme code or apps. Use 'https://' for all asset references.
Related Terms
Trust Badges
Trust & CROTrust badges are visual elements displayed on product and checkout pages that reassure buyers about the safety and reliability of their purchase.
E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
SEOE-E-A-T is Google's framework for evaluating content quality, introduced in its Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines.
Conversion Rate
Trust & CROConversion rate is the percentage of store visitors who complete a purchase.
Shopify Checkout
ShopifyShopify Checkout is the built-in, hosted checkout process that handles payment processing, address entry, shipping selection, and order confirmation.
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