Nothing is more important to online travel bookers than website security. Their personal and payment details must be kept safe, and if they’re shopping on your B&B website they need to know they can trust it.
Creating a safe B&B website experience should be a priority; can you imagine the consequences of a traveler having their belongings stolen while staying at your property? The same principle applies when they’re on your website.
This could be the result for many businesses if Google’s latest announcement is any indication. Here’s what you need to know.
What’s happening?
Google has announced a July 2018 deadline for websites to be HTTPS secure on their Google Chrome browser. Over 50% of Internet browsers worldwide are chrome, this change will affect a huge amount of businesses, and have a significant impact traffic volume.
What is HTTPS?
Most websites use SSL encryption to protect data that’s transmitted between a website and a shopper.
The SSL encryption requires a secure form of communication between a website and the consumer, known as HTTPS – where the ‘s’ stands for secure.
This is indicated to the user in the URL which displays ‘https’ and it also shows the padlock symbol on the left-hand side of the URL bar which reassures people their data is secure when entering private details.
What does it mean for your B&B?
Basically, Google will be favoring websites that are HTTPS secure. If your site isn’t secure by the deadline, Google may warn users it isn’t safe and could even restrict access to your web pages.
84% of users say they would abandon a purchase if data was sent over an insecure connection, with many concerned about their data being stolen.
So, if your B&B wants to convert direct bookings and maintain a high ranking on Google’s search results, it’s vital you become HTTPS secure.
When shoppers see the little padlock on their browser, it gives them peace of mind and an immediate sense of trust in your business.
How do you become HTTPS secure?
One of the easiest ways to ensure your B&B website is secure is to invest in a professional website builder tool. This solution will automatically come with secure encryption and will also help you maintain a functional and charming B&B website.
The beauty of using a customisable website builder is that you’ll have your brand new website within days and it will automatically keep pace with Google’s updates as time goes by.
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