%20--%3e%3cg%3e%3cg%20id='Logotype'%3e%3cg%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M46.37,250.9L136.63,28.98H0v237.25C0,296.87,21.93,318.83,52.56,318.83v-.03h160.64v-154.45l-156.9,95.23c-5.8,3.71-12.82-2.05-9.94-8.68Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M347.35,104.3c-68.33,0-115.93,44.71-115.93,108.91s47.6,108.9,115.93,108.9,115.93-44.72,115.93-108.9-47.6-108.91-115.93-108.91ZM347.35,255.04c-24.41,0-42.23-17.39-42.23-41.8s17.79-41.83,42.23-41.83,42.23,17.39,42.23,41.83-17.79,41.8-42.23,41.8Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M633.86,118.01c0,3.31-3.71,3.31-7.02,1.66-18.22-9.54-32.29-15.3-53-15.3-56.71,0-95.62,42.66-95.62,108.08s39.32,109.7,93.14,109.7v-.03c21.93,0,35.61-7.02,56.31-19.87,3.71-2.48,8.28-1.66,6.19,3.71l-5.36,12.85h86.51V28.98h-81.15v89.03ZM594.11,255.04c-24.41,0-42.23-17.39-42.23-41.8s17.79-41.83,42.23-41.83,42.23,17.39,42.23,41.83-17.79,41.8-42.23,41.8Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M1406.03,107.65l-23.58,112.61c-1.66,8.68-11.59,9.11-13.65-.4l-24.84-112.22h-94.79c-39.32,0-51.74-11.99-51.74-29.81s10.33-28.15,27.72-28.15c20.27,0,30.64,16.16,32.69,32.29h79.5C1325.35,29.38,1286.43,0,1230.52,0,1168.85,0,1130.32,36.04,1130.32,91.09v16.56h-44.71v67.07h44.71v144.08h81.15v-143.68h70.23l46.53,124.21c3.31,8.28,2.88,17.39-.4,26.1l-28.55,68.73h80.25l120.47-286.51h-93.97Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M886.41,117.98c0,3.31-3.71,3.31-7.02,1.66-19.87-9.94-34.35-15.3-54.65-15.3-60.45,0-93.97,49.29-93.97,107.65,0,64.59,37.26,98.54,87.77,98.54,23.19,0,40.57-7.02,62.1-19.47,5.37-3.31,9.51-.4,7.45,4.57-9.11,20.7-28.55,31.47-59.62,31.47h-83.2v67.07h98.5c72.04,0,123.78-47.63,123.78-114.67V107.65h-81.15v10.33ZM846.67,255.04c-24.41,0-42.23-17.39-42.23-41.8s17.79-41.83,42.23-41.83,42.23,17.39,42.23,41.83-17.79,41.8-42.23,41.8Z'/%3e%3cpath%20fill='%23141313'%20d='M1026.35,18.18c-26.1,0-44.71,16.16-44.71,39.35s18.61,39.35,44.71,39.35,44.72-16.16,44.72-39.35-18.62-39.35-44.72-39.35Z'/%3e%3crect%20fill='%23141313'%20x='985.78'%20y='107.65'%20width='81.15'%20height='211.15'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
What is an SSL Certificate?
An SSL Certificate is a digital file that authenticates a website's identity and encrypts the connection between a user's web browser and the site's server. This security is crucial for protecting sensitive guest information, such as personal details and payment data, during online transactions.
The presence of an SSL certificate is indicated by "https" in the URL and a padlock icon in the browser's address bar, and they are a standard feature for sites built with a professional vacation rental website builder.
Join the Lodgify newsletter
How it works
When a visitor accesses a website with an SSL certificate, their browser initiates a secure session with the server in a process called an 'SSL handshake.' During this handshake, the server presents its SSL certificate to the browser, which verifies its authenticity. Once verified, the browser and server agree on encryption keys to use for the remainder of the session.
All data exchanged between them, such as information entered into a booking form, is then scrambled, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it.
Why it matters
For vacation rental owners with a direct booking site, an SSL certificate is non-negotiable. It builds trust with potential guests by showing that their personal and financial information is protected, increasing booking conversion rates.
Furthermore, search engines like Google prioritize secure websites, so having an SSL certificate can improve your site's search engine optimization (SEO) performance. It is also a fundamental requirement for achieving PCI compliance, which is necessary to accept credit card payments online.
Examples
- A guest navigates to a host's direct booking website to reserve a mountain chalet. Because the site is secured with an SSL certificate, the guest's name, address, and credit card information are encrypted when they submit the booking form.
- A property manager's website was previously marked as 'Not Secure' by browsers. After installing an SSL certificate, the warning disappears, and they observe a decrease in bounce rate and an increase in completed bookings.
- A prospective guest is ready to book a week-long stay but is concerned about online fraud. They verify the presence of a padlock icon in the address bar of the rental's website before proceeding with the payment, feeling reassured that the transaction is secure.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if a website has an SSL certificate?+
Do I need to purchase an SSL certificate for my direct booking website?+
What happens if my vacation rental website does not have an SSL certificate?+
Is an SSL certificate the same as TLS?+
Related terms
Direct Booking
A reservation made directly with a property manager or host, bypassing third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) and their commissions.
PCI Compliance
PCI Compliance refers to the set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information…
Vacation Rental Website Builder
A vacation rental website builder is a specialized software tool that enables property owners and managers to create, customize, and manage their own…
Online Payment
Online payment refers to the electronic transaction of funds over the internet to book and pay for a vacation rental. This method provides a secure, automated…