SSL Certificates

Frequently Asked Questions About SSL Certificates

• Why should I use a paid SSL certificate when Swizzonic also offers free solutions like Let’s Encrypt?

  Free SSL certificates such as Let’s Encrypt already provide basic encryption and are a good solution for simple websites or test environments. They serve an important role in today’s internet ecosystem.
  
  However, a paid SSL certificate goes a step further and offers additional benefits that are particularly relevant for businesses, e-commerce platforms, and professional web presences.
  
  The most important difference is not the encryption itself—this is equally strong in both options—but the additional trust and identity verification features:
  
  Extended company validation (OV and EV certificates)
  With paid SSL certificates, not only the domain but also the organisation behind it is verified. This increases credibility and transparency for visitors.
  
  Higher trust from customers and partners
  A validated organisation certificate signals that an officially verified company stands behind the website—an important factor, especially in e-commerce or sensitive applications.
  
  Professional appearance and brand perception
  Paid certificates are often part of a consistent security and branding strategy, particularly for companies that prioritise trust and professionalism.
  
  In short:
  Free SSL certificates provide solid baseline security, while paid certificates are primarily focused on trust, organisational validation, and a more professional external perception.
  
  Find the ideal SSL certificate for your online presence now.

• What Is the Difference Between DV, OV, and EV SSL Certificates?

  Domain Validation (DV)
  Ideal for blogs and small websites. Only the ownership of the domain is verified.
  
  Organization Validation (OV)
  Ideal for businesses and e-commerce websites. In addition, your organisation is verified, which increases trust.
  
  Extended Validation (EV)
  The highest level of security for large brands and online shops. A comprehensive verification of your company’s identity is carried out.

• Which SSL Certificate Is Right for Me?

  DV Certificate
  For simple websites, blogs, or projects. Fast issuance without organisational verification.
  
  OV Certificate
  For businesses and online shops. Includes verified company details and builds greater trust.
  
  EV Certificate
  For large brands and security-critical websites. Offers the highest level of trust through extended verification.
  
  Wildcard Certificate
  For the main domain and all associated subdomains (e.g. shop.your-domain.ch, mail.your-domain.ch, login.your-domain.ch).
  
  Ideal for complex websites or businesses operating multiple services or sections under the same domain. With a single certificate, you can secure all existing and future subdomains without needing to issue a new SSL certificate each time.
  
  💡 In short:
  Simple start → DV
  Professional business → OV
  Maximum trust → EV
  Many subdomains → Wildcard
  
  If you need further assistance, contact us. We are happy to help you find the perfect certificate for your project.

• How Long Does It Take to Issue an SSL Certificate?

  The issuance time depends on the type of certificate:
  
  DV certificates: available within a few minutes
  OV and EV certificates: usually 1–2 business days, as a company verification is required
  Wildcard certificates: also 1–2 business days, depending on the validation process
  
  Once the certificate is issued, it can be installed directly on your website.

• Is an SSL Certificate Important for SEO?

  Yes. SSL certificates play an important role in search engine optimisation (SEO).
  
  Websites with an SSL certificate are accessible via HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). HTTPS means that the connection between the visitor’s browser and the website is encrypted. This ensures that data is transmitted securely and protected from third-party access.
  
  Search engines such as Google prefer HTTPS websites because they are considered more secure and trustworthy. This can have a positive impact on search rankings.
  
  In addition, visitors benefit from a better user experience: modern browsers label websites without HTTPS as “Not secure”, which can significantly reduce trust.

• What Happens When My SSL Certificate Expires?

  If an SSL certificate expires, the website connection will be displayed in the browser as “Not secure.” This can lead to a loss of trust and may discourage visitors from continuing to use the site.