An SSL certificate encrypts data a user inputs into your websites so that it can securely travel from their browser to your web server.
In simpler terms, it’s how small business communicate with customers that they can browse, buy products or services, and share information safely with you online. Without getting overly technical, adding an SSL creates a safe connection for those kinds of activities.
Google has announced that by the end of 2017 it will flag all unencrypted sites as not secure in the URL bar along with a red triangle warning symbol. This will make all website users aware that the site is not secure and will also impact your websites ranking on Google. Google also plans to make users more aware of a lack of SSL with more obvious notifications to website users moving forward.