I assume a SSL certificate is going to help...

[SmexyLizard]

I'm going to assume that if I get a SSL certificate it'll improve my sites ranking, right? Would it improve if it was just a free certificate from StartSSL?

 

[MickMcG]

the ranking score for https is quite low at present, u also have to take into account the deindexing of any current non https site u have and how long until the new https site will take to rank, as G will see it as a new site. at this time, u are probably better to focus on on-site SEO and make sure ur site is mobile compatible, as G recently announced that that ranking factor will be increased significantly next month. to answer ur question though, u can use any SSL certificate, they are all the same, the only difference is brand name recognition of the certificate or green bar in browser, so free offers same security as expensive.

 

[pololi]

I agree SmexyLizard! My website with SSL-enabled ranks better with high-competition keywords

 

[kbklash]

Yes,its very true.SSL on the website is used to have a significant boost in the overall ranking in google.

 

[godspeed007]

How about redirecting http:// to https:// in .htaccess file?

OP sites with SSL certificate gets special love from Google.

the ranking score for https is quite low at present, u also have to take into account the deindexing of any current non https site u have and how long until the new https site will take to rank, as G will see it as a new site. at this time, u are probably better to focus on on-site SEO and make sure ur site is mobile compatible, as G recently announced that that ranking factor will be increased significantly next month. to answer ur question though, u can use any SSL certificate, they are all the same, the only difference is brand name recognition of the certificate or green bar in browser, so free offers same security as expensive.