When free certificates are not enough.
THE HONEST POSITION
AutoSSL provides free certificates that encrypt exactly as well as paid ones.
For almost every client, that is sufficient and you should say so.
WHEN A PAID CERTIFICATE IS WARRANTED
A wildcard covering many subdomains, where AutoSSL cannot Organisation validation, where a client wants their verified name shown A warranty requirement from a partner or processor A client whose compliance obligations specify one
WHAT NOT TO DO
Sell a paid certificate by implying free ones are less secure. They are not, and a client who discovers that loses trust in everything else you told them.
HOW TO PRESENT IT
"Free certificates are included and encrypt identically. Paid certificates add verification of your business identity, which some clients want. Here is the cost."
Let them decide.
THE REVENUE
Modest, and honest.
WHAT IS MORE VALUABLE
Making sure every client's free certificate is valid and renewing.
A client whose site shows a certificate warning is a client who doubts you.
MONITORING
Track certificate expiry across all client sites.
