Have you noticed recently that every time you visit an “unsecure” website, your browser lets you know? This wasn’t the case in the past, as most websites simply used HTTP and only websites that took payment data used HTTPS. Now, HTTPS has become the standard and if your website doesn’t use it, the user WILL know.
So how do you get HTTPS for your website? First, you need an SSL certificate, and then you need to set it up. Luckily, doing so is pretty simple and completely FREE for most people.
What Is An SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for secure sockets layer and is a protocol that encrypts HTTP (web) traffic, turning it into HTTPS traffic. In order for it to work, the website needs an SSL certificate issued by a certificate issuing authority.
All websites should have an SSL certificate, regardless of whether or not you collect sensitive data. Not having one makes it possible for hackers to intercept web traffic coming from your website and steal information contained in that traffic. Ecommerce stores, membership sites, websites that require user login, and websites that collect any data whatsoever from users must have them, otherwise your website will be considered insecure by web browsers.
How To Get An SSL Certificate
Free SSL Certificates
The following hosting providers give you a free SSL certificate:
- Bluehost
- SiteGround
- HostGator
- WPEngine
- Dreamhost
- InMotion Hosting
- GreenGeeks
- iPage
- Liquid Web
Shopify also includes SSL with your store, so if you have a Shopify store all you have to do is follow the instructions to turn it on.
Other providers of SSL certificates:
- Domain.com
- Namecheap
- GoDaddy
How To Enable Your SSL Certificate
If you chose one of the hosting providers that gives a free SSL certificate, they’ll have instructions for how you can set it up. Go to your web hosting provider account, and then go to cPanel. Scroll down to Security, and click on “Let’s Encrypt”. You can follow the directions there to turn on your free SSL certificate.
Not all hosting providers will work like this. For example, BlueHost has their SSL certificate options in another section of their web hosting dashboard. Use your hosting provider’s knowledge base or help desk feature to find out how you can enable your free SSL certificate.
Enable SSL on WordPress
In order to do this, you’ll need to have your SSL certificate already enabled.
Go to your WordPress site. Go to your Dashboard and navigate to the Plugins section. Go to “Add New” and search for “Really Simple SSL”. Download the Really Simple SSL plugin and then activate it.
It’s that easy!
Now that your website is secure, you’re going to want to start getting your site’s design together. Website design can affect your SEO efforts. Check out these SEO Friendly Web Design Tips for Business Owners!
SEO Guru Atlanta provides search engine optimization, social media marketing, and website design in Cumming, GA. If you’re looking for lead generation services in Atlanta, SEO Guru Atlanta promises leads or your money back!
