How to Add SSL to Your WordPress: Boost Security & SEO Today!

Hey there, and welcome to Jackober.com! Ready to take your WordPress game to the next level? Today, we’re diving into SSL — the unsung hero of website security.

How to Add SSL to Your WordPress

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, this guide is packed with all the juicy details you need to add SSL to your WordPress site like a boss. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s get to it!

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What Is SSL, and Why Should You Care?

First things first, what is SSL? SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It’s a fancy term for a security protocol that encrypts data between a user’s browser and your website. Think of it like a super-secure tunnel that keeps hackers and prying eyes away from sensitive information, like passwords or credit card details.

Why should you care? Well, apart from keeping your visitors safe, SSL does wonders for your site’s credibility. Plus, Google gives brownie points (a.k.a. better rankings) to websites with SSL. Oh, and don’t forget that little padlock icon in the browser — it’s a trust signal for your visitors.

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SSL Providers: What Are Your Options?

Before diving into installation, let’s talk about where to get your SSL certificate. SSL providers are companies that issue SSL certificates to secure your site. These providers are also known as Certificate Authorities (CAs).

Here are the main types of SSL providers:

1. Free Providers: Ideal for small websites or beginners. Examples include Let’s Encrypt and Cloudflare.
2. Paid Providers: Offer additional features like warranties, dynamic site seals, and enhanced validation. Examples include ComodoSSL, PositiveSSL, and GeoTrust.

Jackober Tip: Choose a provider based on your website’s needs. If you’re running a simple blog, a free SSL might be enough. For eCommerce or enterprise sites, consider a paid option.

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Best SSL Providers to Consider

Not all SSL providers are created equal. Here are some of the best options to secure your WordPress site:

1. Let’s Encrypt

• Best For: Free and simple SSL installation.
• Why Choose It: Automatic certificate renewal, widely supported by hosting providers.
• Limitations: Lacks warranties and additional security features.

2. ComodoSSL

• Best For: High-trust websites and online stores.
• Why Choose It: Offers various SSL types, including Extended Validation (EV) and Wildcard SSL.
• Features: Includes warranties, dynamic site seals, and malware scanning.

3. PositiveSSL

• Best For: Budget-conscious website owners.
• Why Choose It: Affordable pricing, quick issuance, and good compatibility.
• Features: Domain Validation (DV) certificates with essential encryption.

4. GeoTrust

• Best For: Businesses looking for high-performance SSL.
• Why Choose It: Focuses on speed and reliability, with a wide range of SSL options.
• Features: Includes warranties and browser compatibility.

5. GlobalSign

• Best For: Enterprise-level security.
• Why Choose It: Offers high-level encryption and excellent customer support.
• Features: Includes extended validation and multi-domain options.

6. SSL.com

• Best For: Flexible SSL solutions.
• Why Choose It: Known for affordable rates and fast issuance.
• Features: Supports multiple domains and wildcard certificates.

7. DigiCert

• Best For: Comprehensive SSL services.
• Why Choose It: Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and provides excellent security options.
• Features: EV and OV SSL options with robust warranties.

8. Sectigo Limited

• Best For: Affordable certificates for all types of websites.
• Why Choose It: Offers a broad range of SSL products.
• Features: Includes multi-domain and wildcard SSL certificates.

9. Thawte

• Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses.
• Why Choose It: Reliable, cost-effective, and easy to integrate.
• Features: Offers domain validation and extended validation options.

10. Entrust

• Best For: High-assurance certificates.
• Why Choose It: Focused on secure online transactions and enterprise solutions.
• Features: Provides EV SSL and multi-domain support.

11. RapidSSL

• Best For: Quick and affordable SSL installation.
• Why Choose It: Streamlined for simple websites and blogs.
• Features: Provides domain validation certificates at budget-friendly prices.

12. EV SSL Certificate

• Best For: Maximum trust and credibility.
• Why Choose It: Displays your company name in the browser bar, increasing customer confidence.
• Features: Ideal for eCommerce sites and financial institutions.

Jackober Tip: PositiveSSL and ComodoSSL are great options if you want affordability without compromising on trustworthiness. For enterprise-level sites, consider GlobalSign or DigiCert.

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What Is ComodoSSL?

ComodoSSL is one of the most popular SSL certificate providers. It’s known for its robust security, affordability, and range of options. Here’s why many website owners choose ComodoSSL:

• Wide Variety of Certificates: From basic Domain Validation (DV) to Extended Validation (EV) certificates.
• Site Seal: Provides a dynamic seal that shows visitors your site is secure.
• Warranties: Covers monetary compensation in case of a certificate failure.
• Great for Businesses: Perfect for eCommerce sites that need advanced security.

Jackober Tip: If you’re running an online store, consider an EV certificate from ComodoSSL for maximum customer trust.

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What Is PositiveSSL?

PositiveSSL is a product line under Comodo that focuses on affordable and efficient SSL solutions. It’s perfect for small businesses and personal websites. Here are its standout features:

• Fast Issuance: Certificates are typically issued within minutes.
• Budget-Friendly: One of the most cost-effective SSL options available.
• Strong Encryption: Offers 256-bit encryption, which meets modern security standards.
• Easy Integration: Compatible with most hosting platforms and servers.

Jackober Tip: PositiveSSL is a fantastic starting point if you’re on a tight budget but still want solid encryption.

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Step 1: Check if Your Hosting Provider Offers SSL

The first step is to see if your hosting provider includes SSL certificates. Many hosting services, like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator, offer free SSL certificates as part of their plans. Here’s how you can check:

1. Log in to your hosting account.
2. Navigate to the SSL/TLS settings or similar.
3. Look for a free SSL option (often powered by Let’s Encrypt).

If your host doesn’t provide a free SSL, don’t sweat it. You can purchase one from third-party vendors like GoDaddy or Namecheap.

Jackober Tip: Always start with the free option if available. Why spend extra when you don’t have to?

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Step 2: Install the SSL Certificate

Installing an SSL certificate might sound techy, but it’s not rocket science. Let’s walk through the steps:

For Hosts with Built-In SSL

1. Log in to your hosting dashboard.
2. Find the SSL management tool.
3. Activate the SSL certificate for your domain.
4. Wait for the system to propagate (this can take a few minutes).

For Third-Party SSL Certificates

1. Purchase an SSL certificate from your chosen provider.
2. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) in your hosting dashboard.
3. Submit the CSR to your SSL provider.
4. Download the certificate files.
5. Upload the certificate files to your hosting dashboard.

Heads Up: If these steps feel overwhelming, most hosting providers offer SSL installation support. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Real Case: Installing SSL on Jackober.com

At Jackober.com, we used Let’s Encrypt to secure our site. Here’s how we did it using CloudPanel on our VPS:

1. Logged into the CloudPanel dashboard.
2. Navigated to the “Websites” section and selected our domain.
3. Clicked on the SSL/TLS tab and enabled Let’s Encrypt with a single click.
4. CloudPanel automatically issued and installed the certificate for us. Simple and quick!

Jackober Tip: If you’re using a VPS with CloudPanel, Let’s Encrypt is a no-fuss solution. It’s free and reliable.

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Step 3: Update Your WordPress Settings

Once your SSL certificate is installed, it’s time to make your WordPress site SSL-friendly. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Log in to Your WordPress Dashboard: Go to Settings > General and update your website URL from http:// to https://.
2. Install a Plugin: Plugins like Really Simple SSL make life easier. Install and activate the plugin, and it will automatically configure your site for SSL.
3. Force HTTPS: Some hosting providers or plugins allow you to force HTTPS across your entire site. This step ensures all traffic is encrypted.

Jackober Tip: Don’t forget to test your site after enabling SSL. Visit your site in incognito mode to see if the padlock appears.

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Step 4: Fix Mixed Content Issues

Mixed content happens when some elements on your site (like images or scripts) still load over http instead of https. This can break your padlock icon, and nobody wants that!

How to Fix It:

1. Use a Plugin: Again, Really Simple SSL can help here by detecting and fixing mixed content.
2. Manually Update URLs: Go through your content and update all http:// URLs to https://. Tools like Better Search Replace can speed this up.
3. Check Your Theme and Plugins: Sometimes, the issue lies in your theme or plugins. Make sure everything is up to date.

Jackober Tip: Use online tools like Why No Padlock to scan your site for mixed content issues.

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Step 5: Test Your SSL Configuration

Congratulations, you’ve made it this far! Now it’s time to ensure everything works as expected. Here’s how to test your SSL setup:

1. Check the Padlock: Visit your site and look for the padlock icon in the address bar.
2. Run an SSL Test: Use tools like SSL Labs to analyze your SSL certificate and configuration.
3. Monitor Performance: Make sure your site’s speed isn’t affected. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help.

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Common Questions About SSL

Do I Need SSL if I Don’t Have an Online Store?

Absolutely! SSL isn’t just for eCommerce sites. It protects login forms, contact forms, and any data transfers on your website. Beyond security, having SSL shows your visitors that you take their privacy seriously. Plus, Google now flags sites without SSL as “Not Secure,” which could hurt your credibility and user trust.

Will SSL Slow Down My Website?

Not at all. Modern SSL certificates are built with performance in mind. In fact, SSL often works hand-in-hand with HTTP/2, a faster and more efficient protocol for delivering web content. So, not only will your site remain secure, but it might even load faster for your visitors.

Can I Use SSL on a Subdomain?

Yes, you can! For sites with multiple subdomains, a wildcard SSL certificate is the best option. It allows you to secure your main domain and all its subdomains without purchasing individual certificates for each. This is perfect for businesses running blogs, stores, and forums under one domain.

What Happens if My SSL Certificate Expires?

If your SSL certificate expires, browsers will display a warning to your visitors, telling them that your site is no longer secure. This can lead to a significant drop in traffic and trust. Most providers offer automatic renewal options, so take advantage of that feature to avoid any disruptions.

Is Free SSL Secure Enough?

Free SSL options like Let’s Encrypt are just as secure as paid certificates for most use cases. However, paid SSL certificates often include additional features like warranties, dynamic seals, and extended validation, making them ideal for eCommerce or enterprise websites.

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Why SSL Matters More Than Ever

In today’s online landscape, security isn’t optional—it’s a necessity. Cyberattacks and data breaches are more common than ever, making SSL a crucial tool to protect your site and your users. But there’s more to SSL than just security:

1. Builds Trust with Your Audience

When visitors see the padlock icon or “https” in your URL, they know their data is safe. This builds trust, which is essential whether you’re running a blog, an online store, or a corporate site. Without SSL, visitors may hesitate to share personal information or even browse your site.

2. SEO and Google Rankings

Google prioritizes secure websites in search rankings. Adding SSL not only helps you avoid penalties for being “Not Secure” but also gives you an SEO boost, helping your site climb the search results.

3. Protects User Data

SSL encrypts sensitive information, like passwords, credit card details, and personal data, ensuring it’s safe from prying eyes. This is especially important for eCommerce sites, but even login forms and contact forms benefit from this added layer of protection.

4. Enhances Your Brand Image

A secure site shows professionalism and care for your visitors. It’s a subtle but powerful way to stand out in a competitive market. No one wants to engage with a site that looks outdated or insecure.

5. Adapting to Future Standards

As the internet evolves, security standards are becoming stricter. Adopting SSL now ensures your site stays ahead of the curve, especially as more browsers and platforms require it for full functionality.

SSL isn’t just a technical requirement; it’s a smart business move that boosts trust, improves performance, and sets you up for long-term success. If you’re serious about your online presence, SSL is a must-have.

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Final Thoughts

Phew, you made it to the end! But don’t stop here. Securing your WordPress site is just the beginning of a journey to better rankings, happier visitors, and a safer web. Keep exploring, experimenting, and learning — and remember, Jackober.com is here to guide you every step of the way. Got a question or a pro tip of your own? Share it below and let’s keep building something amazing together. And hey, don’t forget to bookmark us for more awesome tips and tricks. See you around!