How to Setup Free SSL for Your WordPress Website

Securing your WordPress website is paramount in today’s online landscape. One of the fundamental steps toward enhancing security and establishing trust is by implementing an SSL certificate. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of how to setup SSL for WordPress site? Ensuring your users’ data remains encrypted and your site gains that coveted “https://” prefix.

Here are the steps for how to set up SSL for the WordPress site.

1: Choose a Hosting Provider with SSL Support

Begin by carefully picking a hosting company with strong SSL support or works with free SSL certificate suppliers such as Let’s Encrypt. This decision has a significant impact on the security of your website. Reputable providers frequently offer one-click SSL installation, making the setup procedure simple and quick. Prioritise hosts who provide SSL and excel in customer service, ensuring professional assistance anytime it is required. Choosing an SSL-capable server builds a firm basis for a secure website, fostering user trust and easing your road to a specific online presence.

2: Install and Activate the SSL Certificate

Log in to your website’s hosting control panel, sometimes called cPanel, after picking a hosting company offering SSL support. Begin the installation procedure inside the SSL section by following the prompts. You will upload the SSL certificate files and adjust domain-specific parameters. Once completed, the SSL certificate becomes active, encrypting data transactions and increasing the security of your website. This critical step guarantees that visitors access your site over a secure “https://” connection, protecting sensitive information and demonstrating your dedication to a safe online environment.

3: Update Your WordPress Settings

After you’ve successfully activated the SSL certificate, go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to “Settings” > “General.” During this critical stage, change the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) fields from “http://” to “https://.” This step synchronises the settings of your website with the newly encrypted connection, allowing for smooth user experiences over the secure “https://” protocol. This thorough modification guarantees that users engage with your site over a safe channel, bolstering data security and building trust in their online interactions with your company.

4: Update Internal Links and Media

With SSL enabled, proceed to improve the integrity of your content by altering internal links and media URLs. Manually update these references to include the “https://” protocol, ensuring a smooth and secure surfing experience. Alternatively, use plugins like “Better Search Replace” to automate the conversion process throughout your website. Attending to these minute details guarantees that all aspects of your site work with a secure connection, building user confidence and confirming your commitment to data security. This thorough work raises the professionalism of your website and ensures visitors of a secure and secured online engagement.

5: Install a Plugin to Enforce SSL

Securing your entire website is critical; a dedicated plugin makes this process easier. Use plugins like “Really Simple SSL” to compel the secure “https://” connection for all traffic. When activated, the plugin dynamically rewrites HTTP requests to HTTPS, guaranteeing that your entire website is encrypted. This proactive strategy ensures that consumers have a consistent and safe browsing experience. By including such plugins, you strengthen the security foundation of your website, lowering the danger of mixed material and increasing user trust in the constancy of a safe and encrypted online connection.

6: Test and Verify

Test your website thoroughly to guarantee that all pages and resources load safely via “https://.” Address any mixed content warnings that may display in your browser’s developer console.

7: Update Your Google Search Console and Analytics

Refresh your Google Search Console property settings and Google Analytics profile with the revised “https://” URL to ensure appropriate tracking and indexing by search engines. This change brings your digital presence in a line across platforms, guaranteeing smooth data collection and exact insights. Keeping these critical tools up to date enables effective analysis, preserves your website’s exposure, and strengthens its dependability in search engine results, magnifying your commitment to a safe and consistent online trip.

8: Set Up a Content Delivery Network (CDN)

Improve the performance and security of your website by investigating a Content Delivery Network (CDN) that supports SSL. This strategic integration optimises content delivery, resulting in faster loading times for consumers worldwide. The dispersed server network of a CDN strengthens security by minimising exposure to outages or cyber-attacks. By integrating SSL with a trustworthy CDN, you increase the dependability of your website, speed up user experiences, and boost defences against possible hazards, demonstrating your dedication to a smooth and secure digital environment.

9: Regularly Monitor and Renew SSL Certificate

SSL certificates have a lifespan. Set up reminders to renew the certificate on time to avoid any delays to the security of your website. By tracking and renewing certificates regularly, you can provide an unbroken shield of encryption, ensuring user confidence and a safe surfing experience. This vigilance demonstrates your dedication to protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of your website’s interactions, developing a trustworthy and secure online experience.

Conclusion:

Following these instructions, you’ve successfully added a free SSL certificate to your WordPress website. Your site’s visitors may now confidently surf, knowing their data is protected and safe. The “https://” protocol improves security and helps your SEO efforts. Accept the future of internet security and make your website a secure sanctuary for visitors and customers.