An SSL certificate is a digital file that proves your site's identity and encrypts its traffic, so the site's address starts with https. Without it, the browser shows that the connection is not secure, and visitors hesitate to fill in forms or pay.
Step by step
- 1
Why you need it
It protects what is sent through the site, such as forms, passwords and payment details, from being read or altered in transit.
- 2
Browser and search trust
Chrome warns visitors when a connection is not secure, and Google's page experience guidance asks whether your pages are served securely.
- 3
Types of certificate
One that verifies only domain ownership, one that verifies the organization, and one with extended validation. The first is usually enough for company websites and blogs.
- 4
Free or paid
Let's Encrypt is a free, automated certificate authority, and many hosting companies turn certificates on automatically.
- 5
Automatic renewal
Each certificate has a set validity period, so make sure it renews automatically and the warning never appears suddenly.
- 6
Move every page
Redirect all http links to https, and fix images and files that still load over http.
Installing the certificate while images or files still load over http makes the browser warn about the page or block those files. Move every resource to https.
- what does https mean
- website shows not secure