Did you know that Google shows all non-SSL websites as “Not Secure”. This means that if you are not using a SSL certificate on your website, then you’ll lose customers trust.
Because SSL certificate helps protect your website data, it’s actually a requirement for accepting payments online.
Normally, paid SSL certificates are quite expensive. If you are just starting a blog or making a DIY business website, then you likely want to keep costs low.
Luckily, there are multiple ways to get a free SSL certificate to reduce your website cost. In this article, we will show you how to easily get a free SSL certificate for your WordPress website and set it up all by yourself.
To get a free SSL certificate for your WordPress website, you can use a popular plugin like “Really Simple SSL” or “Let’s Encrypt.” Here’s a general guide on how to install a free SSL plugin:
- Login to Your WordPress Dashboard: Log in to your WordPress website using your admin credentials.
- Navigate to Plugins: In the WordPress dashboard, go to “Plugins” > “Add New.”
- Search for SSL Plugin: In the plugin search bar, type the name of the SSL plugin you want to use. For example, you can search for “Really Simple SSL” or “Let’s Encrypt.”
- Install and Activate: Once you find the desired plugin, click on the “Install Now” button, and then activate the plugin.
- Plugin Configuration: Depending on the plugin you chose, you may need to configure some settings. Generally, SSL plugins like “Really Simple SSL” work automatically and take care of most configuration steps for you.
- Update WordPress Settings: After the plugin is activated, update your WordPress settings to use the secure HTTPS protocol. Go to “Settings” > “General.” Change both “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” to start with “https://” instead of “http://.”
- Update Links and Resources: To ensure all your website content loads securely, update any internal links and resources (images, stylesheets, scripts) to use “https://” instead of “http://.”
- Check Your Website: After making the changes, check your website to ensure that it is loading correctly with the SSL certificate active. Look for the padlock icon in the browser address bar, indicating a secure connection.
Please note that the specific steps may vary depending on the plugin you choose. Always make sure to read the documentation provided by the plugin developer for more detailed instructions. Additionally, if your web hosting provider already offers free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt, you might not need to use a separate plugin, as the SSL setup might be handled directly by your hosting provider.
“👍 Great post! I really enjoyed reading it. Looking forward to more content like this. 😊”