In the world of online business: SSL Certificates

Having a secure website in the world of online business is a must. This means having an SSL certificate installed on your WordPress website which encrypts sensitive information and establishes trust with your visitors. If you’re not sure how to add an SSL certificate to WordPress, then this guide is here to make things straightforward for you.

What is an SSL certificate?

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer, a protocol for encrypting data sent between a web server and a user’s browser. An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that verifies the identity of a website and encrypts information sent to and from the site. It adds an extra layer of security and protects users’ sensitive information, such as login credentials, credit card numbers, and other personal data.

Why do you need an SSL certificate?

Having an SSL certificate installed on your WordPress website is important for several reasons:

• Security: SSL encryption ensures that sensitive data is not intercepted by third-party attackers.
• Trust: Having an SSL certificate on your website establishes trust with visitors, showing them that you care about their online safety and security.
• SEO: Google factors in SSL status as a ranking signal, which can boost your website’s visibility in search engine results.
• Compliance: Many regulations mandate online businesses to have SSL certificates, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

How to add an SSL certificate in WordPress

Now that you know why it’s important to have an SSL certificate, let’s dive into how to add one to your WordPress website.

Step 1: Purchase an SSL certificate

Before you install an SSL certificate, you’ll need to purchase one from a trusted Certification Authority (CA). Some options include Let’s Encrypt (a free automated SSL certification provider), Comodo (a widespread brand providing basic and premium SSL certificates), and DigiCert (a premium SSL certificate provider with advanced features such as wildcard and multi-domain certificates). Ensure that you purchase a certificate that fits your website’s needs.

Step 2: Verify ownership of your domain

After purchasing an SSL certificate, you’ll need to verify that you own the domain associated with the certificate. Verification methods include email verification, file-based verification, and DNS record verification, depending on the CA you chose.

Step 3: Install the SSL certificate

Ownership verified, it’s time to install the SSL certificate on your WordPress website. You can install it manually or automatically depending on your hosting provider and certificate type.

Step 4: Verify SSL is working

The final step is to verify that the SSL certificate is correctly installed and working by checking the browser bar, using SSL checkers, and testing in WordPress.

In conclusion

Adding an SSL certificate to your WordPress website is an essential step in ensuring the security and trust of your site’s visitors. With the right documentation and support, you can easily purchase, verify, and install an SSL certificate. Once installed, enjoy the benefits of a more secure website, improved search engine presence, and increased user trust.