What is SSL? How to Secure Your Site with a Free SSL Certificate

What is SSL, and why is it a game-changer for your website? You’ve come to the right place if you’re serious about keeping your site secure and boosting your SEO.

SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, encrypts the connection between your visitors and your server so that sensitive data remains private and protected.

If you’re like most website owners, you know that security is a big deal. But what exactly is SSL, and why should you care?

In this post, we’re breaking down SSL in a fun, easy-to-understand way, showing you what it is and how you can grab a free SSL certificate for your WordPress site.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

What is SSL?

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a secure tunnel between your website and visitors’ browsers.

When data travels through this tunnel, it’s encrypted—meaning it’s turned into a secret code that only the right people (or computers) can decode. This is especially important when handling sensitive information like login details or credit card numbers.

You might have heard of TLS (Transport Layer Security) too. Here’s the scoop: TLS is the modern, more secure version of SSL. Although SSL has been largely replaced by TLS, the term SSL is still used interchangeably. So when someone says SSL certificate, they often talk about a TLS certificate that works the same way.

How Does SSL Work?

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Handshake: When a visitor lands on your site, the browser and your server greet each other and agree to communicate securely.
Certificate Exchange: Your server sends a digital certificate (your SSL certificate) with a public key.
Encryption: The visitor’s browser uses that public key to encrypt data before sending it back to your server.
Decryption: Your server uses a private key to decrypt the data, ensuring it’s safe from eavesdroppers.

Why SSL is a Must-Have

SSL isn’t just about keeping hackers at bay (though that’s a big part). Here are some key reasons why you need it:

Security: Encrypts data to protect against hacking and phishing.
SEO Boost: Google loves HTTPS! Secure sites tend to rank higher.
Trust Factor: The little padlock icon in the browser reassures visitors that your site is legit.
Compliance: Many regulations (like GDPR and PCI-DSS) require that data be transmitted securely.

How to Get a Free SSL Certificate for Your WordPress Site

Now that we know what SSL is and why it’s essential, let’s discuss how you can get one for free.

Before we get into the details, let’s clear up a common question: Why would you choose a free SSL certificate over a paid one? A free SSL certificate offers all the essential security features you need for most small websites, blogs, and even online stores.

Paid certificates may come with extra features or warranties, but free options like Let’s Encrypt are more than sufficient for everyday use.

Best Free SSL Certificate Providers

Here are our top three free SSL providers:

Let’s Encrypt: The rockstar of free SSL. It’s trusted by most web browsers and supported by many hosting providers.
Cloudflare SSL: Cloudflare offers free SSL and extra security features like DDoS protection. It’s a natural fit if you’re already using Cloudflare for your CDN.
ZeroSSL: Another fantastic option for getting free SSL. It’s user-friendly and great for those who want more control over the installation process.

Website Hosting Providers That Offer Free SSL

Many web hosting providers are making it easier than ever to secure your WordPress site by offering free SSL certificates as part of their hosting packages.

For example, SiteGround, Bluehost, and Hostinger are well-known for their seamless integration with Let’s Encrypt. So you can enable SSL with just a few clicks from your hosting dashboard.

These providers simplify the installation process and ensure your site remains secure without additional cost.

By choosing a hosting provider offering free SSL, you can save time and money while providing a secure browsing experience for your visitors.

This added convenience is a great bonus. Especially if you’re a beginner and want to enhance your site’s security without complex technical setups.

How to Install a Free SSL Certificate on WordPress

All right, so you’ve chosen your free SSL provider. Next up is installing it on your WordPress site. Don’t worry, this might sound a bit technical, but we’re breaking it down step by step.

Method 1: Using Let’s Encrypt via Your Web Hosting Provider

Many popular hosting providers offer one-click Let’s Encrypt SSL integration. We’ll show you how to do it with Hositnget cPanel.

Here’s how to do it:

In the Websites section, find the site and click on Dashboard next to it. In the sidebar, search for SSL and open its settings. Then, click on Install SSL.

Note: If the Import SSL or Install SSL options are not displayed, an SSL certificate may already have been installed on that domain or subdomain.

Once it’s done, the status will change to Active.

After this, verify it by visiting your website in an incognito window or clearing your browser’s cache.

Method 2: Using Cloudflare’s Free SSL

If you’re using Cloudflare, you can take advantage of their free SSL option:

If you don’t already have an account, create one. After you create an account, click on the Add Site button.

Enter your site’s URL and click the Add site button.

Next, scroll down, choose the Free plan, and press Continue.

Wait for a while; after Cloudflare scans your domain, scroll to the bottom and click on the Continue button.

Next, it will provide nameservers, which you need to add to your hosting.

Go to your hosting, add the name servers, and save the changes.

Method 3: Hiring a WordPress Professional

If the technical steps of installing an SSL certificate seem overwhelming or you simply want the peace of mind from knowing an expert has set it up correctly, hiring a professional might be the best solution.

A seasoned web developer or cybersecurity specialist can ensure your SSL is installed seamlessly and configured properly for your WordPress site. Here’s how you can go about it:

Assess Your Needs: Determine if you’d prefer to focus on running your site while a professional handles the technical details. This is an excellent option if you’re uncomfortable with server configurations or your site has complex security requirements.
Research Reputable Experts: Look for professionals or agencies with strong credentials and positive reviews. Many web hosting providers also offer managed services or can recommend trusted experts who specialize in WordPress security.
Request a Quote: Contact a few professionals to discuss your project. Ask for a detailed quote that includes SSL installation, HTTPS configuration, and any follow-up support. This way, you can compare services and prices to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
Provide Secure Access: Once you’ve hired someone, be ready to supply them with the necessary credentials to access your hosting account and WordPress dashboard. Ensure that you follow best practices for secure information sharing.
Verify the Installation: After the professional completes the setup, verify the installation by visiting your website in an incognito window or clearing your browser cache. Check for the padlock icon next to your site URL to confirm that your SSL certificate is active and your connection is secure.

Configuring WordPress to Work With SSL

With your SSL certificate installed, one more crucial step is configuring your WordPress site to use HTTPS everywhere.

Updating Your WordPress URL

The first thing you need to do is update your site’s URL:

Log in to WordPress Admin: Go to Settings > General.

Update URLs: Change both the WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) from http:// to https://. This tells WordPress to use the secure version of your site.

Using a WordPress SSL Plugin

Even if you’ve updated your URLs, some resources might still load over HTTP, causing those annoying mixed content errors. A plugin can help fix that:

Really Simple SSL: This plugin is a favorite among WordPress users. It automatically detects your SSL certificate and updates your website’s URLs. Plus, it fixes mixed content issues, so all your images, scripts, and styles load securely.

Install and activate the plugin. It will walk you through setting up SSL, and most heavy lifting is done automatically.

Fixing Mixed Content Errors

Mixed content happens when parts of your website (like images or scripts) are still being served over HTTP instead of HTTPS. Here’s how to tackle it:

Manually Update Links: Check your theme files, widgets, and content to ensure all URLs start with https://.

Use a Plugin: Tools like Better Search Replace can help you update old HTTP links in your database.

Test Your Site: Use your browser’s developer tools or online scanners to catch any remaining mixed content issues.

How to Verify That Your SSL Certificate Is Working

After all your hard work, you’ll want to ensure everything runs smoothly. Here are a few simple ways to verify your SSL setup:

Browser Check: Open your site and look at the address bar. Click on the site info button on the right of the address bar to see the info.

There are plenty of free online tools to double-check your SSL:

SSL Labs: This tool gives you a detailed report of your SSL configuration.

Why No Padlock?: A handy tool to identify any mixed content errors that might be lurking.

Your result should look like this.

Final Thoughts

Securing your WordPress site with SSL is a no-brainer. Not only does it keep your visitors’ data safe, but it also boosts your SEO and builds trust. By now, you should understand what SSL is, how it works, and why it’s essential for your website’s success.

Remember, a secure website isn’t just about avoiding cyber threats—it’s about creating a safe and trustworthy environment for your visitors. Plus, that little padlock icon does wonders for your site’s credibility!

So, what are you waiting for? Get your free SSL certificate today and join the millions of website owners keeping their sites safe, secure, and ready to rank higher in search engines.

Do you have questions or run into issues? Comment below. We love hearing from you and helping out our fellow WordPress community members.

What is SSL? How to Secure Your Site with a Free SSL Certificate