SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is an internet protocol for securing data transfer between a user’s browser and the website they are visiting.
Every internet user transfers information when they visit websites. This information can often be sensitive like payment details, credit card information, or login credentials.
Do I Need an SSL Certificate for My WordPress Website?
SSL / HTTPS is recommended for all websites on the internet. However, it is absolutely required for all websites that collect user information like login details, payment information, credit cards, and more.
If you are running an e-commerce store, a membership website, or require users to log in, then you need to get an SSL certificate right away.
Most online payment services require your website to use SSL/HTTPS before you can receive payments.
Apart from security, an SSL certificate also creates a positive impression of your brand among your users. Google also recommends using SSL, and research shows that SSL-enabled websites rank slightly higher in search results.
Last but not least, if your website is not using an SSL certificate, then Google Chrome will show your users that your website is not secure.
How Much Do SSL Certificates Cost?
The cost of SSL Certificates differs from one certificate authority to another. Their pricing could be anywhere between $50-200 / year. Some providers offer add-on services with their certificates which may also affect the cost of your SSL certificate.
Installing Free SSL Certificate and Setting up WordPress?
Once you have enabled your free SSL Certificate, you will need to set up WordPress to start using HTTPS instead of HTTP in all your URLs.
The easiest way to do this is by installing and activating the Really Simple SSL plugin on your website. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, the plugin will check to see if your SSL certificate is enabled. After that, it will turn on HTTP to HTTPS redirect and change your website settings to start using SSL/HTTPS.
To make your website completely secure, you need to make sure that the URLs of your website are loading using the HTTPS protocol. Really Simple SSL plugin does that automatically by fixing the URLs when the page loads.
Even if a single URL still loads using the insecure HTTP protocol, then browsers will treat your entire website as not fully secure.
Is SSL good for SEO?
Yes. While the primary purpose of SSL is securing information between the visitor and your website, there are benefits for SEO as well. According to Google Webmaster Trends Analysts, SSL is part of Google’s search ranking algorithm.
In addition, let’s say two websites are similar in the content provided but one has SSL enabled and the other doesn’t. That first website may receive a slight rank boost because it’s encrypted. As a result, there is a clear SEO benefit to enabling SSL on your website and across your pages.
