How to Add Free SSL in WordPress with Let’s Encrypt?
The Internet is a vast network consist of the network of networks. After changing in the Google Algorithms, It’s important to have your site SSL certificate. Hackers can attack your sites and networks. It is very crucial to keep your website from hackers or infectors.
In the modern age of eCommerce, online payments for goods and services, security is critical. In this article, we will explain how to add free SSL in WordPress with Let’s Encrypt.
What is SSL?
SSL is an acronym of Secure Socket Layer. SSL ensures a secure connection when you visit a website. Each and every day, we share our personal information on other websites such as while online purchases, login to other sites, fill contact forms, etc. In that case, there is a need for SSL certificate in these sites. If it is not properly encrypted, our sensitive information can easily be stolen or hacked. This is the purpose of an SSL certificate.
Why SSL is necessary?
1. SSL is a Google Ranking Signal
User’s security and safety is the first priority for Google. Google also announced that the website with HTTPS would have the higher ranking in search result. HTTPS also improved your website speed.
2. It's Safer for Your Users
SSL not only protects user information but also recognizes the website is genuine, authenticated and trusted.
3. Good For SEO
Security for your users is the most important perspective of making the site SSL. SSL is not only good for users safety but also other SEO strategies.
- Improves your website reputation across the Internet.
- Increase User Belief and Trust.
Step 1) Setting Up Free SSL
Due to the Let’s Encrypt popularity, some of the hosting companies such as Godaddy, Bluehost, Dreamhost, Siteground have started giving built-in Let’s Encrypt set up on their Cpanel.
This is the simplest way to add Let’s Encrypt SSL to your WordPress site. Just sign up with your hosting service provider and grab this offer.
Following are the steps to add Let’s Encrypt to your WordPress Site:
1. Login to your cPanel.
2. Go to the Security Option
3. Click on the Let’s Encrypt option.
4. Choose your Domain Name and Email Address.
5. Click on Install button.
6. Save the certificate after it gets created. We will need it later to load it.
If you don’t have Let’s Encrypt option on the Cpanel, contact your host provider.
Step 2) Configure your WordPress website to make SSL certificate functional
1. Login to your CPanel of your site.
2. Click on File Manager.
3. Copy and Paste the certificate files in the public_html folder of your website.
4. Close FTP and come back to the cPanel Dashboard.
5. Search for SSL.
6. Click Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS).
7. Copy the code from cert.pem, private.pem, and chain.pem.
After saving, your SSl certificate will active on your website. This will takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 3) Update your WordPress URL To HTTPS
After setting the SSL certificate with Let’s Encrypt, you need to change your WordPress URL from an HTTP to an HTTPS URL. Without updating the URL, the SSL certificate won’t work. A common site without SSL uses HTTP protocol. like- http://yoursite.com. Safe and protected websites with SSL certificates use HTTPS protocol like- https:yoursite.com
1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Click on General in Settings menu.
3. In the WordPress Address URL field, Change the Site Address. Just replace HTTPS with HTTP.
4. Click on Save button.
Update Google Analytics Settings for HTTPS
If you have installed Google Analytics Plugin on your WordPress website, then you need to update the settings.
1. Login to your Google Analytics Account.
2. Go to the Admin.
3. Open your website settings by clicking property settings under your domain name.
I hope this article helps you to Add Free SSL in WordPress with Let’s Encrypt.
