How to Install SSL Certificate on Your WordPress Website

Follow these simple steps to install an SSL certificate on your WordPress website:

Step 1: Acquire an SSL Certificate for your web server

First, you need to acquire an SSL certificate. Check if your hosting provider offers a free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt as part of their hosting package. If not, you can purchase one from a third-party service or ask your hosting provider for recommendations.

Step 2: Install the SSL Certificate through cPanel

Once you’ve acquired your SSL certificate, follow these steps to install it on your web hosting server:

1. Log in to your hosting account’s cPanel. (cPanel are the most popular web server management paltform)
2. Navigate to the ‘Security’ section and click on ‘SSL/TLS’.
3. Under ‘Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS)’, click on ‘Manage SSL sites’.
4. Scroll down to ‘Install an SSL Website’ and choose your domain from the dropdown list.
5. Copy and paste the CRT (Certificate), Private Key, and CA Bundle (if provided) into the respective text fields.
6. Click on ‘Install Certificate’.

Step 3: Configure Your WordPress Settings

After installing the SSL certificate, update your WordPress settings to use HTTPS:

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘General’.
3. Update both ‘WordPress Address (URL)’ and ‘Site Address (URL)’ by changing http:// to https://.
4. Save the changes.

Step 4: Redirect HTTP to HTTPS

To ensure all visitors are using the secure HTTPS connection, set up a redirect from HTTP to HTTPS:

1. Access your website’s .htaccess file through your hosting account’s File Manager or via FTP.
2. Add the following code at the top of the .htaccess file:
   RewriteEngine On
   RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
   RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Step 5: Update Links and Media on Your Website

Make sure all internal and external links on your website use HTTPS. You can use a plugin like Really Simple SSL or Better Search Replace to update all links and media URLs automatically.

Step 6: Test Your SSL Certificate

Finally, test your SSL certificate to ensure it’s installed correctly and functioning properly. Use an online SSL checker like Why No Padlock? to verify your SSL installation.

Now you have successfully installed an SSL certificate on your WordPress website. This will help to enhance security, improve search rankings, and build trust with your visitors.

Need further help? Feel free to contact us for assistance in properly setup your website SSL certificate. Or check out our Ultimate SEO Checklist for 2023 to boost your website ranking.