A SSL certificate is a necessary element for any website. Having SSL secured your website allows you to protect your visitors’ data and verify its safety. The presence of a working SSL certificate aboard your site causes the browser’s padlock to appear next to your website name. A lack of SSL can cause warnings for visitors that state “Not secure” or “Your connection is not private.” Although getting SSL can seem complex, it’s actually fast and easy. We will take you through the whole process step by step.
- The first step is to select the right SSL certificate.
Different websites require different kinds of SSL certificates. Whether you have one website or more, only one Single Domain SSL is required. For a site with a vast number of subdomains such as blog.example.com or shop.example.com, pick the Wildcard option. If there are more than two sites you run, you require a Multi-Domain SSL (SAN). There are several validation methods available and Domain Validation (DV) is fast, though Extended Validation (EV) includes your company’s name in the address bar and builds extra trust.
- The second step select a loyal SSL provider.
You must buy your SSL certificate from a reputable supplier. Many people choose GoDaddy, DigiCert, Sectigo (Comodo) or Let’s Encrypt as their provider. If your site is just basic, Let’s Encrypt is free, but for business sites, stronger features and support are available from others. Choose from providers based on what is important to you and what you can buy. Confirm that you can follow step-by-step directions or talk to customer support if you need any assistance.
- In the third step, generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR).
As soon as you decide on a provider and an SSL, you should go on to generate the Certificate Signing Request. It contains both the information for your website and your company. You can get a CSR through your cPanel or Plesk hosting control panel or you can ask your hosting provider for help. You will upload your CSR after creating it in the order process at the certificate provider.
- Step four verify your Domain
After your information is submitted, the provider will make sure you are the owner of the domain. The process for Domain Validation certificates happens very fast. You could receive an email requesting that you click a link or you may want to post a little file on your website. For EV or OV certificates, extra business documents may be necessary. Make sure you complete the steps exactly as explained to finish the validation.
- Now install your newly purchased SSL certificate
As soon as you have an SSL certificate, you need to put it on your website server. You can usually do this by accessing their control panel easily. Some also take care of it for you if you purchased the certificate from them. Should you need help, either look at your provider’s setup guide or contact support for assistance. Following installation, the padlock icon should be displayed on your website.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to struggle in order to get SSl certificate. Securing and making your website trusted is easy when you type your needs, find a reliable provider, make the CSR, confirm your domain and add the certificate. Whether you are using the Internet for your business or for personal reasons, an SSL certificate helps your visitors and improves your reputation. Don’t wait.
