how to install ssl certificate on WordPress site

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing an SSL Certificate on a WordPress Site

Understanding SSL Certificates and WordPress Security

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates are vital for protecting your WordPress website’s data integrity and the privacy of your users’ information. An SSL certificate encrypts data transmitted between a user’s web browser and your website, rendering it unreadable to interceptors. Google also favors HTTPS-enabled websites, positioning SSL as a must-have for enhanced SEO rankings.

Preparation for SSL Installation

Before commencing the SSL certificate installation, ensure you have the following:

1. Access to your hosting control panel
2. Ability to update DNS records if necessary
3. Administrative access to your WordPress backend

WordPress hosting services often provide a free SSL certificate; check if yours does before purchasing one.

Purchasing or Acquiring an SSL Certificate

If your host doesn’t offer a free SSL certificate, you’ll need to purchase one. Providers like Let’s Encrypt offer free certificates, suitable for basic blogs and personal websites. For eCommerce sites, a paid certificate from vendors like Symantec or Comodo, offering enhanced security features, might be more appropriate.

Once purchased, you will receive:

• Certificate (a .crt file)
• Private key
• Intermediate certificates (CA bundle)

Step 1: Installing the SSL Certificate Through Your Hosting Provider

Most popular hosting providers have a streamlined process for SSL installation:

1. Log in to your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel, DirectAdmin).
2. Navigate to the Security section and find the SSL/TLS manager.
3. Under Certificates (CRT), click on Generate, view, upload, or delete SSL certificates.
4. Upload your .crt file and fill in any necessary information.
5. Go back and access the Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS) option.
6. Select your domain and carefully install the certificate by mapping the domain with the corresponding CRT file.

Step 2: Updating the WordPress URL

Modify your WordPress address to HTTPS:

1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Settings > General.
3. Update your WordPress Address (URL) and Site Address (URL) from http:// to https://.
4. Save changes.

Step 3: Setting WordPress to Use HTTPS

Forcing SSL in WordPress:

1. Add the following line to your wp-config.php file:

   define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);

   This command forces all logins and admin sessions to occur over SSL.

2. Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL to automatically handle any mixed content errors and enforce HTTPS by redirecting all incoming requests.

Step 4: Modifying .htaccess to Redirect HTTP to HTTPS

Adding redirection rules ensures users access the HTTPS version of your site. Edit your .htaccess file by inserting:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{SERVER_PORT} 80 
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://www.yourdomain.com/$1 [R,L]

This condition checks if users are connecting through the unsecure HTTP (port 80) and redirects them to HTTPS.

Step 5: Updating Google Search Console and Analytics

Post-installation, it’s essential to update your site’s URL in Google Search Console and Analytics:

1. Add the HTTPS property in Google Search Console to help Google index your site correctly.
2. Update the default URL in Google Analytics to ensure your traffic data remains accurate.

Step 6: Testing Your SSL Setup

After installation, test your SSL certificate for any potential errors or warnings:

• Use tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test to evaluate the security level and functionality.
• Check your website using different browsers and devices to ensure universal compatibility and performance.

Regular Maintenance of SSL Certificates

Keep your SSL certificates updated. Monitor the expiration dates and renew them promptly. Failing to renew certificates leads to website warnings that can deter visitors and harm your SEO efforts.

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully install an SSL certificate on your WordPress site, enhancing security, user trust, and potentially boosting your search engine ranking. Regular checks and updates are crucial to maintain these benefits over time.