SSL, also known as Secure Sockets Layer, is important to Google as a security technology for SEO.
SSL for Google:
- Is the difference between two similar search result rankings
- Shows that a website is safe
So, basically a website with SSL is:
- Better for SEO
- Better for security
- Better for website visitors
In this article we will learn:
- Why you need an SSL
- SSL requirements
- How to set up an SSL in WordPress
Let’s get into it.
Why do you need an SSL?
A lot of websites have installed SSL certificates, noticeable by the change from HTTP to HTTPS in the URLs.
For websites that haven’t, Google gives the “Not Secure” warning.
Seeing this gives your website visitors a bad impression.
So moving from HTTP to HTTPS and installing SSL is important.
Especially for accepting payments online for eCommerce websites.
As most payment companies require a secure connection before accepting payments, like:
- Stripe
- PayPal Pro
WordPress SSL requirements
To make your website secure in WordPress you have to purchase an SSL certificate.
But you might already have it for free.
Hosting companies that offer free SSL certificates for their users include:
- Bluehost
- SiteGround
- WPEngine
If your hosting company doesn’t offer a free SSL certificate, then simply purchase one.
Once purchased, ask your hosting provider to install it for you.
For more information, follow this beginner’s guide.
Setting up an SSL on WordPress
After enabling your SSL certificate on your domain name, you need to set up WordPress to use SSL on your website.
The easiest method is by using a Plugin.
Setup SSL in WordPress Using a Plugin
This method is easier and ideal for beginners.
To do this:
- Install and activate an SSL plugin like Really Simple SSL
- Click on Settings
- Then click on the SSL page
The plugin detects your SSL certificate, and sets up HTTPs for your WordPress website.
The plugin takes care of everything including the mixed content errors.
The plugin also:
- Checks for SSL certificate
- Sets WordPress HTTPs in URLs
- Sets up HTTP to HTTPs redirects
- Attempts to fix content URLs still loading from insecure HTTP sources
Note: The plugin tries to fix mixed content errors by replacing content as the page loads. This negatively affects first-page load performance but it’s minimal if using a caching plugin.
Remember, keep the plugin active because deactivating brings back mixed content errors.
Mixed Content Errors by Plugins
WordPress plugins that follow WordPress coding standards don’t cause mixed content errors.
Remember not to edit WordPress plugin files but contant the plugin author.
Note: If you’re still facing mixed content error, then temporarily use the Really Simple SSL plugin, so visitors aren’t affected when you or a developer fixes the issue.
Submit Your HTTPS Site to Google Search Console
Search engines like Google see HTTPS and HTTP websites differently.
So, letting Google know your website has changed from HTTP to HTTPs prevents SEO issues.
Simply:
- Go to your Google Search Console account
- Click on ‘Add a Property’
- This brings up a window to add your website’s new HTTPS address
Then, Google asks you to verify ownership of your website.
Then:
- Select a verification method
- Follow the instructions to verify your website
Once verified, Google will show your future search console reports here.
Remember to add both HTTPS and HTTP versions of your website in your Search Console.
This tells Google the https version of your website is the primary version.
Conclusion
Using the steps discussed in this article helps Google transfer your search rankings to the HTTPS version of your website.
Eventually seeing improvements in your search rankings.
Now tell me how this article helped you add HTTPS and SSL in WordPress.
Or if you add HTTPS and SSL in WordPress any differently.
Let me know in the comment section below.
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