In addition to compromising your credibility, not having an SSL will incur a penalty that reflects upon your website’s search engine rankings. Because Google’s algorithm focuses on providing the best sources for its user’s inquiries, it will push unsafe URL’s to the lower end of the search results.<\/p>\n

It doesn’t matter if your webpage or blog post satisfies the user’s inquiry or is optimized with keywords, technical SEO, and quality content. If you don’t have an SSL, you won’t be within the top pick of populated search results.<\/p>\n

How Do I Get an HTTPS?<\/h2>\n

So now that you know an SSL is an essential part of your website, how do you go about getting one? The good news is acquiring an SSL is relatively simple. All you have to do is purchase one from a Certificate Authority.<\/p>\n

Often, your hosting provider falls under this category. How much your SSL costs depends on the type you purchase and where you purchase it from. They can range anywhere from free to $199 or more.<\/p>\n

Whatever package you buy, you’ll want to make sure it is digitally signed by a CA. This is the only kind of SSL that browsers will recognize, as the companies issuing them are audited to ensure they meet security standards.<\/p>\n

You’ll want to do some research to determine which SSL is right for you.<\/p>\n

Activating Your SSL<\/h3>\n

Once you purchase it, you’ll need to activate and install the SSL on your server. This process can vary depending on your server.<\/p>\n

Many website hosting companies will do this process for you. It’s always best to go with this option whenever it’s available. Activating and installing an SSL on your own can be pretty complicated, especially if you’re unfamiliar with web development.<\/p>\n

SSL’s are activated through your hosting service’s control panel where you’ll generate a certificate and signing request. You’ll receive a block of text. This is known as your CSR.<\/p>\n

This should be given to the service that issued your SSL. They will then attach your identity to your SSL, which confirms your ownership of it.<\/p>\n

Installing Your SSL<\/h3>\n

Once this step is complete, you can begin the install process. Again, your hosting provider may execute this process for you. If they don’t, no need to worry, for this is the easiest part of the SSL process.<\/p>\n

Most backends have a section designated for this installation on the control panel menu. If not, you may have to do a bit of research. Once you locate the right section of your backend, simply paste your certificate into the appropriate section and click submit.<\/p>\n

Afterward, you should see your URL change from HTTP to HTTPS.<\/p>\n