Did you know that more than 60 million Americans have been affected by identity theft in the last years?
Oh my, that’s criminal.
It’s due in part to the fact that most people are not aware of their online security when they shop for products or services on the internet.
That’s where SSL certificates can make a big difference.
An SSL certificate is ideal for all types of websites, especially WordPress-based ones. WordPress SSL certificates improve user privacy, prevent identity theft, and increase the reputation of your website. Can we say: “thank you!”
But how is this all happening? Let’s dig deeper and find out.
1. What Are SSL Certificates?
SSL stands for Standard Security Technology, and it’s the industry standard when it comes to online security.
This type of technology creates a secure connection between the server and the browser.
The data transferred over this type of connection (such as personal information, credit card numbers, etc.) is encrypted and not accessible to third party users.
The encryption process is very advanced, and no one can decrypt it, so your data is safe when sent over this type of connection.
How Do I know if a Website has an SSL Certificate?
You can tell if a website has an SSL certificate by looking at its URL: if the site starts with “HTTP://” it doesn’t have an SSL certificate, but if it begins with “https://” it does.
If you enter data on a website with an SSL certificate, you’ll be sure that it reaches the intended destination without being stolen by hackers or malevolent people on the internet.
2. Why Are SSL Certificates Useful for WordPress Websites?
Website owners require an SSL certificate to improve the security of their visitors. This is especially the case when users offer personal information on a website.
Even if you’re asking for an email address to send a newsletter, an SSL certificate is essential to keep the data entered by your users safe.
Internet users have become more educated about their online safety these days, and they are reluctant to give away personal or financial information to a website without an SSL certificate.
Therefore, your WordPress website needs one if you want to be trusted by your audience. This certificate will also ensure the privacy of your readers/viewers and help make them loyal.
3. What Other Benefits Do SSL Certificates Offer?
Believe it or not, an SSL certificate can also improve SEO rankings if it’s installed correctly.
SEO stands for search engine optimization, and it’s the science of making your WordPress website rank higher in search engine results.
Today’s most popular search engines are continuously updating their algorithms.
Why must bots constantly evolve?!
Well, it’s for our benifit and beyond!
Algorithm updates ensure that the most valid, accurate, and safe information can be found when a user searches for something on the internet.
Having an SSL certificate on your WordPress website makes search engines think it’s safe and secure, so you’re scoring higher points on the “trustworthiness” meter.
Welcome to the light side WordPress Jedi!
Google and other search engines will eventually rank your website higher because you have an SSL certificate that makes connections secure.
4. Do I Need an SSL Certificate for My Website?
To find an answer to that question, you need to consider four factors.
- Is your business online?
- How many monthly visitors come to your website?
- Do you want to be a trusted source online?
- Do you foresee your website traffic increasing?
If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then yes, you need an SSL certificate for your WordPress website.
Google warns users when they visit an unprotected website. When this happens, internet visitors might leave and avoid the site.
You could lose a lot of traffic to your web galaxy or even experience a website hack simply because you don’t have an SSL certificate.
5. How Much Do SSL Certificates Cost?
You should expect to pay between $30 and $150 or more for an SSL certificate per year.
But be aware that the actual price of an SSL certificate depends on various factors.
These factors include the authority you’re buying it from, how long the license is valid, etc.
Luckily for you, some providers can offer you great deals when it comes to SSL certificates for WordPress websites.
You can pay a discounted price if you register your domain with them or even get one for free if you pay for your domain for several years.
Some providers also throw in some bonuses, such as a warranty certificate valued at several thousand dollars.
This warranty card covers up some of the damages you might experience if someone hacks your website.
6. The Installation Process
Once you have purchased your SSL certificate, you should install it on your WordPress website.
In most cases, it’s possible to ask your provider to install it for you since the process is thorough. However, you can also do it manually using different types of plug-ins available for WordPress.
For example, Really Simple SSL is a useful WordPress plug-in that allows you to install the SSL certificate quickly and efficiently.
Make sure that you follow their exact steps to ensure a successful installation process. Once you have installed the certificate, you need to tweak your web pages and change them from “HTTP://” to “https://.”
The “https://” part alongside a closed green padlock displayed in the URL bar of your website is exactly what you should aim for.
Now, your visitors know that they have accessed a safe website, and they’re more likely to introduce their cyborg data when asked.
Everything You Need to Know About SSL Certificates
The dark side shall perish because SSL certificates are not that difficult to understand.
Especially if you use them in the context of your WordPress website.
The key here is to familiarize yourself with SSL certificates and buy one suitable for your site.
Once installed, you have nothing to worry about and can expect an increase in search engine rankings in the foreseeable future.
Now that we’ve gotten SSL certificates out of the way, how much do you know about ransomware?
Check out our article to learn everything about it and keep the light shining over the web galaxies!