In Modern day life online, security is a necessity. One of the easiest ways to secure your website is to use SSL. But, if you are starting out and do not want to pay for an Setup Free SSL certificate, then what? The good news is: you can have an SSL certificate for free and you will learn everything you need to know to install it step by step in this blog post
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol designed to encrypt information that you and visitors to your website send to and from your website. SSL secures any sensitive information (such as passwords and personal information; even credit card numbers) that could be transmitted.
When you have SSL on a site,
– Your URL starts with https://
– A little padlock appears next to the address bar
Free SSL Certificate Providers
The following are the most recognized free SSL providers:
Let’s Encrypt
- The industry standard backed by top tech companies
- Supported by most hosting providers
ZeroSSL
- Super easy to use, you have choices for ACME and manual
- Need to renew every 90 days
Cloudflare
- Free SSL as a reverse proxy
- This is good for people that need a CDN.
SSL For Free
- Very simple and very easy to use interface
- Build on Let’s Encrypt as the backend
The Process of How to Setup Free SSL – Step by Step
Step 1 Choose your Free SSL provider
In this example I am going to use Let’s Encrypt with a hosting provider cPanel-based – it is one of the most popular and simplest ways to set up SSL.
Note: If you are using a hosting provider that has Let’s Encrypt or AutoSSL (i.e. Hostinger, SiteGround, Bluehost etc.), then it is likely already set for you.
Step 2: Create your free SSL Certificate
If your host’s auto SSL does not work, there are some services like ZeroSSL or SSL For Free and you can do all the certificate creation yourself.
- Go to: https://zerossl.com
- Enter your domain name on the home site (example.com)
- Select the 90 day free trial
- Generate CSR (Certificate Signing Request)
- Verify ownership of your domain (with dns, email or http file upload)
- Download your certificates (CRT, Private Key, CA Bundle)
Step 3: Install SSL via your host’s panel
This will differ by provider. If you are using cPanel then you will log in and
Click on SSL/TLS or Let’s Encrypt SSL
Click on Install SSL Certificate
Paste your:
- Certificate (CRT)
- Private Key
- Certificate Authority Bundle (CA)
- And click on Install
- Congratulations, you are done and your site is now HTTPS compliant!
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Routine Problems and Solutions
Problem:- SSL not displaying
Resolution:- Clear your browser cache or wait for DNS propagation
Problem:- Mixed content warnings
Resolution:- Update all internal links to the HTTPS version
Problem:- Auto-renewal unsuccessful
Resolution:- Schedule cron job or use auto renewal provided by hosting company
Problem:- SSL shows invalid
Resolution:- Since the information is probably wrong, re-install your certificate with valid files.
Advice to Keep Your SSL Certificate Secure
- Use auto-renewal (for Let’s Encrypt & ZeroSSL)
- Check your SSL status regularly using uptime monitors
- Keep your CMS up to date, as well as any themes and plugins
- Never show your private keys to others publicly.
- Use HSTS headers for added protection.
FAQs about Free SSL certificates
Q: Safe or not?
Yup! Free SSLs from reputable sources like Let’s Encrypt have the same encryption as a paid SSL.
Q: Is Free SSL a negative for my SEO position?
It’s a positive for your SEO position. Google now has an affinity for sites using HTTPS.
Q: Can I use Free SSL on e-commerce sites?
Technically, yes. But for serious e-commerce, you want a paid SSL that has a warranty.
Q: Do I have to renew my Free SSL?
Yes. Ideally, every 90 days. Some hosting providers do it automatically.
Q: What happens if my host does not support Free SSL?
You can install it through FTP and cPanel manually or you can MIGRATE to a better hosting provider.
SSL and Your Site Speed
People might have concerns that when they install SSL their site will be slower. With modern HTTPS and HTTP/2 you can actually speed things up!
Listed below are the ways HTTPS is better than HTTP:
- Includes HTTP/2: loads faster with multiplexing
- Caching and preloading
- Secure CDNs usually require HTTPS
💡 Quick Tip: check your site speed after enabling SSL with tools such as GTmetrix or PageSpeed Insights.
How to Enable Free SSL on Many Hosting Providers
1. cPanel Hosts (Hostinger, Bluehost, etc.)
- Use AutoSSL or Let’s Encrypt in the SSL/TLS section
- Usually single click install
2. Cloudflare (Free SSL / CDN)
- Sign up
- Change your domain name servers to Cloudflare
In SSL, choose “Flexible” or “Full”
3. WordPress.com / Wix / Shopify
- Most of the time they come SSL pre-loaded
- Check your dashboard in “Domain” or “Security” sections
How To Turn Your HTTP into HTTPS in WordPress or other CMS
Once you have enabled SSL, you want to make sure everything is updated so it all reflects the updated change!
For WordPress:
- Install and Activate the Really Simple SSL plugin
- Update WordPress Address and Site Address on Settings → General to https://….
- Use the Better Search Replace plugin and replace all old HTTP URLs
Using Other CMSs (Joomla, Drupal, etc):
- Update the config file to HTTPS or use extensions/modules to force everything to HTTPS
Keeping Track of Your SSL Certificate and Managing
After you have set up your SSL, you need to:
– Install cron jobs or Certbot for automatic renewals
– Keep track of it using something like Uptime Robot
– Set your regular website audits (using SSL Labs)
📌 Pro Tip: Set email alerts so you get warned well ahead of your expiration!
Final Check
Once you’re ready to go live with SSL, check that:
– installed and valid SSL
– an HTTPS redirect in place
-cleaned up any mixed content errors
-converted your sitemap to https URLs
-changed your Google search console to your HTTPS property
– have changed your Analytics & Ads Platforms to HTTPS URLs
Conclusion
Not only is it an easy step (even free) to give your visitors a modern, secure and trustworthy experience online, but in my opinion, it should be non negotiable! Today there are tools like Let’s Encrypt, ZeroSSL and Cloudflare so there is no excuse to be running a HTTP website!
Whether you have a personal blog, are a company or have an eCommerce store, I hope this ultimate guide helps you understand what you need to get the steps, tools and knowledge to fully secure your website.
Final Thoughts
Getting your site HTTPS-compliant with a totally free SSL certificate is one of the best ways to promote trust, turn Google into your new best friend, and add valuable security protection to your site. When discussing your website’s security and credibility, it doesn’t matter if you are a solo blogger, small business owner or simply a web developer, you can’t afford to put this off.
When you complete the community service outlined in this guide, and not only secure your website SSL-compliant for free but with limited technical skills and no budget for an SSL install.
👨💻 If You Want Professional Help
- When working with Highxbrand India Pvt. Ltd. you can get:
- Free SSL install with hosting
- Speed optimize & performance audits
- Managed WordPress hosting with HTTPS
- Domain & CDN setup
📞 Contact us now and we can go secure in 24hrs!
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