Starting a business is a lucrative way to be self-sufficient to be your own boss. When you add marketing and an online branch with it, you’re maximizing that income.
It’s estimated there will be an astonishing 2 billion online shoppers in 2020. The online and blogging world is projected to take up over 15% of total revenue in the world.
Other than viewing and purchasing things online, people count on security. Businesses can learn how to add an SSL certificate to a website so viewers know their site is trustworthy.
If you want to look more credible and engage in higher customer interaction with your website, adding the certificate can also help increase your profit.
Starting Up Your Business Online
You can start an online business completely online or combine it along with a physical business.
In order to have an online business, you will need to buy a website, create a layout, and make content for viewers.
Before you buy a website, you need to decide on a host, such as WordPress.
Website hosts will work with business owners to provide support on questions and technical issues, give a domain email, and most importantly, provide website security.
Without a sense of security, many users will shy away from providing their sensitive information to your site. Due to fear of fraud, they won’t add detailed background as well as payment information.
Not only that, but search engines like Google are likely to blacklist your site from showing if they suspect that it’s not legit.
What Is an SSL Certificate and Why Do I Need It?
An SSL(Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is added to a webserver and provides secure sessions to users on any browser.
An easy way to know the certification is functioning is looking for the application protocol. The HTTP will change to HTTPS, with the “s” meaning secure. The web address bar will also display a lock pad.
There is enhanced trust from visitors who come to your website which will increase your conversion rates.
It can only be purchased through a Certificate Authority. There are 3 types of SSL Certificates available:
- Extended Validation (EV SSL)
- Organization Validated (OV SSL)
- Domain Validated (DV SSL)
The level of secured encryption is equal for all three. The only difference is the process to receive it and how it is displayed in the address bar.
How to Add an SSL Certificate to a Website
Once you find a web host and create your website name, you can have an SSL certificate added. Obtaining it is neither long or complex.
Step One: Pick a Trusted Certificate Authority
Certificate Authority, or CA, are direct providers of SSL certification. You can choose from a list of providers such as GlobalSign. Once you apply, they will promptly issue your certificate and the associated keys.
Depending on your Web Host, you may not have to decide on a CA. Some hosts already supply you with an SSL certificate, like WordPress.
WordPress website security (such as a 2-step authentication) together with the certification will further secure your website. Updating your Web Host server to the latest version once it is released also helps.
Before deciding on a host or CA, it will benefit you to review prices and make sure it covers the certificate type, as mentioned earlier.
Step Two: Buy and Validate your SSL Certificate
After picking a CA and certificate type, it’s time to purchase it to seal the deal. This is the start of the verification process. Processing times vary anywhere from several minutes (for DV certificates) to several days (for EV and domain certificates).
During this time it is best to review any documentation given to you. After you get your verification approved, you can finally download the SSL certification files and add them to your website.
Step Three: Install the SSL Certificate to Your Site
This step can go one of two ways. If you already have an SSL certificate from your Web Host it’s easier. They will likely stream the installation for you after approval.
If you decide to get it from a different host, you will have to install the third-party certificate manually.
The installation will involve logging in and looking for the option to install the certificate. You will then provide the domain name, your key, and the SSL certificate to install.
Should you have any issues during install, you can reach out to them for support.
Step Four: Make Sure That the SSL Certification Works
After installing, log out of your website and Web Host Manager and visit your website again. Look at the address bar to ensure the SSL certificate shows. You should see:
- A padlock
- Green address bar (EV SSL)
- Business Name (for EV SSL)
- Security trust seal (dependant on the type of certificate and CA)
- HTTPS address
You should also click on the address bar to expand the certificate. Take a look at it to verify all the information is valid in regards to your business, date it was issued, and CA provider.
While optional, running your website domain using an SSL checker tool, will make you extra sure the SSL certificate works.
Step 5: Update Website Links
Once installed, the transfer from HTTP to HTTPS of your website is instant. However, this is only for links currently present. Anything else that is not will still reflect as HTTP in the address bar.
You should look at all add-ons associated with your site to prevent this. For example, check blogs where your content shows, social media bios, and partner websites. If this is found, it must be fixed by your CA.
Keep Your Website Secure
Having a secure website for your business helps prevent hacking issues and increases the level of trust from your visitors. The first step to security is when you know how to add an SSL certificate to a website.
If your business is linked with e-commerce, an SSL certification is that much more important. Let your buyers know they have nothing to worry about when purchasing off your site by having an SSL certificate.
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