What Is an SSL Certificate and Why Do You Need It?
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) enables encrypted communication between a user’s browser and your server. Once installed, your website’s URL changes from http:// to https://, displaying the padlock icon that signals safety and trust.
Benefits of having SSL installed:
- Improves SEO rankings (Google prioritizes secure sites)
- Builds visitor trust
- Enables secure online transactions
- Prevents data breaches
Ways to Install an SSL Certificate on Your Website
1. Free SSL Certificates via Let’s Encrypt
Let’s Encrypt is a non-profit Certificate Authority that provides free SSL certificates. It’s supported by most modern web hosting providers.
How to Install:
- Choose a host that supports Let’s Encrypt.
- Access the control panel (like hPanel or cPanel).
- Use the “Activate SSL” or “Install SSL” option.
- The certificate installs in seconds and auto-renews.
Supported Hosting Providers:
- Hostinger
- SiteGround
- DreamHost
- Bluehost
- A2 Hosting
2. Free SSL with Cloudflare
Cloudflare offers free SSL as part of its CDN and security services. It acts as a reverse proxy, securing and accelerating your website.
Steps to Enable:
- Create a free Cloudflare account.
- Point your domain’s nameservers to Cloudflare.
- Choose “Full SSL” or “Flexible SSL” under SSL/TLS settings.
- Your website will now load over HTTPS.
Benefits:
- SSL plus DDoS protection
- Faster global loading via CDN
- Simple to implement
3. Paid SSL Certificates
For businesses and e-commerce sites, premium SSL certificates offer advanced features and validation levels:
- DV (Domain Validation) – Basic encryption (same as free SSL)
- OV (Organization Validation) – Shows verified business details
- EV (Extended Validation) – Displays a green address bar in some browsers
Where to Buy:
- Hostinger
- Namecheap
- GoDaddy
- DigiCert
- SSLs.com
- Sectigo (formerly Comodo)
Web Hosting Providers with SSL Included
1. Hostinger – Best Overall Hosting with Free SSL
Hostinger is one of the best hosting providers that includes free lifetime SSL with all hosting plans.
SSL Features with Hostinger:
- Free SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt
- One-click activation from the hPanel
- Auto-renewal included
- Works seamlessly with WordPress, WooCommerce, and custom sites
Hosting Plans with SSL:
- Single Web Hosting
- Premium Web Hosting
- Business Web Hosting
- WordPress Hosting
- Cloud Hosting
No extra cost – SSL is included by default.
2. HostGator
- Free SSL with shared, WordPress, and cloud hosting plans
- Activation via cPanel
- Optional upgrades to premium SSL available
3. Bluehost
- SSL included in all hosting plans via Let’s Encrypt
- Automatic installation and renewal
- Strong WordPress integration
4. SiteGround
- Free Let’s Encrypt SSL with every site
- Smart auto-renewals and tools to force HTTPS
5. DreamHost
- Free SSL via Let’s Encrypt
- Simple, automatic setup in all plans
- Compatible with WordPress and VPS
Technical Tips for HTTPS Configuration
Once SSL is installed, make sure your site forces HTTPS by redirecting HTTP traffic.
Example (.htaccess on Apache):
apacheCopiarEditarRewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]
Also:
- Update all internal URLs to use
https:// - Check your site with SSL Labs to verify correct installation
- Enable HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) if supported by your server
Final Thoughts
Installing an SSL certificate is easier than ever, and free options like Let’s Encrypt and Cloudflare make it accessible to everyone.
For the best balance of ease, performance, and security, Hostinger stands out as a top choice:
- Free lifetime SSL included
- One-click setup with hPanel
- Excellent customer support
- Affordable hosting plans
Start using HTTPS today and make your site safer, faster, and more SEO-friendly.
