In this guide, I will be walking through how to install a SiteGround SSL certificate — for free. If you manage a WordPress website and it doesn’t have an SSL certificate, it needs one. Why do you need an SSL certificate, you ask? I wrote an article explaining the importance of SSL certificates. I recommend checking out the article before reading on.
In short, SSL certificates allow your users’ browsers to verify that the website they’re connecting to is your website. This verification process is especially important when dealing with financial transactions.
In addition, Google highly encourages SSL certificates for better rankings in the search results. The SEO benefits alone should be enough of a reason to install an SSL certificate for your website.
If you’re using SiteGround, did you know you can install a free SiteGround SSL certificate for your websites? Indeed you can and in this guide, I will be walking through how to do so. Let’s dive in.
How to Install a SiteGround SSL Certificate for Free
Before I begin, you should be logged into your SiteGround account if you aren’t already. Once you’re logged in, you should see the following screen.
The next step you need to take is to click the Websites tab. You will see a list of your websites appear. For the website you wish to install an SSL certificate for, click the Site Tools button. See below for an example website listing.
Once the Site Tools page loads, click the Security tab on the left sidebar, then click the SSL Manager subtab.
Installing a Free SSL Certificate
You will now see the following page. The next step you need to take is to select the domain you wish to install the certificate for. If your website has multiple subdomains, you will need to select the subdomain you want under the Select Domain drop-down.
You will also need to select the type of SSL certificate you want from the Select SSL drop-down. Since I’m covering how to install a free SiteGround SSL certificate, you should select the Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate.
Once you have the desired domain and the Let’s Encrypt certificate type selected, click the Get button. SiteGround will install your SSL certificate.
Once your SiteGround SSL certificate has been installed, you will see a success notification like the one below.
Renewing Your Certificate
Do note that Let’s Encrypt SiteGround SSL certificates expire after three months. Once you near the renew date of your SiteGround SSL certificate, you will be able to renew your certificate. To renew your certificate, click the three dots on the right side of the SSL certificate listing, then click the Renew button.
Enforcing HTTPS
Now that you have your SiteGround SSL certificate installed, you may want to consider enabling an option called Enforce HTTPS. SiteGround makes it easy to redirect non-HTTPS users to an HTTPS version of the page they’re on.
To easily enable the enforcing of HTTPS, click the Enforce HTTPS option under the button with the three dots. If you don’t see the button, please refer to the screenshot above.
You should now see the HTTPS Enforce page.
All you need to do now, is enable the HTTPS Enforce toggle. You’re all set now!
Conclusion
SSL certificates are a great way to give your users extra confidence that they are secure. With these simple steps, your SiteGround website is secured with a SiteGround SSL certificate. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of an SSL certificate, please check out this article of ours.
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