How to Install an SSL Certificate on Your Hosting Account

If you want your website to be trusted by visitors and ranked favourably by search engines, you need to install an SSL certificate. An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the data transferred between your website and its visitors, ensuring that sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, and personal data remains secure. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to install an SSL certificate on your hosting account, step by step.

What Is an SSL Certificate and Why Do You Need One?

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates your website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection. When an SSL certificate is installed on your hosting account, your website’s URL changes from http:// to https://, and a padlock icon appears in the browser’s address bar. This signals to visitors that your website is secure and trustworthy.

Beyond security, there are several compelling reasons to install an SSL certificate:

• SEO benefits: Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal, meaning websites with SSL certificates are more likely to rank higher in search results.
• Visitor trust: Users are far less likely to interact with or purchase from a website that displays a “Not Secure” warning.
• Compliance: If you collect any personal data or process payments, having an SSL certificate may be a legal requirement under GDPR and PCI DSS standards.
• Improved conversion rates: A secure website naturally encourages more visitors to complete forms, sign up, or make purchases.

Types of SSL Certificates Available

Before you install an SSL certificate, it is important to understand the different types available so you can choose the right one for your needs.

Domain Validated (DV) SSL Certificates

These are the most basic type of SSL certificate and are ideal for personal websites and blogs. The certificate authority (CA) only verifies that you own the domain. They are quick to obtain and often available for free through providers such as Let’s Encrypt.

Organisation Validated (OV) SSL Certificates

OV certificates require a more thorough verification process. The CA will verify both your domain ownership and your organisation’s details. These are suitable for business websites that want to demonstrate a higher level of credibility.

Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates

EV certificates offer the highest level of trust and require the most rigorous verification process. They are commonly used by banks, e-commerce platforms, and large organisations. Previously, EV certificates displayed the company name in green in the browser bar, though this feature has been removed in modern browsers.

Wildcard SSL Certificates

A wildcard SSL certificate covers your main domain and all of its subdomains, making it a cost-effective option if you run multiple subdomains under a single domain name.

How to Install an SSL Certificate on Your Hosting Account

The process of installing an SSL certificate can vary slightly depending on your hosting provider and control panel, but the general steps remain consistent. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Purchase or Obtain a Free SSL Certificate

Your first step is to obtain an SSL certificate. Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt, which can be activated directly from your hosting control panel. Alternatively, you can purchase a premium SSL certificate from a trusted certificate authority such as Comodo, DigiCert, or Sectigo if you require higher validation levels.

Step 2: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

If you are purchasing a paid SSL certificate, you will need to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your hosting control panel. This file contains your public key and information about your organisation. Log into your cPanel or hosting dashboard, navigate to the SSL/TLS section, and select the option to generate a new CSR. Fill in the required fields, including your domain name, organisation name, city, country, and email address.

Step 3: Submit the CSR to Your Certificate Authority

Once you have generated the CSR, copy the code and submit it to your chosen certificate authority as part of the SSL certificate purchase process. The CA will use this information to create your SSL certificate. For free Let’s Encrypt certificates, this step is typically handled automatically by your hosting provider.

Step 4: Verify Domain Ownership

Your certificate authority will require you to verify that you own the domain. This is usually done via one of three methods: email verification, DNS record verification, or file-based verification. Follow the instructions provided by your CA to complete this step.

Step 5: Install the SSL Certificate

Once your certificate is issued, you can proceed to install it. In cPanel, navigate to SSL/TLS Manager and select Install and Manage SSL for your site (HTTPS). Paste your certificate code, private key, and CA bundle into the relevant fields and click Install Certificate. If your hosting provider offers a one-click SSL installation, this process will be even simpler.

Step 6: Update Your Website to Use HTTPS

After installing the SSL certificate, you must ensure your website redirects all HTTP traffic to HTTPS. This can be done by adding a redirect rule to your .htaccess file or through your hosting control panel. You should also update any internal links, images, and scripts to use HTTPS to avoid mixed content warnings.

Common Issues When Installing an SSL Certificate

Even after you successfully install an SSL certificate, you may encounter a few common issues. Mixed content warnings occur when some elements on your page still load over HTTP. Use a tool such as Why No Padlock to identify and fix these elements. Another common issue is certificate expiry — SSL certificates must be renewed periodically, typically every 90 days for Let’s Encrypt certificates or annually for paid certificates. Many hosting providers offer automatic renewal, so be sure to enable this feature.

Tips for Managing Your SSL Certificate

Once your SSL certificate is installed and working correctly, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:

• Set up automatic renewal to avoid your certificate expiring without warning.
• Regularly test your SSL configuration using tools like SSL Labs to ensure it meets current security standards.
• Keep your private key secure and never share it with anyone.
• Monitor your website for mixed content issues, particularly after adding new content or plugins.

For more helpful guides on managing your hosting account and keeping your website secure, visit the DA Manager blog, where you will find a wealth of practical advice for website owners and digital professionals.

Conclusion

Learning how to install an SSL certificate is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your website and build trust with your visitors. Whether you opt for a free Let’s Encrypt certificate or a premium EV certificate, the process is straightforward and the benefits are significant. From improved search engine rankings to enhanced visitor confidence, an SSL certificate is an essential component of any professional website. Follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you will have your SSL certificate installed and your website running securely over HTTPS in no time.