by EmilyHow to Set Up HTTPS and SSL Certificates Properly
Website security is a top priority for businesses, developers, and freelancers. One of the most crucial steps in securing a website is enabling HTTPS with an SSL certificate. HTTPS encrypts the data between a user’s browser and the web server, preventing cyber threats like data interception, phishing, and man-in-the-middle attacks.
For freelancers and business owners using FreelancerBridge, setting up HTTPS and SSL certificates is essential to enhance security, build trust, and improve SEO rankings. This guide will walk you through the importance of HTTPS, how to set up SSL certificates, and best practices for maintaining a secure website.
How to Set Up HTTPS and SSL Certificates Properly
1. Why is HTTPS Important for Website Security?
Enabling HTTPS ensures that data transferred between your website and visitors remains encrypted and secure. The benefits include:
✔ Protects User Data – Prevents hackers from intercepting login credentials, payment details, and personal data.
✔ Boosts SEO Rankings – Google prioritizes HTTPS websites in search rankings.
✔ Builds Trust with Visitors – A secure padlock icon in the address bar increases credibility.
✔ Prevents "Not Secure" Warnings – Browsers like Chrome flag HTTP websites as "Not Secure".
✔ Enhances Performance – HTTPS supports faster web technologies like HTTP/2.
Without HTTPS, websites risk security breaches, loss of customer trust, and lower search engine visibility.
2. Understanding SSL Certificates
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a digital certificate that encrypts data between the browser and the server. There are three main types of SSL certificates:
🔹 Domain Validated (DV SSL) – Basic encryption; ideal for personal or small business websites.
🔹 Organization Validated (OV SSL) – Higher validation with company details verified.
🔹 Extended Validation (EV SSL) – Premium validation with a green address bar for extra trust.
Free SSL certificates (e.g., Let’s Encrypt) and paid SSL options (e.g., DigiCert, GoDaddy) offer different levels of encryption and validation.
3. Steps to Set Up HTTPS and SSL Certificates
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right SSL Certificate
Decide whether you need a free SSL (Let’s Encrypt) or a paid SSL (Comodo, DigiCert, etc.) based on security needs.
✅ Step 2: Purchase or Obtain an SSL Certificate
If using a hosting provider, check if they offer built-in SSL installation.
For custom SSL, purchase from trusted Certificate Authorities (CA) like GoDaddy, Namecheap, GlobalSign.
Use Let’s Encrypt for a free SSL option.
✅ Step 3: Install the SSL Certificate on Your Server
The installation process varies depending on the server:
cPanel: Use the “SSL/TLS” section to upload and activate the certificate.
Apache & Nginx: Manually configure SSL settings and update your virtual host file.
Cloud Hosting (AWS, DigitalOcean, Google Cloud): Use Certbot or a cloud provider’s SSL management tool.
✅ Step 4: Update Your Website to Use HTTPS
Update internal links and resources (CSS, JS, images) to load via HTTPS.
Change website settings in WordPress, Laravel, or other CMS to enforce HTTPS.
✅ Step 5: Force HTTPS with Redirects
Add 301 redirects to ensure all HTTP traffic is automatically redirected to HTTPS. This prevents duplicate content issues and maintains SEO rankings.
✅ Step 6: Update Google Search Console & Analytics
After enabling HTTPS:
Update your website URL in Google Search Console.
Ensure Google Analytics is tracking the HTTPS version of your site.
✅ Step 7: Check for Mixed Content Issues
Use tools like WhyNoPadlock, SSL Checker, or Google Chrome DevTools to find and fix HTTP content on HTTPS pages.
Ensure all resources (scripts, images, fonts) load securely via HTTPS.
✅ Step 8: Monitor & Renew SSL Certificates
SSL certificates expire (typically after 90 days for free SSLs and 1-2 years for paid SSLs).
Enable auto-renewal to prevent downtime.
Use SSL monitoring tools to receive expiry notifications.
4. Common SSL and HTTPS Errors & Fixes
🔴 SSL Certificate Not Trusted:
✔ Ensure the certificate is issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
🔴 Mixed Content Warnings:
✔ Update all website resources (images, scripts, stylesheets) to use HTTPS URLs.
🔴 SSL Expired Warning:
✔ Renew your SSL certificate before it expires.
🔴 Too Many Redirects Error:
✔ Check .htaccess or server config for improper redirect loops.
5. Best Practices for SSL & HTTPS Security
🔹 Use Strong Encryption (TLS 1.2/1.3) – Disable outdated SSL versions.
🔹 Implement HSTS (HTTP Strict Transport Security) – Prevents browsers from loading HTTP versions of your site.
🔹 Enable OCSP Stapling – Improves SSL certificate verification speed.
🔹 Monitor SSL Expiry Dates – Use tools like SSL Labs to check certificate status.
🔹 Avoid Self-Signed Certificates – Use trusted CA-signed SSLs for public websites.
6. How HTTPS Improves SEO & User Experience
🔹 Google Ranking Boost – HTTPS websites rank higher than HTTP websites.
🔹 Faster Page Loading – HTTPS enables HTTP/2, reducing load times.
🔹 Increased Trust & Conversions – Users feel safer when sharing data.
🔹 Better Mobile Performance – Google AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) requires HTTPS.
Without HTTPS, websites risk losing SEO traffic, customer trust, and online revenue.
Conclusion
Setting up HTTPS and SSL certificates is essential for website security, SEO performance, and trust. Whether you're a freelancer, business owner, or developer on FreelancerBridge, following the right SSL setup steps ensures your website remains secure, encrypted, and professional.
By choosing the right SSL certificate, enabling HTTPS, and maintaining best security practices, your website will be protected from cyber threats while improving Google rankings and user confidence.
