Posted December 6, 2023  |   Updated April 22, 2026  |     |   

Header Text - Get an SSL Certificate to Protect Visitors and Build Website Trust
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When someone visits your website, they need to know their connection is safe. That’s where an SSL certificate comes in. If you’re wondering, “What is an SSL certificate?”, it’s a security tool that protects the information shared between your website and its visitors. It also helps your site look more trustworthy and professional.

This guide shows you what SSL is, why it matters for your website, and how to set it up correctly.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • SSL secures the connection between your website and its users and visitors.
  • It helps protect passwords, form entries, and other personal information.
  • SSL also builds trust by making the difference between HTTPS vs HTTP clear in the browser, with a padlock and secure connection.
  • A secure website can support better SEO and avoid “Not Secure” warnings.
  • For most small websites, a DV SSL certificate is the easiest and best place to start.

Primary CTA: Secure Your Website with SSL Today

What is an SSL Certificate?

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that secures the connection between a website and its visitors. SSL protects data between a website and a user, which is why websites with SSL use HTTPS instead of HTTP. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, but modern certificates now run on Transport Layer Security (TLS). However, the name SSL is still widely used.

Strip Banner Text - SSL supports SEO. It also removes insecure connection warnings

What Does SSL Actually Do?

Consider SSL a sealed envelope for information moving between a website and a visitor. When someone types a password, fills out a form, or enters payment details, SSL seals that information before it travels across the internet. Only the correct website can open and read it.

This process is called encryption. In simple terms, encryption scrambles the data so that anyone trying to intercept it sees only unreadable text. That makes it much harder for attackers to steal private information while it’s travelling to the server.

SSL is also the reason a website uses https:// instead of http://. The extra ‘s’ shows the connection is secure. For visitors, that means the site is doing more to protect their information and provide a safer browsing experience.

You will also usually see a padlock icon when you click on the tune icon in the browser address bar. That padlock tells visitors that the site has a valid SSL certificate and that the connection is secure. It may seem small, but it gives people an immediate sign that your website is safer to use.

Why Your Website Needs an SSL Certificate

Even if you do not collect payments, you still need an SSL certificate for your website.

Here’s why:

It Protects Your Visitors’ Data

SSL encrypts the information people send through your website, including passwords, contact form entries, and personal details. When someone fills out a form on your site, SSL helps keep that information private while it travels from their browser to your server.

However, without SSL, that data can travel in a way that can be easier to read or intercept. That creates a risk for your visitors and your business.

It Builds Trust with Every Visitor

People often check for HTTPS and the padlock before they feel comfortable using a website. Those signs tell visitors that your site has a secure connection and help your business look more legitimate.

If your site is not secure, browsers may display warnings (such as this site can’t provide a secure connection) that prompt visitors to stop and think twice. That lost trust can quickly turn into lost leads, sign-ups, or sales.

It Improves Your SEO Rankings

Google has said HTTPS is a ranking signal, which means a secure site can have an advantage over a similar site that still uses HTTP. It is not the only ranking factor, but it is one more reason to secure your website properly.

So, if you want to improve your site’s search engine rankings, moving from HTTP to HTTPS is a smart step. It supports search visibility and visitor confidence.

It Prevents “Not Secure” Browser Warnings

Modern browsers actively warn users when a page or form is not secure. Chrome warns on insecure pages and form submissions, Safari warns when an unencrypted site requests passwords or card details, and Firefox also warns when login pages are insecure.

These warnings can appear before a visitor has filled out a form, prompting them to leave your site immediately. However, if you use SSL, it solves that problem by providing your site with a secure HTTPS connection instead of an insecure HTTP connection.

Types of SSL Certificates: Which One Do You Need?

Not all SSL certificates do the same job. Some are best for simple websites, while others are better suited to business sites with greater trust or coverage needs. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right one.

Note: 2nd line of box, in the middle: ecommerce is one word

Certificate TypeBest ForValidation Speed
Domain Validated (DV)Blogs, small sites, startupsMinutes
Organization Validated (OV)Business sites, e-commerceDays
Extended Validation (EV)High-trust industries, including finance and legalUp to a week
Wildcard SSLSites with multiple subdomainsVaries
Subject Alternative Name (SAN)Sites with multiple domainsVaries


For most small websites and blogs, a DV SSL certificate is enough. It’s quick to activate, usually costs less, and gives visitors the secure connection they expect. If your site is simple and only uses one main domain name, this is often the best place to start.

How to Check if a Website Has SSL

You can check whether your website has an SSL certificate in a few seconds.

Here’s how:

  1. First, check the web address and make sure it starts with https:// rather than http://.
  2. Next, check for a padlock icon in the browser address bar; this shows the connection is secure.

You can also click the padlock to view certificate details, including who issued it, when it expires, and which domain it covers. If a website shows “Not Secure” in the address bar, it doesn’t have a valid SSL certificate. In this case, do not enter passwords, payment details, or other personal information.

IMPORTANT:

We have written a detailed guide on ‘How Do You Know If A Website Has A SSL Certificate?‘ for you to read.

Strip Banner Text - Sensitive details stay hidden. SSL helps stop data exposure

How to Get and Set up an SSL Certificate

So far, you’ve learned:

  • What is an SSL certificate?
  • Why do you need it?
  • How SSL works.
  • The types of SSL certificates.
  • How to check if your site has SSL installed.

Here, we show you how to get SSL certificates for your websites. Remember, setting it up doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you know which certificate suits your website, the rest is mostly a guided process. Here’s how to do it in four simple steps:

Step 1: Choose the Right SSL Certificate

First, choose the SSL certificate that matches your website. For most blogs, portfolio sites, and small-business websites, a Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate is the best starting point, because it is quick to obtain and easy to manage.

If you run an online store or collect customer information, an Organization Validated (OV) SSL certificate may be a better fit because it adds additional business verification.

However, if your website uses several subdomains, a Wildcard SSL certificate can protect them with a single certificate. To decide which SSL certificate option fits your site best, compare different SSL certificate options before moving forward.

Step 2: Purchase or Activate Your SSL

Once you have chosen the right certificate, the next step is to purchase or activate it through your hosting provider. With Hosted.com®, you can order an SSL certificate from your account area and follow the guided setup process.

It is also worth checking whether SSL is already included with your hosting package. Some plans include free SSL, so before you buy it, check your hosting plan to see what is already available.

IMPORTANT:

We provide free SSL on all web hosting plans.

Step 3: Install the Certificate

After that, login to your Hosted.com® dashboard and go through the following steps:

  1. Go to Manage Services → SSL Certificates.
  2. Locate your already purchased SSL certificate and click Manage → Configure next to it to begin the setup.
  3. Next, choose the domain name you wish to secure and click Next.
  4. Select an approver email and click Next.
  5. Now, fill in the required details and ensure you check Auto Generate CSR, which handles the technical setup automatically. Then click Submit.
  6. You will receive an email including a link and a validation code. Navigate to that link, enter the provided validation code, and click Next. Hosted.com® takes care of the difficult part for you, so you only need to confirm your domain through the approval email.
  7. Now, you will have successfully installed SSL on your website. 

However, if you haven’t purchased an SSL certificate, follow these steps:

  • Login to your Hosted.com® account and go to Manage Services → SSL Certificates.
  • Click Add SSL Certificate.
  • Choose the best-suited SSL for your website and click Buy Now.
  • Click Continue to checkout.
  • Add Promo Code (if you have one) to get an additional discount, then click Apply.
  • Click Checkout.
  • Now, you will be redirected to the page where you need to locate it and configure it by going to Manage → Configure. From here, the process is the same as Steps 3 to 7.

NOTE:

In most cases, the email approval takes up to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Verify SSL is Working

Once the certificate is installed, open your website in a browser and find the padlock icon or https:// in the address bar. Click it to check that the certificate is active, matches your domain name, and shows a valid expiry date.

You can also use a free SSL checker tool for extra confirmation. If your site loads with HTTPS and shows the padlock, your SSL is working properly.

Do You Need SSL if You Already Have Hosting?

It depends on your hosting plan. Some hosting providers, like Hosted.com®, include free SSL with WordPress and cPanel web hosting, while others require you to add it separately.

But don’t assume SSL is active just because you bought hosting. A hosting account gives your website a place to live, but SSL still needs to be included, installed, and working on your domain. The easiest way to check is to open your site and look for the padlock and https:// in the address bar.

However, if your current host does not include SSL, you will need to purchase and install it yourself.

How Much Does an SSL Certificate Cost?

SSL certificate prices can range from free to premium, depending on what your website needs. Some hosting providers include free SSL with their plans, and free options are also available through services like Let’s Encrypt. These usually cover basic encryption, which is enough for many personal websites, blogs, and small business sites.

Paid DV SSL certificates are the next step up. They are still an affordable option for most website owners, quick to set up, and work well for standard websites that need a secure connection without extra business checks.

However, paid OV and EV SSL certificates cost more, because they include business identity verification. This makes them a better fit for ecommerce websites, financial services, and other businesses where trust matters even more.

In simple terms, free SSL is far better than having no SSL at all, but paid SSL can provide added credibility, support, and peace of mind.

In the end, the cost of not having SSL can be much higher than the cost of buying one. Lost visitors, lower search visibility, and weaker trust can do more damage to your website than the certificate itself ever will.

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FAQS

What is an SSL certificate?

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that secures the connection between your site and its visitors. It helps protect information shared through your site, builds trust with users, and enables HTTPS in the address bar.

Do I need SSL for my website?

Yes, in most cases, you do. Even if your site does not take payments, SSL helps protect contact forms, login details, and other information visitors share. It also helps your website look more trustworthy, avoid browser warnings, and improve search visibility.

Is SSL mandatory for websites?

In most cases, SSL is not a legal requirement, but it is still something every website should have. Without it, browsers can mark your site as “Not Secure”, which can make visitors leave before they even interact with your content. It can also hurt trust and make your site less competitive in search results.

Can I get SSL for free?

Yes, you can get free SSL for websites. Many hosting providers include free SSL with their plans, which is usually enough for blogs, personal websites, and many small-business sites. Paid SSL is also available if you want extra features, including business validation and added support.

How long does it take to activate SSL?

It depends on the type of certificate you choose. A DV SSL certificate is usually activated within minutes, which makes it the fastest option. OV SSL often takes a few days, while EV SSL can take up to a week because it requires more checks to protect your site and visitors.

Other Blogs of Interest

– Do I Need An SSL Certificate For A Website

– What Is SSL Certificate Management And How To Implement It

– Different Types Of SSL Certificates – Which One Is Right For Your Site

– What Is An SSL Certificate Warranty And How Does It Work

– Risks Of An Expired SSL Certificate – What You Need To Know