Do you have a WordPress site and want to increase the level of security and reputation of your online business? One of the first steps to take to achieve your goal is, without a doubt, to configure the HTTPS on WordPress. This is a very simple procedure, which can be completed even by inexperienced users, without the need for webmaster supervision.
How to configure HTTPS on WordPress
Before going ahead with the procedure, it is necessary to highlight that there are different types of SSL Certificate.
Most hosting service is able to provide different solutions, from the free Let’s Encrypt to the more advanced ones.
The free Let’s Encrypt certificate is easy to configure and renews automatically, thus freeing the customer from all worries. However, should you wish to opt for a higher-level solution, and then you will need to purchase the SSL Certificate in the more advanced versions.
Unlike the free version, the premium versions of the SSL Certificate include additional features, such as domain authentication, full support on mobile devices and maximum compatibility.
Activate HTTPS: Follow the procedure
Let’s now analyze the steps to be taken to complete the configuration of the HTTPS protocol on WordPress.
Step 1 – Choice of SSL Certificate
As described above, before starting, it is necessary to evaluate the type of digital certificate to be used. Once you have passed this stage you can start the configuration by “putting your hand” to your WordPress site.
Step 2 – Enter WordPress
Log in to the WordPress administrator area using your credentials, then go to the left bar and find the section called General Settings.
Step 3 – Set HTTPS
Once you’ve entered the page, all you need to do is fill in the fields with the requested data, modifying HTTP to HTTPS.
There is nothing to do but save the configuration by clicking on the Save changes button.
Alternative method using .htaccess
Configuring HTTPS on a WordPress site requires a simple step. However, this is not the only way to use the HTTPS protocol.
There is also an alternative method, simple and “accessible” even for the less experienced. All you have to do is act on the .htaccess file (which must be present on the site, otherwise it will have to be created).
Enter cPanel (the control panel of the Linux hosting plans) and click on the File Management folder.
Then click on the public_html folder.
Once in the folder, it displays all the files present. Click at the top right on Settings and, in the tab that opens, check the Show hidden files (as shown) and click Save.
At this point, you will see the .htaccess configuration file folder appear.
Click on the right mouse button and then on Edit. Once this is done, enter the following instructions in the initial part of the file:
RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond% {SERVER_PORT} 80
RewriteRule ^ (. *) $ Https: //% {HTTP_HOST}% {REQUEST_URI} [L, R = 301]
Finally, click on the Save changes button and you’re done.
Why enable the HTTPS protocol
Since the HTTPS security, protocol now depends much of the fate of a website. Since Google started penalizing sites with HTTP, switching to data encryption (using SSL Certificate) has become one of the essential operations to preserve its online business.
A site without HTTPS is reported as “not secure” by Chrome. Appearing unreliable has a negative impact on the reputation of the Brand, removing users and worsening search engine rankings.
The HTTPS protocol demonstrates your professionalism to users, emphasizing how they can trust you. This is why it is essential to switch from HTTP to HTTPS and have the green padlock in the address bar, which identifies secure sites.
To conclude
In this article, we have highlighted how configuring HTTPS on WordPress is an opportunity that greatly affects the achievement of goals and as an increase in user esteem and trust in a Brand.