Free SSL!
When such a big deal as an SSL certificate becomes indefinitely free, it’s indeed blog worthy! Yes I know how important SSL is but, truth be told, I hate paying for SSL on my multiple websites! Especially after paying for my hosting, themes, premium plugins and domain names. It’s an annoying necessity.
So if you’re reading this, I assume you already know about the importance of SSL and dream of a world where SSL certificates are 100% free.
Tell me again why I need SSL?
Yes I’ll remind you.
As far as online business goes, SSL is oxygen
Google treats websites without SSL like lepers. Asides flagging such websites as a security risk for visitors or potential customers, Google will also limit your visibility in search results. You won’t be able to take payments online. This is obviously a death sentence for any online business.
So how do I get SSL free for life?
1. Let’s Encrypt
Let’s Encrypt is your golden ticket!
The more websites that use SSL, the safer the internet becomes, in relation to security. This is the idea behind Let’s Encrypt.
According to the Let’s encrypt website, they are a ‘nonprofit Certificate Authority providing (free) TLS certificates to 200 million websites.’
This initiative is backed by tech giants like Facebook, Chrome, Mozilla and so on.
The only drawback is that installing the free SSL certificate by Let’s Encrypt is prohibitive for beginners as it requires coding skills and server systems knowledge.
Yes, I’m a big advocate for upping your game in programming and the like, but I won’t lie, I was grossed out by this. The occasional tinkering with codes is fine, so far as it doesn’t steal time for my more important activities. But I couldn’t see myself messing about with codes and servers on 4+ websites!
2. Choose any of these major WordPress-hosting companies
Thankfully, some major WordPress-hosting companies offer free SSL, once you buy a hosting contract with them. Some even work with Let’s encrypt. These hosting companies include:
- Bluehost
- SiteGround (my favourite when it comes to value for money!)
- HostGator
- WPEngine
- Dreamhost
- InMotion Hosting
- GreenGeeks
- iPage
- Liquid Web
However, these are relatively more expensive hosting options. You’ve got those intermediates that are cheaper and offer free SSL certificates – but only for a limited time! Namecheap for example – Affordable, monthly hosting plans with SSL certificates free for the first year alone. If the words ‘cheap’, ‘free’ ‘for life’ all sitting in one sentence, thrill you to no end, I’ve got one final solution that will blow your mind. Ready?!
3. Auto-Install Free SSL
This nifty WordPress plugin is one of my finds of the year.
Auto-Install Free SSL ‘automatically issues, renews and installs Let’s Encrypt™ Free SSL Certificate on WordPress website & also on all the websites hosted in a cPanel server.’
No you’re not dreaming and yes you read it right. In a nutshell, it simply takes away the nuisance of earning a programming degree from MIT before tackling Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates. I’ve used it severally and it doesn’t disappoint.
I won’t get into any how-tos about this plugin because you can find it here.
And there you have it! My tips on getting free SSL for life. If you’ve got any more mind-blowing tips or questions, let’s hear it in the comments!
