Do I Need an SSL Certificate on My Website? (Beginner’s Guide to Website Security)

Ever notice that little padlock icon next to a website’s URL? That’s an SSL certificate in action, and it’s not just for show—it’s essential for protecting your website and your visitors’ information.

As someone who helps entrepreneurs keep their websites secure, I want to share why SSL certificates matter and how to set one up without getting lost in the technical details.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my full affiliate disclosure for further information.

What is an SSL Certificate? (The Simple Version)

An SSL certificate is like a security guard for your website. It does two important things:

• Protects information that passes between your site and its visitors
• Shows visitors that your site is trustworthy (that’s what the padlock icon means!)

“But my site doesn’t collect sensitive information—do I still need one?”

Yes! Even if you’re not selling products or collecting credit card information, you still need an SSL certificate. Here’s why:

• Google prefers secure websites and may rank them higher in search results
• Most browsers warn visitors about sites without SSL certificates
• Even basic contact forms need protection for the information people share
• It builds trust with your visitors from the moment they land on your site

How SSL Certificates Work (Without the Tech Jargon)

When someone visits your website, they’re sharing information with you—even if it’s just their basic browsing data. An SSL certificate encrypts (scrambles) this information so only your website and the visitor’s browser can understand it.

Here’s what visitors see when your site has SSL:

• A padlock icon in their browser
• “https://” at the start of your web address (the ‘s’ stands for secure!)

And here’s what happens if you don’t have SSL:

• Visitors might see a “Not Secure” warning
• Some browsers might block access to your site
• People could hesitate to fill out your contact forms or join your email list (I’m one of those people)

Getting an SSL Certificate for Your Website

Good news—most modern website platforms make SSL certificates pretty straightforward! Let’s look at how to set up or check your SSL certificate on popular platforms.

WordPress

If you’re using WordPress, your hosting provider probably includes a free SSL certificate. For example, my WordPress care plan clients get SSL certificates automatically through our premium hosting.

Many WordPress hosts make SSL super simple (or, you might say “really simple”… keep reading to make sure you’re in on my bad joke*.) For instance, Flywheel (who hosts this website) provides a free SSL certificate and a handy tutorial to walk you through setup.

To Check Your SSL:

1. Log into your hosting dashboard
2. Look for “SSL” or “Security” settings
3. Make sure SSL is enabled

Important tip: Enable forced HTTPS on your site to ensure visitors always see the secure version of your website. In Flywheel, you can find this under the ‘Advanced’ tab in your Dashboard, under ‘Site Options’.

*Bad joke explanation + hot tip: Install the Really Simple Security plugin (formerly known as Really Simple SSL) to make sure your entire site uses SSL properly. It helps redirect any non-secure pages to their secure versions automatically.

Other Platforms

Showit

Showit makes SSL super easy! They include a free SSL certificate with all their hosting plans, and it’s automatically enabled for your site. No extra steps needed—you’re already protected.

Squarespace

Squarespace keeps it pretty simple, too:

1. Go to Settings → Advanced → SSL
2. Choose “Secure (Preferred)”
3. Enable “HSTS Secure” for extra protection
4. Save your changes

Wix

With Wix, you’re automatically covered. All Wix sites include SSL protection by default, and there’s no way to accidentally turn it off. One less thing to worry about!

Maintaining Your SSL Certificate

Once your SSL certificate is set up, there’s not much maintenance needed. But here are a few things to keep an eye on:

Regular Check-ups

• Look for the padlock icon when you visit your site
• Watch for any security warnings from your browser
• Check your SSL settings every few months (or after major site updates)

Common Issues and Quick Fixes

If you see a “Not Secure” warning:

1. Make sure your SSL is enabled in your platform settings
2. Check that all your content (images, files, etc.) uses HTTPS
3. Clear your browser cache and try again
4. Contact your hosting provider if issues persist

Ready to Check Your Website’s Security?

Want to make sure your SSL certificate is working properly? Head over to SSL Checker (sllabs.com/ssltest) and enter your website URL. This free tool will tell you if your site is properly secured.

Not sure about handling website security on your own? I’ve got you covered:

1. Check if your site is secure using the SSL Checker tool
2. Download my free guide “5 Tips to Keep Your WordPress Website Safe”
3. Consider a WordPress care plan where I handle all your website security for you

Remember: A secure website builds trust with your visitors and protects both them and your business. Take a few minutes today to make sure yours is properly protected!

Frequently Asked Questions