If you’re running a website, installing an SSL certificate is one of the most important things you can do to protect your visitors’ data, improve your search rankings, and build trust. With Hostingest’s cPanel hosting, you’ve got two easy options for getting SSL up and running: AutoSSL and Let’s Encrypt SSL. In this guide, I’ll walk you through both methods, so your website can be HTTPS-secured in no time.
Why SSL is Essential for Your Website’s Success
Whether you run a blog, online store, or business website, SSL is critical for creating a secure environment. Here’s why:
- Data Protection: SSL encrypts the data exchanged between your visitors and your website, keeping sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, and personal data safe from hackers.
- SEO Benefits: Search engines like Google give preference to websites that use HTTPS, meaning your site could rank higher just by adding SSL.
- Increased Trust: People feel more comfortable browsing websites that display a secure padlock icon in the browser. This can increase user engagement and conversions.
- Avoid “Not Secure” Warnings: Without SSL, modern browsers show a “Not Secure” warning, which can scare away visitors and affect your credibility.
Let’s dive into how you can install SSL on your Hostingest hosting plan using cPanel.
Method 1: Install SSL with AutoSSL in cPanel (Quick and Automatic)
If you’re looking for a super simple and automated way to install SSL, cPanel’s AutoSSL feature is your go-to. AutoSSL is perfect for beginners because it automatically issues and renews SSL certificates for all your domains and subdomains.
Here’s how to do it:
- Log in to Your cPanel Account
Go to https://yourdomain.com/cpanel and log in with your credentials.
- Find SSL/TLS Status
Once you’re inside cPanel, scroll down to the Security section and click on SSL/TLS Status. Use the search bar at the top if you can’t find it quickly. - Select Domains to Secure
You’ll see a list of all the domains linked to your Hostingest account. Select the checkboxes next to the domains you want to secure with SSL. - Run AutoSSL
Hit the Run AutoSSL button. The system will automatically issue and install an SSL certificate for each domain you’ve selected.
- Verify the Installation
After installation, visit your website and look for the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, or check that your URL starts with “https://”.
Why AutoSSL is Great:
- Completely Automated: It handles both installation and renewal, so you never have to worry about expiring certificates.
- Covers Subdomains: The wildcard SSL covers your root domain and all subdomains, keeping your entire site secure.
- No Technical Knowledge Needed: You can have SSL up and running in minutes, no coding required.
Method 2: Install SSL Manually with Let’s Encrypt in cPanel
If you prefer more hands-on control, cPanel also lets you install SSL manually through Let’s Encrypt, a free SSL provider. This option is great if you want to manage your SSL certificates on a domain-by-domain basis.
Here’s how to install SSL with Let’s Encrypt:
- Log in to cPanel
As before, go to https://yourdomain.com/cpanel and enter your login credentials. - Go to Let’s Encrypt SSL
Scroll down to the Security section and click on Let’s Encrypt SSL. This will take you to the SSL management interface.
- Choose Your Domain
You’ll see a list of all your domains. Next to the one you want to secure, click Issue. - Select SSL Options
Depending on your needs, you can also select a wildcard SSL here to secure both your domain and all its subdomains. After selecting your options, click Issue to proceed. - Verify Installation
Once the SSL is installed, visit your website and make sure it’s displaying the HTTPS padlock.
Why Choose Let’s Encrypt:
- Free SSL Certificates: Let’s Encrypt is completely free, saving you the cost of purchasing an SSL certificate.
- Trusted by Browsers: SSL certificates from Let’s Encrypt are widely trusted by all major browsers, ensuring a smooth user experience.
- Manual Control: You get to decide which domains and subdomains are secured, giving you more flexibility.
Why SSL is Crucial for Your Website?
SSL isn’t just about security—it plays a key role in your website’s success. Whether you’re hosting a business website, a personal blog, or an eCommerce store, here’s why you should make SSL a priority:
- SEO Boost: HTTPS is a ranking signal for Google and other search engines. By securing your site, you increase your chances of ranking higher in search results.
- Enhanced Security: SSL protects your visitors’ personal and financial information, which is especially important for sites that handle sensitive data.
- User Confidence: Visitors trust websites that display the HTTPS padlock in the browser. This can lead to increased engagement and higher conversion rates.
- Compliance and Professionalism: Many payment gateways and regulatory standards require SSL, especially if you handle online transactions. Having SSL also shows your commitment to data security, reflecting a professional image.
Why Choose Hostingest for Web Hosting?
At Hostingest, we take website security seriously. Every Hostingest hosting plan includes free SSL certificates, making it easier than ever to secure your site. Our user-friendly cPanel, fast servers, and 24/7 support ensure that your website runs smoothly and securely at all times.
No matter what type of site you run—whether it’s a personal blog, a business website, or an online store—Hostingest provides the tools and resources to help your website succeed, grow, and stay protected.
Final Thoughts: Secure Your Website with SSL Today
Installing an SSL certificate on your Hostingest-hosted website is one of the simplest, yet most important steps you can take to protect your visitors and boost your SEO. Whether you use the automatic AutoSSL method or manually install SSL through Let’s Encrypt, your website will be HTTPS-secured in no time.
Don’t wait—secure your website now with Hostingest’s powerful hosting solutions. It’s time to build trust, improve your search rankings, and give your visitors to secure experience they deserve.