The security of a website plays a crucial role in its credibility, and in 2025, ensuring your WordPress website is secure is not just a recommendation—it’s a necessity. One of the most effective ways to protect your WordPress website is by installing an SSL certificate. But why exactly does your WordPress website need an SSL certificate, and what benefits does it offer? In this article, we’ll discuss the key aspects of SSL certificates, their role in WordPress websites, and the benefits they bring, ensuring your WordPress site remains secure and trusted.
Before we begin, it is important to mention that Google has been campaigning for non-secure websites to make the switch to HTTPS, and even incentivizing the changeover by giving a better ranking to secure websites. Google announced that as of July 2018, all websites not using an SSL certificate and not showing HTTPS in the URL will be marked as “not secure.” This change occurred at the same time Google released Chrome 68.
What Is an SSL (TLS) Certificate
An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, also referred to as a TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificate, is a digital tool that authenticates the identity of your website and enables encrypted communication between the site and its visitors. The result? A secure connection that ensures data like credit card information, passwords, and personal details are protected from malicious attacks. Once installed, an SSL certificate changes your website’s URL from HTTP to HTTPS, with the “S” standing for “secure.” This visible sign of security reassures users that your site is safe to use, helping to build trust and credibility.
What Is the Difference Between SSL and TLS?
While the term SSL is still widely used, TLS is actually the modern, more secure version of SSL. Both SSL and TLS are protocols designed to encrypt the communication between a website and its visitors, but TLS offers stronger security measures and has effectively replaced SSL. The main difference lies in the security algorithms and methods they use. SSL had several vulnerabilities that have since been addressed in TLS, making TLS the preferred option for websites today. When you purchase an SSL certificate in 2025, you’re almost always getting a TLS certificate, even if it’s referred to as an SSL certificate. This ensures your WordPress website is protected by the most up-to-date security technology.
How Does an SSL Certificate Work?
An SSL certificate works by establishing a secure, encrypted connection between a visitor’s browser and your WordPress website. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it functions:
1. Handshake and Verification
When a user visits your site, their browser requests the SSL certificate from your server. The certificate is then verified to ensure it’s authentic and belongs to your site.
2. Data Encryption
Once verified, the SSL certificate encrypts any data exchanged between the server and the browser. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as login details or payment data, cannot be intercepted or tampered with.
3. Secure Data Transfer
Encrypted data is transferred between the user and the server, ensuring that only the intended recipient can decrypt and understand it.
How to Configure Your WordPress Website to Use an SSL Certificate
Once you’ve installed an SSL certificate on your hosting server, you’ll need to configure WordPress to use it. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Update WordPress Settings
Go to your WordPress dashboard and navigate to Settings > General. Change both the “WordPress Address (URL)” and “Site Address (URL)” from http://
to https://
.
Step 2: Redirect HTTP to HTTPS
Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL to automatically detect your SSL certificate and update your site’s URLs. This ensures that visitors accessing your site via HTTP are redirected to the secure HTTPS version.
Step 3. Update Internal Links
Use a plugin like Better Search Replace to update internal links and database entries from HTTP to HTTPS. This step ensures that no old, insecure links remain on your WordPress website.
Step 4: Test and Verify
Finally, verify that your SSL certificate is working correctly by visiting your site and checking for the padlock icon in the browser’s address bar.
4 Types of SSL Certificates
There are several types of SSL certificates available, each providing different levels of validation and security. Choosing the right SSL certificate depends on the level of security your website requires.
1. Domain Validated (DV) SSL
This is the simplest form of SSL, ideal for small websites or personal blogs. It validates only the domain name, providing basic encryption. DV SSL is perfect for businesses needing a low-cost SSL quickly and easily.
2. Organization Validated (OV) SSL
OV SSL certificates verify both the domain name and the organization behind the website. This provides additional trust by confirming the business’s legitimacy.
3. Extended Validation (EV) SSL
EV SSL offers the highest level of validation. It requires a rigorous vetting process and displays a green address bar or padlock in some browsers, indicating to users that the site is highly secure.
4. Wildcard SSL
A Wildcard SSL certificate covers your main domain and all of its subdomains, making it ideal for businesses with multiple subdomains that need protection.
What Types of WordPress Websites Should Use an SSL Certificate?
In 2025, nearly every WordPress website should be using an SSL certificate. However, there are specific types of websites where SSL is absolutely critical:
E-Commerce Websites
If your WordPress website processes payments, an SSL certificate is mandatory. It ensures that customer payment details are encrypted and secure, helping you comply with Payment Card Industry (PCI) standards.
Membership Sites
Sites that allow users to create accounts or log in should always use SSL to protect their personal data and login credentials.
Blogs and Content Sites
Even if you’re not handling sensitive data, SSL is essential for improving SEO rankings and avoiding browser warnings that might deter visitors.
Service Business Websites
If you run a business offering services, displaying a secure connection can increase trust among potential clients. Whether you’re offering consultations or gathering leads, using SSL will enhance your credibility.
Why Your WordPress Website Needs an SSL Certificate
Your WordPress website needs an SSL certificate for many reasons. Here’s a breakdown of the most important ones:
Enhanced Security
The primary reason for installing an SSL certificate on your WordPress website is to enhance security. Without encryption, data transferred between your website and your visitors is vulnerable to interception by hackers. SSL encrypts this data, ensuring that only the intended recipient can access it. For websites that handle sensitive information, such as login credentials, payment details, or personal data, having SSL encryption in place is crucial for protecting against potential breaches.
Building Trust
An SSL certificate is more than just a security measure—it’s a symbol of trust. Visitors to your WordPress website will see the padlock icon and HTTPS in the address bar, signaling that their data is secure. In an era where online privacy is a major concern, this simple visual cue can make the difference between a visitor staying on your site or leaving. Trust is especially important for e-commerce websites and businesses offering services online. Customers are more likely to complete a purchase or submit a contact form if they know their information is secure.
Preventing Browser Warnings
Modern browsers like Google Chrome now flag websites without SSL certificates as “Not Secure.” If visitors to your WordPress website see this warning, they may feel uneasy about proceeding and could leave your site altogether. Having an SSL certificate installed prevents these browser warnings, ensuring that your visitors feel safe and confident when using your site.
Improved SEO Rankings
Google considers SSL as a ranking factor, which means websites with SSL certificates may receive a slight boost in search engine rankings. While having an SSL certificate alone won’t guarantee top rankings, it’s a necessary step for improving your site’s overall SEO performance. In a competitive online landscape, any advantage in search engine rankings can have a significant impact on your website’s traffic and visibility.
Compliance with PCI Standards
If your WordPress website processes online payments, having an SSL certificate is a requirement for complying with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards. These standards ensure that businesses protect their customers’ payment information. Failing to comply with PCI standards can result in heavy fines or the inability to process credit card payments, making an SSL certificate essential for any e-commerce site.
Final Thoughts: Why Your WordPress Website Needs an SSL Certificate
In 2025, securing your WordPress website with an SSL certificate is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. From improving security and building trust to boosting your SEO rankings, an SSL certificate offers a wide range of benefits that can help your website succeed. If you haven’t yet installed an SSL certificate on your WordPress website, now is the time to take action. Whether you’re running an e-commerce store, a blog, or a service business, securing your site with SSL is the best way to protect your visitors and ensure your site’s long-term success.
For more tips and suggestions, take a look at the articles Here’s the Best Way to Secure Your WordPress Website, Let’s Discuss Maintenance Before the WordPress Website Gets Launched, and Why Your Business Website Needs a Privacy Policy.
Need help with an SSL installation? Visit our WordPress SSL Setup service page or call 602-633-4758 for more information and to get started.
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