How and Why You Should Add SSL to Your Author Website

This is part two of our series on setting up your author website. In part one, we covered the essentials like choosing a domain, hosting, and WordPress setup. Now, let’s dive into a critical next step: enabling SSL for your site, which boosts your SEO and enhances security.

Why SSL Matters in 2024

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) ensures secure communication between your site and its visitors. Websites with SSL begin with “https” instead of “http.” Since Google began prioritizing HTTPS sites in search rankings back in 2014, it’s become a must for any website aiming to rank well in search engines.

In 2024, SSL is no longer optional. Google Chrome, Firefox, and other browsers now flag sites without SSL as “Not Secure,” which can deter visitors. It’s a key factor in establishing trust and improving your search engine rankings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling SSL in 2024

Step 1: Check if Your Website Has SSL Enabled

The first step is to check whether your site is already SSL-enabled. Type your URL into a browser using https (e.g., https://yourauthorwebsitename.com). If a padlock icon appears next to the URL, your site is secure. If not, it’s time to set up SSL.

You can also use free online tools like SSL Checker to confirm whether SSL is active on your site.

Step 2: Enable SSL on Your Author Website

In 2024, most web hosting providers include free SSL certificates as part of their packages. A widely used free option is Let’s Encrypt, which is automatically integrated into many hosting services.

Here’s what to do:

• Log into your hosting provider’s dashboard and look for SSL options.
• Enable Let’s Encrypt or another free SSL option. Most providers have a one-click SSL installation process.
• Check with your hosting provider’s support team if you need help. They can guide you through the process if you’re not familiar with SSL setup.

Tip: Some hosting companies may try to upsell you on paid SSL certificates. For most author websites, free SSL options are sufficient unless you handle large volumes of sensitive data.

Step 3: Update Your Site in Google Search Console

Google Search Console (formerly Webmaster Tools) is a free tool that helps you monitor how your site performs in Google Search. Once SSL is enabled, you need to update your site’s settings in Google Search Console.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Log into Google Search Console at https://search.google.com/search-console.
2. Add your site’s HTTPS version by selecting “Add Property” and entering your new URL with https.
3. Verify your ownership by following the provided instructions, such as uploading a verification file to your site or using the HTML tag method.
4. Submit a new sitemap with your HTTPS URL to ensure Google indexes your site properly.

Step 4: Update Google Analytics for HTTPS

If you use Google Analytics to track your website traffic, make sure to update your site’s URL to HTTPS within your Analytics account:

1. Log into Google Analytics at https://analytics.google.com.
2. Go to Admin > Property Settings.
3. Update your default URL from “http” to “https.”

This ensures that your traffic data is accurate and that Google Analytics reflects your secure site.

Conclusion

Enabling SSL on your author website is essential in 2024. It not only helps improve your SEO but also ensures that your site is secure and trustworthy. With browsers flagging non-SSL sites and Google ranking HTTPS sites higher, this is a step you shouldn’t skip. If you need help, your hosting provider or tools like Let’s Encrypt make the process easier than ever.

Stay tuned for part three, where we’ll cover how to further optimize your WordPress site for better performance and reader engagement.