How to Get an SSL Certificate from GoDaddy: A Guide for Your Dream Website.

So, you’re all set to launch your stunning website, but there’s one essential step you can’t afford to overlook: securing your site with an SSL certificate. It’s not just about boosting your website’s security; it’s also about building trust with your visitors. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the process of obtaining an SSL certificate from GoDaddy, whether you’re purchasing it separately or as part of a hosting package.

What is an SSL Certificate and Why Do You Need One?

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the data transmitted between your website and your visitors. This encryption ensures that sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers, is protected from prying eyes. An SSL certificate also helps in:

• Building Trust: Visitors feel safer on a site that has HTTPS in the URL.
• SEO Benefits: Google favors secure sites, potentially improving your search engine ranking.
• Compliance: Many regulations require SSL for websites handling sensitive data.

Step 1: Choosing Your SSL Certificate

GoDaddy offers several types of SSL certificates to cater to different needs:

• Domain Validated (DV) SSL: Basic encryption suitable for small websites or blogs.
• Organization Validated (OV) SSL: Includes verification of your organization, offering more trust.
• Extended Validation (EV) SSL: Provides the highest level of validation and trust, showing the company name in the browser’s address bar.
• Wildcard SSL: Covers your main domain and all its subdomains.
• Multi-Domain SSL: Secures multiple domain names with a single certificate.

Step 2: Purchasing an SSL Certificate from GoDaddy

1. Visit GoDaddy’s SSL Page: Navigate to the SSL certificates section on GoDaddy’s website.
2. Select Your SSL Certificate: Choose the type of SSL certificate that suits your needs. If you’re unsure, GoDaddy’s support can help you decide.
3. Add to Cart: Click “Add to Cart” and proceed to checkout.
4. Create/Log in to Your GoDaddy Account: If you don’t have a GoDaddy account, you’ll need to create one.
5. Complete the Purchase: Follow the steps to complete your purchase. You’ll receive a confirmation email with details on how to proceed.

Step 3: Setting Up Your SSL Certificate

1. Generate a CSR (Certificate Signing Request): You’ll need to generate a CSR from your hosting control panel or server. GoDaddy provides a guide on how to do this for various platforms.
2. Submit the CSR to GoDaddy: Go to your GoDaddy account and navigate to “SSL Certificates.” Select your certificate and click on “Manage,” then follow the instructions to submit your CSR.
3. Verification Process: Depending on the type of SSL certificate, GoDaddy might require some verification. For DV SSL, you might just need to verify your domain ownership. OV and EV certificates will require more detailed verification of your organization.
4. Install the SSL Certificate: Once issued, download your SSL certificate files from GoDaddy. Install the certificate on your web server. GoDaddy provides detailed instructions for various server types and control panels.

Step 4: Configuring Your Website for HTTPS

1. Update Website URLs: Change all URLs on your site to HTTPS. This might involve updating your site’s configuration files, database, and any hard-coded URLs in your content.
2. 301 Redirects: Set up 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS to ensure visitors are directed to the secure version of your site.
3. Mixed Content: Ensure all elements on your site, such as images, scripts, and stylesheets, are loaded over HTTPS. Mixed content warnings can deter visitors and affect your SEO.

Adding SSL to Your Hosting Package

If you’re planning to buy website hosting or WordPress hosting from GoDaddy, you’re in luck! Many hosting packages come with a free SSL certificate included. Here’s how to get started:

Buying a Hosting Package with SSL

1. Visit GoDaddy’s Hosting Page: Check out the website hosting or WordPress hosting sections.
2. Choose Your Hosting Plan: Select a plan that includes SSL. Many of GoDaddy’s hosting packages, like their Business Hosting and WordPress Hosting plans, come with SSL certificates.
3. Add to Cart and Checkout: Follow the steps to add the hosting package to your cart and proceed to checkout.
4. Set Up Your Hosting: Once purchased, set up your hosting account. GoDaddy provides a straightforward setup process with step-by-step instructions.
5. Activate Your SSL Certificate: Your hosting account should automatically come with an SSL certificate. Navigate to your hosting dashboard and follow the instructions to activate it.

Managing Your SSL Certificate

Once your SSL certificate is installed, it’s important to keep it up to date:

• Renewal: SSL certificates have expiration dates, typically one year. GoDaddy will send you reminders as the expiration date approaches. Make sure to renew your certificate to avoid any security warnings for your visitors.
• Re-Keying: If you change your server or make significant changes to your site, you might need to re-key your SSL certificate. This involves generating a new CSR and reissuing the certificate.

Troubleshooting Common SSL Issues

• Certificate Not Trusted: Ensure your certificate is installed correctly and that all intermediate certificates are included.
• Mixed Content Warnings: Use tools like Why No Padlock to identify and fix mixed content issues on your site.
• SSL Not Showing Up: Make sure your DNS settings are correct and that the SSL certificate is properly installed on your server.

Securing your website with an SSL certificate from GoDaddy is a crucial step in establishing trust and protecting your visitors’ data. Whether you purchase an SSL certificate separately or opt for a hosting package that includes SSL, GoDaddy provides an array of options and excellent support to help you every step of the way. So go ahead, secure your site, and make your mark on the web with confidence!