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You want your blog to be as secure as possible right? and you definitely want your readers to know that your blog is secure so that they feel safe on it as well right? Then that is exactly why you need need to change Http to Https at the beginning of your URL.
Don’t worry, when first started my blog I had no idea either. Honestly, I thought it was just something that was automatically done when you self hosted. Apparently, it isn’t, which is why I wanted to explain everything and give you a step-by-step on the EASIEST way to change Http to Https.
Remember though, you HAVE to be a self-hosted blog to be able to do this. Don’t panic if you haven’t got a clue on where to start with going self-hosted because I have created a very simple start to finish guide on how to get started with self-hosting. I take you through the best options with your host provider all the way to setting up WordPress so that you’re ready to publish that first post. I packed it all into a handy downloadable e-book for you. Just click the image below for it to go straight to your inbox.
What is Https and Why you Need to Change?
Https means that your site is secure. It means that the information on your site is encrypted. This means that it is harder for hackers to eavesdrop. You’ll know if a site is secure when you go on it because next to the URL will be a little padlock. Just like you can see below.
We provide information to every website that we log into or buy something from. This is why changing your blog from Http to Https is so important because it encrypts this information and makes it secure.
Have you ever tried to go onto a site and you get a message saying that the connection isn’t secure or private? That means that the site your using doesn’t have Https.
Related: Self-host your blog with Bluehost | In less than 15 minutes
What you Need to Change to Https
First up, you need an SSL certificate. Without this, you can’t change Http to Https. Bluehost include this for free in their packages that they offer you. They also have great prices which are paid annually. I have been using Bluehost since I started blogging, that’s over a year now! I have never had any downtime on the blog or any problems with them. They are seriously user-friendly, I recommend highly.
Another bonus of having an SSL certificate is that you will see higher google rankings and your SEO will be improved on your site. This is because Google sees your blog as a credible site, you aren’t going to spam people or hack people and google wants to reward you for this!
What is an SSL Certificate?
So, you’re probably wondering what on earth an SSL certificate is right?! I thought so. An SSL certificate is basically small files that contain the encryption that is needed to make your site secure. When the certificate is installed on your hosting network. Bluehost already has it installed for you. The encryption files secure themselves to the data from your site so that hackers cannot access the information.
Of course, this is an extremely simplified version of what it actually is, all we need to know is that by having one, it builds trust with your readers, helps SEO, improves search rankings and keeps information safe and secure.
Related: 20+ Essential Plugins you NEED for your New Blog.
Step-by-step on How to Change to Https
I am going to show the easiest way to change Http to Https. I actually couldn’t believe how easy it was because believe me, I don’t understand enough code to do it the manual way.
Step 1
Download the plugin “Really Simple SSL”. Then activate it.
Step 2
Head on over to the settings for “Really Simple SSL”
You should see a screen that looks the same as the one above. This is letting you know the plugin has carried out its business and you’re all set up for Https.
Step 3
Make sure you head on over to Google search console and type in your shiny new Https URL. This will let Google know that you now have a secure version of your site. Google search console will take a while to show your rankings after you’ve changed it, but it’s an important step to do.
Note:
The plugin will also take care of the redirects from Http to Https for you.
Who didn’t realise that it was so easy to change Http to Https? or how important it was! Let me know in the comments.
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