HTTPS for WordPress Websites – How To Enable SSL Certificate

Introduction: Why HTTPS Is No Longer Optional for Indian Businesses

For today’s digital-first Indian businesses, a website is not just an information platform—it is a business interface. Clients submit enquiry forms, share documents, make payments, and communicate sensitive information online.

If your WordPress website still runs on HTTP instead of HTTPS, that data travels without encryption. Modern browsers now label such sites as “Not Secure”, which directly impacts user trust and business credibility.

From service firms and consultants to e-commerce stores and educational institutions, enabling HTTPS is a basic security and compliance requirement, not an advanced technical feature.

This article explains, in clear business terms, what HTTPS and SSL mean, why they matter, and how Indian business owners can safely enable SSL certificates on their WordPress websites.

Understanding HTTPS and SSL (Core Concept)

• HTTP = HyperText Transfer Protocol
• HTTPS = HTTP Secure

HTTPS uses an SSL/TLS certificate to encrypt data between the visitor’s browser and your web server.

This encryption protects:

• Login credentials
• Contact form submissions
• Payment and personal data
• Business documents
• Communication integrity

Without SSL, this information can be intercepted, altered, or misused.

Business Risks of Not Using HTTPS

Indian businesses commonly face:

• Browser security warnings scaring potential clients
• Reduced trust during lead generation
• Compliance concerns in regulated industries
• Lower search visibility
• Increased vulnerability to data interception

In competitive digital markets, even a small trust barrier can result in lost business opportunities.

Step-by-Step Guide: Enabling SSL on WordPress

Step 1: Check If SSL Is Available on Your Hosting

Login to your hosting control panel and look for:

• “SSL/TLS”
• “Security”
• “Let’s Encrypt SSL”
• “Free SSL”

Step 2: Install / Activate SSL Certificate

Click Install or Issue Certificate for your domain.

Wait for confirmation that SSL is active.

Step 3: Verify HTTPS Access

Open your browser and type:

https://www.yourdomain.com

You should see a padlock icon in the address bar.

Step 4: Update WordPress URLs

Go to: Settings → General

Change:

• WordPress Address (URL)
• Site Address (URL)

From:

http://

To:

https://

Step 5: Force HTTPS Using .htaccess

Edit .htaccess and add:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteRule ^ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Step 6: Fix Mixed Content Issues

Mixed content occurs when HTTPS pages load HTTP resources.

• Update internal links.
• Replace image and script URLs.
• Use database search & replace if required.

Step 7: Test Website Functionality

Check:

• Login page
• Forms
• Payment pages
• Media loading
• Admin dashboard

Business Impact & Benefits

Implementing HTTPS delivers:

• Higher customer confidence
• Data protection
• Professional brand image
• Improved search engine trust
• Regulatory and compliance readiness
• Reduced legal and reputational risk

For Indian businesses dealing with customer information, HTTPS is a foundational security layer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Installing SSL but not forcing HTTPS.
• Ignoring mixed content errors.
• Forgetting to update WordPress URLs.
• Not renewing certificates on time.
• Testing only the homepage, not internal pages.

Best Practices Followed by Professional IT Teams

• Always use HTTPS from day one.
• Maintain automatic SSL renewal.
• Monitor certificate expiry.
• Keep redirects clean and minimal.
• Audit site content for insecure links.
• Combine SSL with firewall and backup policies.

Security & Performance Considerations

Modern SSL has negligible performance impact and significantly improves security posture. When combined with optimized hosting, HTTPS can support high-traffic business websites reliably.

Conclusion: Practical Advice for Business Owners

HTTPS is not a technical luxury—it is a business necessity.

Every Indian organization using WordPress should ensure that SSL is properly installed, enforced, and maintained.

A secure website builds trust, protects data, and reflects professional responsibility in the digital marketplace.