- Abi Djanogly
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
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Getting an SSL certificate is the first step towards website security and protecting your visitors' data. An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the information exchanged between a user's browser and your site, which is essential for building trust and improving your search engine ranking. If you are creating a website, this guide will walk you through the process, making it simple to add that all-important padlock icon to your address bar.
With a professional website builder like Wix, getting an SSL certificate is often handled for you automatically. When you create a site with Wix, it comes with a free SSL certificate pre-installed, so you can focus on building your business with peace of mind.
Your domain is more than a web address, it’s the first impression of your brand. With Wix, you can easily find and secure a custom domain that reflects who you are and what you do. Whether you’re launching a business, blog or portfolio, your perfect domain is just a few clicks away. Start building your online presence and claim yours today.
TL;DR: How to get an SSL certificate
Short on time? Here’s a quick summary of how to secure your website with an SSL certificate.
Step | Action |
1. Choose a website builder | Select a platform like Wix that includes a free SSL certificate. |
2. Pick a domain name | Your SSL certificate will be tied to your site's domain. |
3. Verify the SSL certificate is active | Check for the padlock icon and "https://" in your site's URL. |
What is an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate (Secure Sockets Layer) is a digital security certificate that encrypts the data transferred between a website and its visitors. When a site has an SSL certificate, it uses HTTPS instead of HTTP, and a padlock icon appears in the browser bar.
This encryption protects sensitive information such as login details, credit card numbers and personal data from being intercepted by hackers.
“An SSL certificate confirms that a website is genuine and not a potentially dangerous imitation.” - Prof. Dr. Dennis-Kenji Kipker, scientific director of the cyberintelligence.institute in Frankfurt am Main
In simple terms, an SSL certificate makes sure that any information your visitors share with your website stays private and secure.
Read more: Best SSL certificate providers
Why do I need an SSL certificate?
An SSL certificate is essential for building trust, improving security and supporting your website’s performance in search engines. As of 2025, over 88% of websites now use HTTPS, showing how essential web security has become.
First, an SSL certificate protects user data by encrypting all information sent between the browser and the server. This is particularly important for websites that collect passwords, payment details or personal information.
Second, it builds trust with your visitors. The “https” prefix and padlock icon signal that your website is safe to use, which increases credibility and reduces the chances of users abandoning your site.
Third, SSL certificates support SEO. Search engines like Google consider HTTPS a ranking factor, meaning secure websites are more likely to rank higher in search results than unsecured ones.
Finally, many modern browsers now flag non-HTTPS websites as “Not Secure,” which can negatively impact your brand reputation and user experience if you don’t have an SSL certificate installed.
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How to get an SSL certificate in 3 steps
Securing your site is a fundamental part of establishing a trustworthy business. An SSL certificate not only protects sensitive data but also signals to visitors that your site is professional and safe. Let’s break down how simple this process can be.
01. Choose a professional website builder
The easiest way to get an SSL certificate is to use a website builder that provides one for free. Platforms like Wix handle the technical side of security for you, so you don't have to worry about the complex process of buying, verifying and installing a certificate yourself.
When you create a website with Wix, an SSL certificate is automatically included and activated for your domain. Wix simplifies domain registration for your business, ensuring it's not only quick but also secure from the start. This integrated approach saves you time and effort, letting you concentrate on creating content and growing your audience.
02. Pick a domain name for your site
Your SSL certificate is directly linked to your website's domain name. If you don't have a domain yet, you'll need to choose a domain name that reflects your brand. Your domain is your site's unique address on the internet, so make it memorable and easy to type. It's recommended to use a domain name search tool to check the availability of your preferred domain name.
Once you’ve selected your domain through a provider or a website builder, the SSL certificate can be assigned to it. With an all-in-one platform, this connection happens automatically. For example, Wix offers quick domain registration and pairs it with SSL certification, streamlining the entire setup process.
03. Verify your SSL certificate
After setting up your site and domain, it's important to confirm that your SSL certificate is working correctly. You can do this by visiting your website and looking at the address bar in your browser.
You should see a padlock icon next to your URL, and the web address should begin with "https://" instead of "http://". The "s" stands for "secure," indicating that the connection is encrypted. If you see these indicators, your SSL certificate is active, and your site is secure for visitors.
You may also be interested in: website security tips.
How to get an SSL certificate for your Wix site
Wix simplifies domain registration for your business, making it easy to secure your online presence from the very beginning. As part of the setup process, Wix ensures secure domain registration with SSL certification, helping protect your website and visitors’ data automatically. With quick domain registration, Wix allows you to launch your site faster while giving you the confidence that your connection is encrypted, trusted and ready for growth.
Wix automatically provides a free SSL certificate for all Wix sites, including those with custom domains connected to your site.
To enable this, connect a custom domain to your Wix site and upgrade with a premium plan if required.
The SSL certificate is generated automatically once your domain is connected.
Ensure your domain's DNS records are properly set to allow SSL activation. Check your DNS settings in your Wix account under "Domains" > "Manage DNS Records".
Wait up to 48 hours for domain propagation after making DNS changes.
Note: Wix does not support third-party SSL certificates or SSL for domains connected to external (non-Wix) websites. Your site will show as secure with "https" and a lock icon in browsers supporting SSL. For older devices or browsers not recognizing SSL, updating to the latest operating system or browser version is recommended.
Build a secure site today
Having an SSL certificate is no longer optional—it's a standard for any website. It protects your visitors, boosts your credibility and can even improve your search engine rankings.
Ready to build a website that's secure from the start? Choose a website template and get a free, automatically installed SSL certificate today.
How to get an SSL certificate FAQ
What happens if I don't have an SSL certificate?
If your website doesn't have an SSL certificate, web browsers like Chrome and Firefox will mark it as "Not Secure." This warning can deter visitors and damage your brand's credibility. It also means any data exchanged between your site and its users, like login details or contact information, is unencrypted and vulnerable to interception.
How much does an SSL certificate cost?
The cost of an SSL certificate can vary. While you can purchase them from Certificate Authorities for an annual fee, many website builders, including Wix, provide a free SSL certificate with their plans. This is often the most cost-effective and convenient option for small businesses and new website owners.
How long does it take to get an SSL certificate?
The time it takes to get an SSL certificate depends on the method you choose. If you use a website builder like Wix, the SSL certificate is often provisioned and activated automatically within minutes of connecting your domain. If you purchase one manually, the verification process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of certificate.
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