Manually Install SSL Certificate on GoDaddy - Step-by-step Guide

In today's digital landscape, having a secure website is crucial for any business. With cyber threats on the rise, SSL certificates play a vital role in encrypting sensitive data and protecting your website visitors' information. If you are a business owner with a website hosted on GoDaddy and want to manually install an SSL certificate, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps.

Why Install an SSL Certificate?

Before we dive into the installation process, let's first understand the importance of SSL certificates and why they are essential for your website.

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate that establishes a secure connection between a web server and a browser, ensuring all data transferred between them remains encrypted and protected. Here are some key reasons why you should install an SSL certificate:

• Data Security: SSL encryption safeguards sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, and other personal data from being intercepted by malicious actors.
• Trust and Credibility: Websites secured with SSL certificates display a padlock icon and HTTPS in the address bar, giving visitors peace of mind and increasing trust in your brand.
• SEO Benefits: Google and other search engines consider SSL certificates as a ranking factor. Having SSL installed on your website can improve your search engine rankings.

Step-by-Step Guide to Manually Install SSL Certificate on GoDaddy

Step 1: Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR)

The first step in installing an SSL certificate manually on GoDaddy is to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR). A CSR is a file that contains your website's information and will be used by the Certificate Authority (CA) to issue your SSL certificate. Follow these steps:

1. Login: Log in to your GoDaddy account.
2. Select SSL Certificates: Navigate to your SSL Certificates section in the Dashboard.
3. Create CSR: Look for the option to create a new CSR and click on it.
4. Enter Details: Fill in the required information for your website, including Common Name (your domain name), organization details, and locality.
5. Generate CSR: After providing all the necessary information, click on the Generate button to create your CSR and private key files.

Step 2: Purchase an SSL Certificate

Once you have generated your CSR, the next step is to purchase an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority. There are several trusted CAs available, such as GoDaddy, Let's Encrypt, Comodo, and DigiCert. Follow these guidelines:

1. Research CA Providers: Compare different CA providers and choose the one that fits your needs in terms of pricing, support, and reputation.
2. Choose Certificate Type: Select the SSL certificate type that suits your website's requirements. Different types include Domain Validated (DV), Organization Validated (OV), and Extended Validation (EV) certificates.
3. Submit CSR: During the purchase process, you will be prompted to provide your CSR. Copy and paste the generated CSR into the appropriate field.
4. Complete Order: Follow the instructions provided by the CA to finalize the SSL certificate purchase.
5. Receive Certificate: After completing the purchase, you will receive the SSL certificate via email or directly in your account dashboard.

Step 3: Install the SSL Certificate on GoDaddy

Now that you have the SSL certificate, it's time to install it on your GoDaddy hosting account. Follow these detailed steps:

1. Login: Log in to your GoDaddy account control panel.
2. Navigate to the SSL Section: Locate the SSL section in your account settings or hosting control panel.
3. Manage Existing Certificates: Look for the option to manage or add existing certificates.
4. Upload Certificate Files: Choose the option to upload your SSL certificate files (usually in .crt file format).
5. Provide Certificate Details: Fill in the required details, such as the certificate name, expiration date, and private key file (if not auto-detected).
6. Save Changes: After providing all the necessary information, save the changes.
7. Verify Installation: To ensure successful installation, verify the certificate installation with the help of online SSL checkers or GoDaddy's SSL management tools.

Step 4: Update Website Configuration

After installing the SSL certificate, there are a few additional steps to ensure your website's proper configuration:

1. Update Website URLs: Replace all instances of "http://www.yourdomain.com" with "https://www.yourdomain.com" in your website's code.
2. Redirect HTTP to HTTPS: Set up HTTP to HTTPS redirects to ensure all traffic is redirected to the secure version of your website.
3. Renew SSL Certificate: Keep track of your SSL certificate's expiration date and renew it before it expires to maintain uninterrupted security.
4. Test and Optimize: Regularly test your website's SSL configuration and optimize its performance for maximum efficiency and security.

Conclusion

By following this step-by-step guide, you have learned how to manually install an SSL certificate on your GoDaddy-hosted website. Securing your website with an SSL certificate not only protects your visitors' data but also improves your search engine rankings and enhances your brand's credibility. Remember to choose a reliable Certificate Authority and keep your SSL certificate up to date to ensure consistent security.

For more detailed instructions or if you encounter any issues during the installation process, always refer to the official documentation provided by GoDaddy or consult with their customer support. Stay ahead in the digital realm by prioritizing the security of your business website through SSL encryption.