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If you have ever opened a website and seen “Not Secure” next to the URL, you already know why an SSL certificate matters.
That warning happens when a site owner forgets to purchase SSL certificate and activate HTTPS.
In 2025, HTTPS is not just a security feature you turn on for fun.
It is the difference between trust and doubt, especially for UK visitors who care about privacy and follow strict GDPR rules.
Whether you run a blog, a small business website, or an online shop, having SSL installed protects your visitors from prying eyes.
It keeps data encrypted, boosts your reputation, and even gives you an SEO lift because Google prefers secure sites.
So let’s walk through a simple, friendly, 7-step plan to help you purchase SSL certificate, install it, and avoid all those annoying browser warnings.
Step 1: Understand What Kind of SSL You Actually Need
Before you rush out to purchase SSL certificate, you need to figure out the type that suits your website.
This is where most beginners get confused, but it’s actually pretty simple.
A DV (Domain Validation) certificate is perfect if you run a personal blog or a simple information site.
It is fast, cheap, and easy to activate.
If you run a business website, you will probably prefer an OV (Organisation Validation) certificate.
This one checks your company details and builds more trust for visitors.
For online shops and any website that handles payments, the EV (Extended Validation) option adds even more confidence.
Some browsers display your company name, which makes your site look more official.
Think about your coverage too, because this affects what you buy.
A single domain is enough for one website, but a Wildcard SSL helps when you have subdomains like shop.yourdomain.co.uk or blog.yourdomain.co.uk.
If you manage several different sites, a Multi-Domain (SAN) certificate saves you money and avoids buying separate SSLs.
A little planning before you purchase SSL certificate will keep your setup clean and affordable.
Step 2: Choose a Reliable UK Provider or Reseller
Now that you know what you need, it is time to compare providers.
You can buy directly from big Certificate Authorities like Truehost, DigiCert or Sectigo, or from UK hosting companies like IONOS, 123-Reg, GoDaddy UK, and Truehost.
Most beginners prefer buying from their hosting provider because support is easier when everything sits in one account.
But advanced users sometimes choose global CAs because they want specific warranties or features.
When comparing options, look at more than just price.
Check customer support quality, reissue terms, and the warranty amount included with the SSL.
There are also free options like Let’s Encrypt, which work fine for basic sites.
However, businesses still prefer to purchase SSL certificate so they get higher trust levels and proper support.
If you need help choosing the right option, Truehost is a popular choice with simple plans and human support
Step 3: Generate a CSR (This Part Sounds Scary but It’s Easy)
Before you can complete your order, you will need a CSR or Certificate Signing Request.
This is a small block of encrypted text created inside your hosting panel.
The CSR includes your domain name and some basic details about your site.
It also contains your public key, which is needed to issue your SSL.
Make sure the Common Name (CN) matches your website exactly.
If your website uses “www”, include it, and if it doesn’t, leave it out.
During this process, your server also generates a Private Key, and this one is very important.
Never share it with anyone because it controls your whole SSL identity.
Once your CSR is ready, you can move on and purchase SSL certificate without any delays.
This step is usually done in cPanel or Plesk with just a few clicks.
Step 4: Submit Your CSR and Complete the Purchase
Now you head back to your provider’s website and begin the actual purchase.
Choose the SSL type you decided on earlier and start the order.
The site will give you a box to paste your CSR.
Double-check that nothing is missing before submitting it.
Once the CSR is accepted, you can make payment and confirm the order.
At this point, you have officially started the process to purchase SSL certificate, even though it is not active yet.
After payment, the next step depends on how the provider confirms your identity.
Validation is what makes SSL certificates trustworthy.
Step 5: Complete the Validation Process
If you picked a DV certificate, validation is extremely fast.
You can verify your domain through an email link, a DNS update, or a small file upload.
OV and EV certificates require stronger verification.
The provider may check your UK business details on Companies House or give you a call.
These additional checks can take a few hours or even a few days.
They add trust, which is why they matter more for online shops and financial websites.
When validation is done, the CA will email your certificate files.
These usually include the main certificate and intermediate chain files.
Keep them safe because you will need them during installation.
Now you’re ready for the part many people find the most stressful, though it’s not as hard as it sounds.
Step 6: Install the SSL Certificate on Your Server
Installing your SSL certificate means attaching it to your website so that HTTPS finally works.
If you are on shared hosting, this step is very easy.
Most UK hosting companies have a simple SSL/TLS Manager where you upload your certificate files.
Once you save the settings, the system does the rest.
If you run a VPS or dedicated server, you will need to update your Apache, Nginx, or IIS configuration files.
This includes pointing each file to the correct SSL path and restarting your server.
No matter the method, you must bind the certificate to your domain.
This tells your server which SSL to use for that website.
Once that is done, your website should be able to load over HTTPS.
But don’t celebrate yet—there are still some final checks to keep everything running smoothly.
Step 7: Test Your SSL and Force HTTPS
The last stage is to make sure everything works for your visitors.
A quick test using an online SSL checker will show you if your setup is perfect.
If the certificate chain is complete, you will get an “A” rating.
If anything is missing, the checker will tell you exactly what to fix.
Next, you need to force all traffic to HTTPS.
This is usually done using .htaccess or a simple server rule.
Make sure all your images, scripts, and stylesheets load over HTTPS too.
If any of them still use HTTP, your browser will show mixed-content warnings.
When everything loads correctly, visit your site again.
If you see a padlock icon in the address bar, you’re done.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your SSL Healthy
You now know how to purchase SSL certificate, install it, and keep your users safe.
The whole process is easier than it looks once you break it down.
Remember to set renewal reminders so your certificate never expires.
An expired SSL can bring your whole site down and scare visitors away.
If you ever get stuck choosing or installing your SSL, Truehost UK can guide you.
They offer affordable SSL options, quick support, and easy installation.
Need SSL help? Visit Truehost
