How to Get a Cheap SSL Certificate from SSLS.COM [+ 7 Alternatives]

Hi friend! Securing your website with an SSL certificate is crucial for protecting user data and establishing trust with customers. However, SSL certificates can get expensive. As a technology geek and data analyst, I want to provide you with an in-depth guide on how to get an affordable SSL certificate. I‘ll walk you through the process with SSLS.COM and give you 7 additional cheap SSL alternatives to consider.

What is an SSL Certificate and Why You Need One

An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that authenticates a website‘s identity and enables encrypted data transfer. It uses encryption algorithms to prevent hackers from accessing information sent between a user and a website.

There are a few different types of SSL certificates based on the level of validation:

Extended Validation (EV) – Highest validation, displays company name in browser
Organization Validated (OV) – Validates company identity
Domain Validated (DV) – Validates domain ownership only
Wildcard – Secures unlimited subdomains
Multi-Domain/UCC – Secures multiple domains

An SSL certificate is essential for any website for several reasons:

Encrypts sensitive data like passwords, credit cards, etc.
Verifies a website‘s legitimacy
Displays padlock and HTTPS in the browser bar
Complies with industry regulations like PCI DSS
Improves search engine optimization
Increases visitor trust and conversion rates

Research shows that websites using HTTPS see an average increase of over 15% in organic traffic from Google. An SSL certificate also provides a competitive advantage – a study by Google found that over 50% of people will leave a site if it doesn‘t have HTTPS enabled.

How to Get an SSL Certificate from SSLS.COM

Okay, let‘s walk through the steps for getting a cheap SSL certificate installed with SSLS.COM:

Purchase – Browse options and select the right certificate based on your budget, validation needs, and number of domains. An account is automatically created.
Generate CSR – Create a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) through your web server or SSLS.COM‘s CSR generator. This provides your business and domain details.
Validation – Confirm domain ownership through email, DNS records, or file upload. Validation level depends on cert type.
Install Certificate – Download the issued SSL certificate and install on your web server. Most hosts make this easy using auto-installers.

Based on my experience, SSLS.COM makes the process simple through their control panel and documentation. Their affordable Domain Validated (DV) certificates provide encryption without breaking the bank.

7 Recommended Cheap SSL Alternatives

If you want to compare other low-cost SSL providers, here are my top recommendations:

1. ZeroSSL

ZeroSSL is a great option if you want to test SSL protection for free. They offer free 90-day DV certificates that work seamlessly with all major browsers. Setup only takes minutes.

2. Namecheap

Namecheap isn‘t just for domains – they also have highly affordable SSL certs starting under $10/year. Their stellar reputation and support make them worth considering.

3. SSL Store

SSL Store is a trusted retailer selling all the top brands. I appreciate their price matching and discounts. Their knowledge base is also very helpful.

4. SSL2BUY

SSL2BUY enables you to easily compare brands like Comodo, GeoTrust, RapidSSL, etc. They have global coverage options and top-notch support.

5. DigiCert

DigiCert is used by companies like Facebook and PayPal given their stellar reputation. They offer domain, organization, and extended validation certs.

6. Network Solutions

Network Solutions has been around for over 25 years. They offer a wide range of SSL certs from domain validation to extended validation.

7. Comodo

Comodo is worth considering for their domain, organization, and extended validation certificates. Their $10k warranties provide great peace of mind.

Closing Recommendations

An SSL certificate enables you to securely handle sensitive data and build trust with your website visitors. Based on your budget and needs, SSLS.COM and the other providers listed here offer high-quality domain validated certificates to protect your online presence.

My recommendation is to start with a basic DV certificate from a reputable provider like SSLS.COM or ZeroSSL. This will allow you to enable encryption and HTTPS without breaking the bank. You can always upgrade to a more advanced certificate later once your site grows.

I hope this guide has been helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions as you work to secure your website. I‘m always happy to chat more about SSL certificates and web security.