What is SSL and Why Your Blog Needs It

Today, SSL is no longer just a “nice-to-have” feature. It’s an absolute necessity for every website and blog. Without it, browsers display ‘Not Secure’ warnings, scaring away visitors and hurting search rankings. SSL keeps readers safe, protects your reputation with trust signals, and satisfies Google’s HTTPS requirements. At KnownHost, SSL setup is seamless: free (for domains we host), automated, and backed by 24/7 support so you can focus on content, not technical hassles.

1. What SSL Does

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encrypts data transferred between your blog and its visitors. This means that any sensitive information (whether it’s login details, email addresses, or comment submissions) is protected from eavesdroppers and hackers. In practical terms, SSL gives you the familiar padlock icon and https:// in your browser bar, showing everyone your site is secure. 

This builds user trust and satisfies Google’s HTTPS requirement for SEO.

KnownHost automatically provides free SSL through AutoSSL for every domain hosted on our platform, regardless of where you registered your domain.

2. Three Reasons Every Blog Needs SSL

1. Google prioritizes HTTPS sites in rankings and uses it as a direct ranking factor. If your blog uses plain HTTP, you may see it fall in the search results, and browsers like Chrome and Safari will warn visitors that your site isn’t secure. This causes over half of potential visitors to leave your site immediately. 
2. SSL defends every form submission, comment, and email signup from being intercepted. Even basic blogs are targets for cybercrime if data isn’t encrypted. 
3. Studies show that 85% of users don’t trust websites lacking that padlock. That’s a huge credibility boost you don’t want to miss.

At KnownHost, AutoSSL protection is turned on by default for all blogs and sites hosted with us.

3. Free vs. Paid SSL Certificates: What’s Right for a Blog?

For personal blogs and most content sites, a free Domain Validated (DV) SSL certificate is more than enough. KnownHost includes this at no extra cost on every plan.

When to Upgrade to Paid SSL

• Selling products/services (meets PCI compliance).
• Needing business identity display (OV/EV shows company name in browser).
• Securing multiple subdomains (e.g., *.yourblog.com with Wildcard SSL).

Explore KnownHost’s paid SSL options for Comodo, Sectigo, and GeoTrust certificates.

Note: We offer a limited 7 day money back guarantee should you find anything wrong with the certificate.

4. How KnownHost Makes SSL Simple and Automatic

SSL security doesn’t have to be technical or time-consuming. With KnownHost, all you need is a few clicks. Our AutoSSL feature automatically installs and renews your certificates, so you never worry about expiration. 

You can activate SSL in cPanel under “SSL/TLS Status,” and setup is quick and straightforward. Renewals happen seamlessly in the background, so your padlock never disappears. And if you ever get stuck, our U.S.-based support team is available 24/7 to help resolve any SSL or redirect issues right away. AutoSSL begins working as soon as your domain is hosted. 

5. Setting Up SSL in Three Simple Steps

Getting your blog protected with SSL is quick:

1. In cPanel, locate the SSL/TLS Status section and make sure SSL is enabled for your domain.
2. Use the Redirects Tool to force all website traffic to secure HTTPS, not plain HTTP.
3. Once done, visit your site or use SSL Labs to confirm the padlock appears and there are no errors.

Don’t forget: After moving to HTTPS, update your site’s address in Google Search Console to reflect the change and preserve your SEO performance.

6. Debunking Common SSL Myths

It’s a myth that only online stores need SSL. Google and modern browsers expect encryption on every site, even content blogs. Another common misconception is that SSL makes websites slower, but KnownHost’s LiteSpeed servers handle HTTPS connections efficiently, adding virtually no delay. 

Finally, don’t worry about the security of free SSL certificates. Let’s Encrypt, which powers our free SSL, protects over 300 million websites worldwide.

LiteSpeed on KnownHost also ensures fast load times even with encryption enabled.

7. Risks of Skipping SSL

Ignoring SSL comes with real consequences. “Not Secure” warnings drive bounce rates up by more than 50%, which means direct traffic loss. HTTP sites are deprioritized in Google Search results, unencrypted data (comments/logins) can be intercepted, risking user privacy and compliance violations.

Conclusion: Secure Your Blog Today

SSL is essential for trust, SEO, and protecting your site’s visitors. KnownHost makes it simple:

• SSL certificates are free with every hosting plan
• Setup and renewals happen automatically
• Our U.S.-based support is available 24/7 for any issues

Getting started is easy. Just focus on writing and growing your blog, and let KnownHost cover your security.