How to Add SSL to WordPress Membership Sites

Adding SSL to your WordPress membership site ensures secure connections, protects sensitive member data, and boosts trust with the padlock icon in browsers. Plus, it can improve your SEO rankings. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll learn:

• Why SSL Matters: Encrypts data, builds user trust, and improves site visibility on search engines.
• How to Get SSL: Choose a free or paid SSL certificate (e.g., Let’s Encrypt, DigiCert) based on your site’s needs.
• Installing SSL: Use tools like cPanel, hosting provider options, or manual installation.
• Configuring WordPress: Update settings, URLs, and use plugins like Really Simple SSL to enforce HTTPS.
• Testing & Troubleshooting: Verify SSL with tools like SSL Labs and fix common issues like mixed content or redirect loops.

Quick Comparison of SSL Certificate Types

Follow this guide to secure your WordPress membership site efficiently and maintain user confidence. Let’s dive into the details!

How to Force HTTPS Using Really Simple SSL WordPress Plugin

Before You Start

Before setting up SSL on your WordPress membership site, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Create a Backup

Backing up your site is a must before installing SSL. It safeguards your data in case anything goes wrong during the process.

Tools like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy can automate this for you. To be extra safe, store your backup in at least two places – like your local computer and a cloud storage service.

Once your backup is secure, you can move on to choosing the right SSL certificate for your site.

Pick Your SSL Type

Choosing the right SSL certificate depends on your site’s size, purpose, and budget. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:

For most WordPress membership sites, a Domain Validated SSL certificate from providers like Let’s Encrypt is a solid choice. If you’re handling sensitive member data or running a larger operation, an OV or EV certificate might be worth the investment for added security and trust.

Adding SSL to WordPress

Ready to secure your WordPress membership site with SSL? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Get Your Certificate

First, you’ll need an SSL certificate. Many hosting providers offer free one-click SSL activation through Let’s Encrypt. If you’re looking for a paid option, providers like DigiCert or Comodo require you to purchase and validate the certificate.

Install Your Certificate

The installation process depends on your hosting setup and the type of certificate you’re using. Here are the most common methods:

• cPanel Installation
  If your host uses cPanel, head to the SSL/TLS section and select "Install SSL Certificate." For Let’s Encrypt, this is usually automated through tools like the "SSL/TLS Status" feature.
• Manual Installation
  This involves generating a CSR (Certificate Signing Request), submitting it to the certificate authority, installing the provided certificate files, and configuring your server.
• Managed WordPress Hosts
  Managed WordPress hosting often includes automatic SSL setup. If SSL isn’t enabled, reach out to your hosting provider for assistance.

For more advanced configurations, you may need additional support.

Pro Membership Sites Setup

Pro Membership Sites offers specialized services for securing WordPress membership sites. Their team handles everything from SSL certificate setup and installation to WordPress configuration updates, security monitoring, daily backups, and performance tuning. They’re also experienced with popular membership plugins like MemberPress, LearnDash, and AccessAlly, ensuring smooth SSL integration even on sites with complex setups. This service is ideal for anyone looking for a hassle-free and secure transition to HTTPS.

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WordPress SSL Settings

Once your SSL certificate is installed, you’ll need to configure WordPress to ensure your membership site uses HTTPS for secure connections. These adjustments protect your members’ data.

Update Site URLs

In your WordPress dashboard, navigate to Settings > General. Update the "WordPress Address (URL)" and "Site Address (URL)" fields by replacing "http://" with "https://". This update ensures your site uses secure connections across all pages. If you’re unable to access the dashboard, you can make this change directly in the wp-config.php file by adding:

define('WP_HOME','https://yourdomain.com');
define('WP_SITEURL','https://yourdomain.com');

After updating the URLs, enhance your SSL setup by using a plugin designed for SSL management.

SSL Plugin Setup

Although WordPress provides basic SSL support, plugins can simplify the process and handle ongoing maintenance. Below are some popular options:

For membership sites, configure your plugin to:

• Redirect all traffic to HTTPS
• Fix mixed content issues
• Enforce SSL on critical membership pages
• Monitor SSL certificate expiration dates

After setting up your SSL plugin, it’s important to secure your login pages for added protection.

Secure Login Pages

To secure login and admin pages, add the following lines to your wp-config.php file:

define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);
define('FORCE_SSL_LOGIN', true);

If you’re using membership plugins, make sure SSL encryption is enabled for key areas, such as:

• Member registration forms
• Password reset pages
• Profile updates
• Payment gateways
• Course access pages (if you’re using LMS features)

Testing and Fixes

With SSL installed and WordPress settings updated, it’s time to verify and fine-tune your configuration.

Check SSL Status

Use these tools to ensure your SSL setup is working as intended:

To perform an SSL check:

1. Go to SSL Labs (ssllabs.com/ssltest).
2. Enter your site’s domain.
3. Wait 2–3 minutes for the analysis to complete.
4. Review the results and follow any recommendations.

An "A" or "A+" rating indicates a strong SSL configuration. Pay close attention to "Protocol Support" and "Key Exchange" sections, as they are critical for securing membership sites. Address any issues identified before retesting.

Fix Content Errors

If SSL Labs or browser tools detect problems, address them promptly. One common issue is mixed content, which occurs when HTTPS pages load resources over HTTP. Here’s how to identify and resolve these errors:

1. Open Chrome DevTools (press F12).
2. Navigate to the Security tab.
3. Look for red "Not Secure" warnings.
4. Identify the specific resources causing the problem.

Typical sources of mixed content include:

• External video embeds
• Third-party payment gateway scripts

Update these resources to use HTTPS URLs or host them locally if possible. For WordPress users, you can add this code to your theme’s functions.php to enforce HTTPS for scripts and styles:

add_filter('script_loader_src', 'force_https', 10, 2);
add_filter('style_loader_src', 'force_https', 10, 2);

function force_https($url) {
    return str_replace('http://', 'https://', $url);
}

Once you’ve resolved mixed content warnings, move on to other common SSL issues.

Common Problems

Infinite Redirects

If your site gets stuck in a redirect loop, use this .htaccess rule to force HTTPS:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Certificate Errors

• Verify that your DNS records match the certificate.
• Install any required intermediate certificates.
• Check the certificate’s expiration date.
• Ensure SSL is enabled at the hosting level.

Payment Gateway Issues

Payment processors often require strict SSL settings, including:

• TLS 1.2 or higher
• SHA-256 encryption
• A valid domain that matches the certificate
• Strong cipher suites

If your membership site uses external payment processors, thoroughly test the checkout process after implementing SSL. Make sure webhook URLs and API endpoints are updated to HTTPS to avoid disruptions.

Wrap-Up

Now that SSL is actively protecting your site, let’s review its benefits and discuss what to do next.

Benefits of SSL

SSL offers two main advantages:

• Data encryption to protect sensitive member details.
• Trust indicators like the padlock icon and "https://" that increase user confidence.

Professional Assistance Options

Pro Membership Sites provides a range of services to handle your website’s security and performance needs:

"You will not find a more communicative, thorough, and caring team than Pro Membership Sites. We would love to work with you and offload the tech concerns so you can fully enjoy the freedom you’ve always wanted." – Steve, Founder of Pro Membership Sites

Their basic website management starts at $199/month, while most clients invest around $600/month for a full range of services.

Next Steps

Here are some ongoing tasks to maintain your site’s security:

1. Perform monthly security audits using tools like SSL Labs to address potential issues.
2. Track certificate renewals at least 90 days in advance.
3. Update security plugins regularly to maintain SSL compatibility.
4. Use tools like GTmetrix to monitor and optimize site speed.

You might also want to add two-factor authentication and schedule regular security scans for extra protection. Keep detailed records of your SSL setup to make troubleshooting easier. Pair these steps with routine site audits to ensure your membership site stays secure and runs smoothly.

Related Blog Posts

• Membership Site Security: Complete Protection Checklist
• Common Membership Site Problems and Their Solutions
• Recurring Revenue: Setting Up Membership Site Payments