After Google label non-HTTPS sites as “not secure”, SSL(Secure Socket Layer), the domain with HTTPS is strongly encouraged by Google. SSL Certificate used to be quite pricy as it cost generally $80 – $200 annually, but as the demand increased, there is a way to obtain SSL certificate completely free!

Step-by-step Guide:

1. Go to https://www.cloudflare.com/
2. Create your account by signing up. Log in afterwards.
3. “+Add Site” on top right.
4. Add your site information.
5. Hit “Next” on “We’re querying your DNS records”.
6. Confirm the “Free” plan.
7. It will show DNS query result for your site. Review and hit “Continue”
8. Change your nameservers(DNS) as described.
9. On Domain Summary, change “SSL: Full” to “Flexible” no need to hit “Save”.
10. You are done with the DNS setting. Wait a few hours to 48 hours making sure test your site with adding “https://” in front of your domain url. Once it picks it up with “Not secure” message, then we are in good shape.

If you are using wordpress websites, install a plugin called, “Really Simple SSL”. To find “plugins” on the backend, find the “Plugins” from the left menu, -> “Add new” -> look for “Really Simple SSL”, install and activate the plugin. This plugin will help your website to redirect any old HTTP to HTTPS.