This WordPress plugin offers an easy way to activate SSL on your site without diving into complex coding.
Let’s explore what makes Really Simple SSL a great choice for website owners and why you might want to give it a try.
Really Simple SSL Review
If you’ve ever worried about the little padlock icon missing from your website’s URL, Really Simple SSL is the tool for you.
It helps you switch your website from HTTP to HTTPS, a more secure version of web browsing.
HTTPS protects visitors’ data and builds trust with your audience.
The plugin simplifies the process by automatically detecting your SSL certificate and configuring your site to work with HTTPS.
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is essential.
Without it, visitors might hesitate to share personal information on your site, and Google may penalize you in search rankings.
How Does Really Simple SSL Work?
This plugin is designed for simplicity.
- Installation: Install it from the WordPress plugin directory. It’s free and takes only a few clicks.
- Activation: Activate it, and the plugin automatically detects your SSL certificate.
- Configuration: It adjusts your site settings and redirects all traffic from HTTP to HTTPS.
There’s no need to edit your code manually. It takes care of most of the technical details behind the scenes.
Features of Really Simple SSL
Here’s what makes it stand out:
One-Click Setup
One of the standout features of Really Simple SSL is its one-click setup process.
You don’t need any technical skills or coding knowledge to get started.
Once you’ve installed the plugin, it automatically detects your SSL certificate and begins configuring your website for HTTPS.
This is particularly helpful for beginners who might find SSL setups intimidating.
Even if you’ve never handled website security before, this plugin ensures that you can activate HTTPS with just a few clicks, saving you time and frustration.
Mixed Content Fixer
Mixed content issues can occur when certain elements on your website, such as images, stylesheets, or scripts, are still loaded over HTTP instead of HTTPS.
These issues can lead to security warnings in browsers and damage the user experience.
Really Simple SSL automatically fixes mixed content problems by scanning your site and updating these elements to HTTPS.
This feature ensures that every part of your website is secure, giving visitors a seamless and trustworthy browsing experience.
It’s especially useful for websites with older content where manual fixes might be overwhelming.
Lightweight Plugin
A common concern with plugins is their impact on website speed.
Fortunately, Really Simple SSL is lightweight and doesn’t bloat your website. It’s designed to run efficiently in the background without affecting load times or performance.
This is a critical factor for maintaining a smooth user experience and keeping your SEO rankings intact.
Whether you’re running a small blog or an e-commerce platform, you won’t need to worry about this plugin slowing your site down.
Benefits of Using Really Simple SSL
Securing your website isn’t just about adding a padlock icon; it’s about creating a safer and more trustworthy online experience.
Using Really Simple SSL comes with a variety of benefits for both you and your visitors.
Improved SEO
Search engines like Google give preference to websites using HTTPS over those that still use HTTP.
By switching to HTTPS with the help of Really Simple SSL, your website has a better chance of ranking higher in search results.
Studies show that 40% of users leave websites if they find them insecure, affecting both traffic and search rankings
(Source: GlobalSign).
Enabling HTTPS not only helps protect your site but also boosts its visibility, making it an essential step for website owners focused on SEO.
Visitor Trust
When visitors see the padlock icon next to your URL, they know their data is safe.
This small but significant detail increases user confidence, encouraging them to engage with your website.
Whether you’re running a blog or an online store, trust plays a huge role in how people interact with your site.
Without HTTPS, many visitors may hesitate to share personal details or make purchases.
Really Simple SSL makes it easy to build this trust by ensuring your website is secure and displays the padlock icon.
Legal Compliance
Many regions worldwide have strict laws about protecting user data, such as the GDPR in Europe or CCPA in California.
Failing to secure your website could lead to hefty fines or legal complications, especially if sensitive customer information is at risk.
By enabling HTTPS with Really Simple SSL, you’re taking an essential step toward compliance with these regulations.
It’s not just about following the law – it’s about showing your audience that you value their privacy and security.
Free vs. Premium Version
Both versions of the plugin provide excellent value, but here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Free Version | Premium Version |
| Basic HTTPS redirection | Yes | Yes |
| Mixed content fixing | Yes | Yes |
| Security headers | No | Yes |
| Site scan for errors | No | Yes |
| Multisite support | No | Yes |
| Cost | Free | $29/year (per site) |
If you run a small blog, the free version might be enough. For e-commerce or multisite installations, the premium version is a better fit.
Pro Tip: Get a discount on the premium version by using one of our coupons for Really Simple SSL.
Why Choose Really Simple SSL?
The plugin shines because of its ease of use and reliability. Unlike other SSL tools, it handles mixed content issues automatically and has a strong track record of updates.
With over 5 million active installations and an average rating of 4.9/5 stars on WordPress.org, it’s clear that website owners trust this plugin.
Alternatives like WP Force SSL or Cloudflare SSL are good, but they might require extra steps or don’t integrate as seamlessly with WordPress.
Common Concerns
You might wonder: “Is it safe to use?“
Yes, Really Simple SSL follows WordPress security guidelines. Its free version has been used on millions of sites without major issues.
Just keep your plugins updated, and you’re good to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Really Simple SSL Work with All Hosting Providers?
Yes, Really Simple SSL is compatible with most hosting providers.
However, you need an SSL certificate installed on your server for the plugin to work.
Many hosting companies offer free SSL certificates through Let’s Encrypt, which you can combine with the plugin for a seamless setup.
If your hosting provider doesn’t include an SSL certificate, you may need to purchase one or look for an alternative host that offers free SSL options.
Will Using Really Simple SSL Affect My Website’s Existing Functionality?
No, Really Simple SSL doesn’t interfere with your site’s existing functionality.
It focuses on redirecting your site’s traffic to HTTPS and fixing mixed content issues.
If you notice any issues, they are often related to outdated themes or plugins on your site.
Regularly updating your website’s themes, plugins, and WordPress core can help prevent potential conflicts.
Can I Use Really Simple SSL on A Multisite Word Press Installation?
Yes, but you’ll need the premium version of the plugin to fully support multisite installations.
The free version works well for single sites, but the premium upgrade offers better control and specific tools for managing SSL across multiple sites within a WordPress network.
How Do I Know if My Website Is Fully Secure After Installing the Plugin?
Really Simple SSL provides a basic level of security by enabling HTTPS, but you can check your site’s security using external tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test or Why No Padlock.
These tools help identify additional security headers or mixed content issues that may need attention.
For advanced monitoring and fixing of security errors, the premium version of Really Simple SSL includes a detailed site scan feature.
Conclusion
When I think about making website security easier, this plugin is one of the first solutions that comes to mind.
In this review of Really Simple SSL, I’ve highlighted its features, benefits, and how it simplifies SSL activation for everyone – even beginners.
If you want to make your site secure, Really Simple SSL is worth a try.
It saves you from the headaches of manual configuration and offers both free and premium options to fit different needs.
With its high ratings, excellent support, and millions of users, it’s no surprise why it’s a favorite.