How to choose SSL coverage for your website
Start with the hostnames visitors actually use. A single website, several unrelated domains and many subdomains can need different certificate coverage.
Write the hostname list first
- One-site coverage: check exactly which hostname variants the product supports.
- Multi-domain coverage: check how many names are included and the cost of additional names.
- Wildcard coverage: check the wildcard level and whether the base domain is included. Do not assume it covers every nested subdomain.
Validation is a separate decision
Domain validation and organization validation have different verification requirements. More verification does not make an unpatched application secure. Choose the product whose coverage, validation and operational requirements fit the site.
Check the ongoing work
Confirm who creates the request, proves control of the domain, installs the certificate and handles future reissues. The paid subscription term is not necessarily the validity period of each issued certificate. Do not assume that an annual purchase means there is no maintenance during the year.
On Cheapville, similarly named Basic and Deluxe Automated products can have different installation and lifecycle features. Compare the service tier as well as the title, and confirm current terms in the cart. If your hosting already includes suitable automated SSL, check that coverage before buying a duplicate product.
Your next step
Compare SSL coverage. Confirm current availability, inclusions and billing terms before purchasing.
Related guides
- Managed SSL or self-installation: compare the responsibilities
- SSL, website security and backups do different jobs