Knowledge Base

Installing SSL Certificate on VPS/VDS Servers with Nginx

Using an SSL certificate has become a necessity to enhance your website's security and provide your users with a secure browsing experience. In this article, we will explain step by step how to install an SSL certificate on a VPS/VDS server running on the Nginx web server. You will also find useful tips to improve your SEO strategy while performing these operations.

1. Connecting to the Server via SSH

First, you need to connect to your VPS or VDS server via SSH. To do this, open your terminal application and enter the following command:

Remember to replace sunucu_ip_adresi with your server IP address.

2. Setting the Hostname

Before installing the SSL certificate, it is important to set your server's hostname correctly. You can use the following command to determine the hostname:

Here, you should use your own domain name instead of sunucu.eka.net.tr.

3. Downloading and Installing the acme.sh Script

We will use the acme.sh script to create the SSL certificate. This script works with free certificate providers such as Let's Encrypt and ZeroSSL. First, download and install the script on your server:

After the installation is complete, you may need to restart your terminal for the script to work:

4. Installing socat Tools

The acme.sh script requires the socat tool when running in standalone mode. Therefore, you need to install the socat tool:

For Debian/Ubuntu:

For CentOS/RHEL:

5. Stopping Nginx

Nginx must not be running while creating the SSL certificate, because acme.sh, running in standalone mode, uses port 80. Therefore, temporarily stop Nginx:

6. Creating the SSL Certificate

Create your SSL certificate using the acme.sh script:

When the script successfully creates the certificate, you must move this certificate to the relevant directories.

7. Moving Certificate Files to the Correct Directories

Move the certificate and private key file you created to the directories that Nginx will use:

8. Restarting Nginx

After moving the certificate files, restart Nginx to activate the SSL certificate:

9. Testing the Accuracy of the SSL Certificate

Check whether the SSL certificate is working properly by going to https://sunucu.eka.net.tr:8888 in your browser.

10. SEO and Hosting Strategy

The use of SSL certificates is extremely important for SEO. Search engines prefer websites with SSL certificates and give these sites higher rankings. If you do not yet have a VPS or VDS server, or if you want to upgrade your existing server, you can check out the Turkey Location VDS/VPS options. With its strong infrastructure and affordable prices, EkaSunucu offers hosting solutions suitable for your needs.

In this article, we explained step by step how to install an SSL certificate on the Nginx web server. While increasing the security of your server, you also strengthened your SEO strategy. By following these steps, you can maximize the security of your site and improve your ranking in search engines.

Conclusion

By following this guide, which explains how important a correct SSL installation is for SEO and the role of hosting choices in this process, you can satisfy both your users and search engines. You can visit our blog or contact us for more information about SSL certificate installation and SEO.

By following the steps we have given in this guide, you can successfully install the SSL certificate on your server and increase security. If you do not yet have a VPS or VDS server, meet EkaSunucu, which offers Turkey Location VDS/VPS services, and increase your site's performance immediately.