Pre-Migration Planning and Preparation

Before beginning the technical implementation, conducting a comprehensive audit of your current HTTP website establishes a baseline and identifies potential challenges. Document all existing URLs, including dynamic pages, subdomains, and resource files. Create an inventory of third-party resources like scripts, images, and embedded content that may require updates. Identify all forms, especially those handling sensitive data, to prioritize security implementation. This audit provides a roadmap for migration and helps estimate the project scope.

Choosing the right SSL/TLS certificate type requires balancing security needs, budget constraints, and technical requirements. Domain Validated (DV) certificates suit most websites, offering strong encryption with quick issuance and low cost. Let's Encrypt provides free DV certificates with automated renewal, ideal for personal sites and small businesses. Organization Validated (OV) certificates add identity verification for businesses wanting to display verified company information. Extended Validation (EV) certificates provide the highest trust level for e-commerce and financial services.

Infrastructure assessment ensures your hosting environment can support HTTPS. Verify that your web server software supports modern TLS versions and cipher suites. Shared hosting plans may have specific procedures or limitations for SSL implementation. Cloud platforms often provide integrated certificate management tools. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) may offer SSL termination services. Understanding your infrastructure's capabilities and constraints helps select the appropriate implementation approach.

Creating a migration timeline with clear milestones helps manage the project effectively. Schedule the migration during low-traffic periods to minimize user impact. Allow time for thorough testing in staging environments before production deployment. Plan for potential rollback if issues arise. Consider a phased approach for large sites, migrating sections progressively. Communication plans should notify stakeholders about the migration schedule and expected impacts.