Step-by-Step Guide to HTTPS Implementation

Key Steps

1. Install certificate (Apache or Nginx)
2. Force HTTPS with 301 redirects
3. Enable HSTS
4. Fix mixed content
5. Update canonical URLs and sitemaps

Apache Redirect

RewriteEngine On
RewriteCond %{HTTPS} !=on
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI} [L,R=301]

Nginx Redirect

server {
  listen 80;
  server_name example.com www.example.com;
  return 301 https://$host$request_uri;
}