Timeweb Secure Connection Setup: Is It Worth Paying For?

Timeweb’s “Secure Connection Setup” Service Review

Timeweb’s “Secure Connection Setup” service can be helpful for beginners or owners of complex websites, but for most experienced webmasters, it’s not critically necessary since basic SSL configuration tasks can be completed independently.

Table of Contents

• What the “Secure Connection Setup” service includes
• The importance of fixing Mixed Content errors
• Automatic SSL installation vs. paid service
• Cost and benefit analysis
• Recommendations for using the service
• Alternative solutions for self-setup

What the “Secure Connection Setup” service includes

Timeweb’s “Secure Connection Setup” service includes three main components:

1. Site verification and Mixed Content error resolution - specialists analyze the site for unsecured HTTP links that continue to work on an HTTPS site
2. Visual defect correction - they fix elements that may have broken when transitioning to HTTPS
3. HTTP to HTTPS redirection setup - they configure automatic redirection from HTTP to HTTPS protocol

As noted in the Timeweb documentation, when ordering an SSL certificate, their specialists ensure complete SSL installation and configuration, HTTPS functionality, and resolution of potential errors, including Mixed Content.

The importance of fixing Mixed Content errors

Mixed Content errors occur when a site running HTTPS still contains links to resources loaded via the unsecured HTTP protocol. This can include:

• Images from external servers
• External scripts and styles
• Font files
• Video and audio files

Important: Browsers may block the loading of such resources, leading to visual defects or even site malfunction.

According to research, to avoid mixed content, all links in the site template should be formatted as relative links beforehand, which can prevent many problems when transitioning to HTTPS.

Automatic SSL installation vs. paid service

Automatic SSL installation (free):

• Timeweb automatically issues and installs a Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate
• Includes basic HTTPS activation in hosting settings
• Requires manual Mixed Content configuration

Paid “Secure Connection Setup” service:

• Professional site checking for Mixed Content
• Manual fixing of all HTTP links
• Visual defect correction
• Proper redirection setup
• Guaranteed site functionality after transition

As noted in a Timeweb Community article, when ordering a Timeweb Pro SSL certificate, specialists resolve the mixed content issue for free.

Cost and benefit analysis

Service cost: 99 rubles per month with daily deductions (approximately 3.3 rubles per day)

When the service is justified:

• For beginners unfamiliar with the technical aspects of SSL setup
• For complex sites with numerous external resources
• For sites on CMS with many plugins requiring manual configuration
• When there’s no time for self-setup

When you can do without the service:

• For experienced webmasters familiar with technical aspects
• For simple sites with small amounts of content
• When using modern CMS with automatic HTTPS handling
• If you have access to the developer console for self-diagnostics of errors

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Comparison table:

Recommendations for using the service

Recommended usage scenario:

1. Activate the service for the first month - this will allow Timeweb specialists to perform initial setup and resolve main issues
2. Check the results - ensure the site works correctly via HTTPS
3. Disable daily deductions - if the Mixed Content issue is resolved, further payment isn’t justified
4. If needed - use the service episodically when making changes to the site

When to continue using:

• If the site is frequently updated and new Mixed Content errors appear
• When working with multiple sites where manual setup takes considerable time
• If you don’t want to spend time on technical setup aspects

Alternative solutions for self-setup

Tools for detecting Mixed Content:

1. Browser developer console - shows all mixed content errors
2. Online scanners - specialized services for checking site HTTPS compatibility
3. CMS plugins - for WordPress, there are plugins like “Really Simple SSL” or “SSL Insecure Content Fixer”

Self-correction of errors:

For WordPress:

• Go to “Settings > SSL Insecure Content”
• Replace all HTTP links with HTTPS in the database
• Edit theme and plugin files

For regular sites:

• Use search and replace in HTML files
• Use relative paths to resources instead of absolute ones
• Check third-party scripts for HTTPS support

As specialists recommend, for WordPress you can install a free extension and go to “Settings > SSL Insecure Content” to automatically fix many problems.

Conclusion

Timeweb’s “Secure Connection Setup” service is more of a convenience than a necessity. For most users, it’s sufficient to:

1. Activate the free SSL certificate - Timeweb automatically issues Let’s Encrypt
2. Enable HTTPS in hosting settings - usually just an “Enable SSL” switch
3. Use the service for the first month if needed - for initial setup and Mixed Content resolution
4. Later, when errors are discovered independently - use free tools or contact specialists episodically

The cost of 99 rubles per month may be justified for beginners or owners of complex sites, but experienced webmasters familiar with technical aspects can realistically do without this service. The key factor is your time and comfort when working with the site after transitioning to HTTPS.

Sources

1. Ordering, installation, and renewal of SSL - Timeweb Reference Center
2. Site transition to HTTPS and Mixed Content resolution - Timeweb
3. Mixed content at https, what it is and how to fix it
4. Why mixed content errors are dangerous and how to fix them - Timeweb Community
5. How to fix mixed content errors in WordPress
6. How to fix mixed content in WordPress | HOSTiQ Wiki
7. Ssl certificate installation timeweb
8. SSL certificate configuration. Site transition to HTTPS protocol