What is HTTPS?

Yes, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is a ranking signal used by Google in its search algorithm. Websites that use HTTPS encryption, indicated by a secure connection with a valid SSL/TLS certificate, may receive a slight ranking boost compared to websites that only use HTTP (non-secure protocol).

Google has emphasized the importance of website security and HTTPS adoption as part of its efforts to create a safer and more secure browsing experience for users. HTTPS encryption helps protect users’ sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, and personal data, from being intercepted or tampered with by malicious actors.

While the ranking impact of HTTPS is relatively minor compared to other factors such as high-quality content, relevance, and user experience, Google considers it a positive signal for website security and encourages webmasters to migrate their websites to HTTPS.

In addition to potential SEO benefits, HTTPS also provides other advantages, including:

  1. Improved User Trust: Websites with HTTPS encryption display a padlock icon and “Secure” label in web browsers, reassuring users that their data is encrypted and secure. This can increase trust and confidence in your website and encourage users to engage with your content or make purchases.
  2. Data Integrity: HTTPS encryption ensures that data transmitted between the user’s browser and the web server remains private and secure, protecting against eavesdropping, tampering, and data breaches.
  3. Compliance with Browser Requirements: Major web browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari have implemented measures to encourage HTTPS adoption, such as displaying warnings for non-secure HTTP connections. Using HTTPS ensures compatibility and compliance with browser requirements.
  4. Referral Data Integrity: HTTPS preserves referral data, allowing website owners to accurately track and analyze traffic sources, referral sources, and user behavior without data loss due to browser security restrictions.

Overall, while HTTPS is just one of many ranking factors used by Google, it plays a significant role in website security, user trust, and compliance with industry standards. Migrating your website to HTTPS is considered a best practice for SEO and website security and can provide long-term benefits for your online presence.

As a website owner, I bet you care about your Google ranking. Google just announced it will boost the ranking of sites that use secure and encrypted connections. This is part of Google’s efforts to push “HTTPS everywhere” on the web.

Google announced in their webmaster tools “Security is a top priority for Google. We invest a lot in making sure that our services use industry-leading security, like strong HTTPS encryption by default. That means that people using Search, Gmail and Google Drive, for example, automatically have a secure connection to Google…..We want to go even further. At Google I/O a few months ago, we called for “HTTPS everywhere” on the web.”

SSL certificate are cheap so it is a good idea to invest in one. A standard SSL is only $49 a year. If you need a premium one then it is $99 a year. The premium one makes the top bar green indicating that the website is trusted.  CLICK HERE TO BUY AN SSL FOR YOUR WEBSITE.

If you have a  web site, whether it is HTML or WordPress or any other software,  you will need to change all the links the https, other wise you will end up with broken links.  You can also change your “.htaccess file” and make “301 redirects”.

About NetQwik

NetQwik is a Washington, D.C web design and web development company, providing innovative, creative digital services to businesses who want to grow online. We are your restaurant website design and marketing partner. We focus on results. We use our technical skill and industry insight to help you meet your business goals. Talk to us about your project and find out how we can help you.

Article Author: This article was provided by Patty Frito, a graphic and web designer in Fairfax, Northern Virginia.