If you’ve been doing online searches for a long time, you must have noticed that there are two types of results. One in which the website has HTTP in the URL, while others have HTTPS. So, what is HTTP? What is HTTPS? And what is the importance of HTTPS in SEO? We have tried to answer these questions through the content below.
What is HTTP?
HTTP is a short form of Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It makes communication possible between different systems, mostly to transfer the data from a server to the browser. This data is what you see on your desktop, known as web pages.
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What is HTTPS?
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. S in HTTPS stands for secure or security. When information flows from the server to the browser, it can be manipulated, stolen, or hacked. This is where the SSL certificate helps by creating an encrypted connection between two communicating devices, thereby protecting user data and other sensitive information. The only difference between HTTP and HTTPS is that HTTPS keeps your website secure.
Why is HTTPS Important for SEO?
Implementing HTTPS is no longer just a recommendation—it’s a crucial part of modern SEO strategy. Google considers HTTPS as a ranking factor, and it plays a significant role in how users and search engines perceive your website. From securing user data to improving visibility in search results, HTTPS offers multiple SEO benefits that go beyond basic encryption. Let’s explore how HTTPS enhances your website’s overall performance across security, user trust, and ranking potential.
1. Enhances Website Security
Google prefers HTTPS over HTTP so that users have a safe browsing experience. Hackers are always on the lookout to attack vulnerable websites, mostly targeting small business websites or start-ups. HTTPS protects users’ information like personal details, card details, or other. Keeping everything safe and secure is important for users.
2. Improves Google Search Rankings
Almost all of the search results on the first page are HTTPS. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Google has confirmed that it would favour search results with HTTPS websites.
The reason behind this move was to make sure that users have the best experience. Google does not prefer showing users an insecure connection. If your competitors have a secure site and you do not, there is a high chance that your competitors would outrank you.
3. Supports AMP Functionality
You must have noticed a lightning bolt or thunder-like symbol on the search engine results page. That symbol represents your website or that particular page to be AMP optimised. The primary advantage of AMP optimised pages is that it reduces the load time and bounce rate and is mobile-friendly, and enhances SEO. If you want to enable AMP on your website, having an HTTPS or SSL certificate is essential. This tells us how important it is to have your site secure, not only for security purposes but also for improving its performance.
4. Builds User Trust and Credibility
When you visit a website, your browser shows whether the connection is secure or not. No user would make a transaction on an unsecured website. That is so obvious because nobody wants to put their personal, transactional & card details at risk.
On the other hand, having a website with a secure connection boosts user confidence to shop. A secure connection builds trust by knowing that their information is safe.
5. Boosts Click-Through Rate and Conversions
When a user identifies an unsecured version of a website in the search results, the chances for them to click on it become lower. The reason is the availability of competitors with a secure connection. Although this improves the impression count, it decreases the number of clicks, resulting in poor CTR. A secure website will witness a higher rate of conversion than an unsecured version of the site, as they are more trustworthy.
Google has been continuously telling people through Hangout chats, tweets, and other forums about the importance of HTTPS in SEO. They have even admitted that it is also a minor ranking factor in search results. Having an unsecured version of the site with decreasing CTRs can lower the rankings of your search results. Keep in mind that a secure connection will bring you more comfort and peace while building trust and improving user experience.
How to Switch from HTTP to HTTPS?
Switching from HTTP to HTTPS is essential for securing your website and boosting SEO performance. Here’s a step-by-step process to make a smooth and safe transition:
- Step 1 – Buy an SSL Certificate: Purchase one from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) or get a free one through your hosting provider (e.g., Let’s Encrypt).
- Step 2 – Install the SSL Certificate: Set up the certificate on your web hosting server. Most hosts provide tutorials or customer support for this.
- Step 3 – Update Internal Links: Change all internal URLs, images, scripts, and other resources to use HTTPS instead of HTTP.
- Step 4 – Set Up 301 Redirects: Redirect all HTTP pages to their HTTPS counterparts to maintain SEO rankings and avoid duplicate content.
- Step 5 – Update Sitemap & Robots.txt: Generate a new sitemap with HTTPS URLs and ensure your robots.txt file references only secure URLs.
- Step 6 – Notify Google: Add your HTTPS site to Google Search Console and update the property settings in Google Analytics.
- Step 7 – Test Everything: Check for broken links, mixed content, or SSL errors using tools like SSL Checker or Why No Padlock.
Common HTTPS Implementation Mistakes to Avoid
While switching to HTTPS brings many benefits, doing it incorrectly can cause more harm than good. Even small oversights can affect your website’s SEO, user experience, and security. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for during HTTPS implementation:
- Failing to set up 301 redirects can lead to duplicate content and SEO issues.
- Mixed content errors occur when some resources still load over HTTP, triggering browser warnings.
- Internal links and canonical tags that point to HTTP can confuse search engines.
- Incorrectly installed SSL certificates may cause browser errors and loss of trust.
- Not updating Google Search Console and Analytics can lead to inaccurate data tracking.
Conclusion
Switching from HTTP to HTTPS is no longer optional; it’s a critical step for securing your website, improving SEO, and building user trust. A properly implemented HTTPS setup not only protects data but also enhances search visibility and overall user experience. By avoiding common mistakes and following best practices, you can ensure a smooth transition and long-term benefits for your site.
FAQs on HTTPS and SEO
Does HTTPS directly impact SEO rankings?
Yes, HTTPS is a confirmed Google ranking factor. While it may not drastically boost rankings on its own, it contributes to better SEO by improving site security and user trust, both of which search engines value.
Is HTTPS required for all websites?
Technically, no—but it’s highly recommended. Whether you run a blog, business site, or eCommerce platform, HTTPS helps protect data, builds credibility, and ensures a safer browsing experience for users.
Can switching to HTTPS cause traffic drops?
It can, but only if not implemented properly. Common issues like broken redirects, mixed content, or unupdated sitemaps can temporarily affect traffic. With the right setup, switching to HTTPS should improve site performance over time.
How does HTTPS affect user experience?
HTTPS enhances user experience by providing a secure and trustworthy environment. Visitors are more likely to engage and convert on a site that shows the secure padlock symbol and doesn’t trigger browser warnings.
What is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
The main difference is encryption. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) uses SSL/TLS to encrypt data between the browser and server, making it secure. HTTP, on the other hand, transmits data in plain text, leaving it vulnerable to attacks.
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