Website security is important, not only for protecting sensitive data but also for improving your SEO performance. One of the key ways to ensure security and maintain SEO rankings is by using HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). Search engines like Google favor websites with HTTPS because it shows that the site is secure and trustworthy.
What is HTTPS and Why It Matters
HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, which means that any data exchanged between your website and the user’s browser is encrypted. This prevents hackers from intercepting and stealing information. Google has explicitly stated that HTTPS is a ranking signal, so it’s critical for your site’s SEO and overall user experience.
How to implement https on your website?
Transitioning your website from HTTP to HTTPS may seem technical, but with the right steps, it’s straightforward.
Obtain an SSL Certificate: You need to acquire an SSL certificate from a Certificate Authority (CA). Some popular CAs include Let’s Encrypt, Comodo, and GoDaddy. Most hosting providers offer SSL certificates as part of their hosting packages, making the process easier.
Install the SSL Certificate on Your Server: Once you’ve acquired the SSL certificate, you’ll need to install it on your web server. Many hosting providers allow automatic installation, but if manual setup is required, consult your hosting provider’s guide or support team.
Update Internal Links: Once your site is running on HTTPS, ensure that all internal links (like images, scripts, and stylesheets) are updated to use HTTPS URLs. This avoids mixed content warnings and ensures full encryption across your site.
301 Redirect HTTP to HTTPS: Implement 301 redirects so that all visitors and search engines are automatically redirected to the HTTPS version of your site. This step preserves your existing SEO rankings and ensures that users don’t land on unsecured pages.
Update Google Search Console: Add the HTTPS version of your website to Google Search Console. This allows you to monitor the performance of your HTTPS site and ensure there are no issues.
Check for Mixed Content: Use tools like WhyNoPadlock or SSL Checker to ensure that there’s no mixed content (e.g., HTTP links on HTTPS pages). This helps prevent potential security warnings and SEO penalties.
Example
For instance, if your website URL is currently http://example.com/ after implementing HTTPS, it will become https://example.com/. By using an SSL certificate from Let’s Encrypt, you can ensure that all the data exchanged is encrypted and secure.
Why you should use https?
1. Boost SEO Rankings:
Google and other search engines prefer websites that use HTTPS over those that use HTTP. Switching to HTTPS gives your website a slight ranking boost and can help improve overall visibility. Checkout Google’s Official Statement on HTTPS as a ranking signal
2. Build Trust with Users:
HTTPS helps build trust by displaying a padlock icon in the browser bar. Visitors are more likely to trust your website with their data when they see that it’s secure, improving conversions and user experience.
3. Security:
One of the key reasons to implement HTTPS is the security it provides. HTTPS encrypts data between your site and the user, protecting it from potential breaches or man-in-the-middle attacks. It’s particularly important for e-commerce sites or any website that handles sensitive information.
4. Avoid “Not Secure” Warnings:
Browsers like Google Chrome mark non-HTTPS websites as “Not Secure,” which can deter visitors from engaging with your website. Switching to HTTPS removes this warning and instills confidence in your visitors.
Conclusion
Switching to HTTPS is a non-negotiable step in today’s digital landscape. It’s not just about enhancing your website’s security but also about ensuring that your SEO efforts are fully optimized. From building trust with users to gaining a ranking boost, HTTPS plays a vital role in your website’s long-term success. If you haven’t yet secured your website with HTTPS, now is the time to do so.
Stay tuned for Day 15, where we will discuss the importance of High Quality Content and how it impacts your SEO strategy. Make sure to subscribe to receive the latest tips!
