HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure, and it is a secure version of the HTTP protocol used to transfer data between a user’s browser and a website’s server. Websites that use HTTPS encrypt the data exchanged between the user and the server, ensuring that it cannot be intercepted or tampered with by malicious entities. This encryption provides an additional layer of security and privacy for users, especially when they submit sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or personal data.
The impact of HTTPS on SEO is significant, and it has become an essential ranking factor for search engines, especially Google. Here’s how HTTPS affects SEO:
- Search Engine Rankings: Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking signal in its search algorithm. Websites that use HTTPS are given a slight ranking boost compared to equivalent HTTP sites. While the impact of HTTPS alone may not be dramatic, it is still a positive signal for search engine rankings.
- Trust and Credibility: HTTPS indicates that a website is secure and takes user privacy seriously. Websites with a secure connection are more likely to be trusted by users, leading to increased credibility and trustworthiness for the brand.
- User Experience: When a user visits a website and sees a “Secure” or a padlock icon in the address bar, they feel more confident that their data is safe and that the website is legitimate. A positive user experience can lead to increased engagement, longer visit durations, and lower bounce rates, which can indirectly impact SEO.
- Referral Data: When traffic is passed from a secure HTTPS site to a non-secure HTTP site, the referral data is not passed along securely. This means that if a website receives traffic from HTTPS sites but doesn’t have HTTPS itself, it may lose some referral data. By adopting HTTPS, a website can retain more accurate referral data.
- Browser Warnings: Some browsers, such as Google Chrome, label non-HTTPS sites as “Not Secure.” This warning can deter users from visiting non-secure sites and negatively impact user trust and engagement.
- Mobile-First Indexing: Google’s mobile-first indexing prioritizes websites with a strong mobile presence, which includes having a secure HTTPS connection. Websites that are mobile-friendly and secure are more likely to rank higher in mobile search results.
- AMP Pages: Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) are designed to load quickly on mobile devices. To be eligible for the AMP status, a website must use HTTPS.
It’s important to note that adopting HTTPS is not only beneficial for SEO but also for overall website security and user trust. Migrating to HTTPS requires obtaining an SSL certificate, configuring the server correctly, and updating internal links and resources to use the secure protocol.
Many hosting providers offer free SSL certificates, making it easier for website owners to implement HTTPS. In summary, by migrating to HTTPS, websites can enhance their search engine rankings, improve user trust, and provide a safer online experience for their visitors.
