https and what is does for SEO

What is HTTPS

Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between browser and the connected website. The 'S' of HTTPS stands for 'Secure'. It means all communications between browser and website are encrypted.

HTTPS is now the norm

HTTPS is often used to protect highly confidential online transactions like online banking and online shopping order forms. But has now become to norm.

Https for early-adopters may have given them an advantage on their competitors, these times are over. If you haven't made the transition yet, it needs to be very high on your priority list. Since summer 2018, Chrome now shows a not secure warning so beware of a sharp increase in bounce rate should you now have implemented it yet, on top of lower rankings.

Migration

Plan your site migration carefully, including identifying pages to redirect (which should be the most valuable ones), and those you should not. Timing is key to avoid risks, so avoid doing it before your high season.


why HTTPS is important for SEO:

Security: HTTPS encrypts data transmitted between a user's browser and the website's server, ensuring that sensitive information like login credentials, personal details, and payment information remains confidential. Google and other search engines prioritize user security, so having a secure website can improve your SEO ranking.


Trust and Credibility: Websites with HTTPS display a padlock icon in the browser's address bar, indicating that the connection is secure. This visual cue builds trust with users, making them more likely to interact with your website and trust your content.


Ranking Boost: Google has explicitly stated that it uses HTTPS as a ranking signal. While it may not be the most significant factor, it can contribute to better search engine rankings. Google's aim is to provide a safe and secure browsing experience for its users, so it rewards websites that prioritize security.


Improved User Experience: A secure website can provide a better user experience. Users are more likely to engage with your content, stay longer on your site, and return if they feel that their information is safe. These positive user engagement signals can indirectly impact your SEO.


Referrer Data: When traffic passes from an HTTPS site to another HTTPS site, the referral data (the source of traffic) is preserved. This allows you to accurately track where your website traffic is coming from, which is essential for SEO and marketing analysis.


Mobile Optimization: As mobile browsing continues to grow, Google emphasizes mobile-friendly websites in its rankings. Many mobile browsers and apps also prioritize secure connections. HTTPS can contribute to a better mobile experience, which can positively impact your mobile SEO.


Avoiding "Not Secure" Warnings: Browsers like Google Chrome started displaying "Not Secure" warnings for websites without HTTPS. This can deter users from visiting your site and negatively affect your bounce rate. By implementing HTTPS, you can avoid these warnings.


E-commerce and Transactions: If you run an e-commerce website or handle online transactions, HTTPS is essential for securing sensitive customer data. It's also required for Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance.


International SEO: Some countries and regions have specific regulations and requirements related to data privacy and security. Using HTTPS can help your website comply with these regulations, making it easier to expand your online presence globally.


In summary, HTTPS is important for SEO because it enhances security, trust, and user experience while also aligning with search engine ranking algorithms. As search engines continue to prioritize these factors, having an HTTPS-enabled website can be a significant advantage in the competitive world of online search. However, it's essential to stay updated with the latest SEO trends and best practices, as the SEO landscape can change over time.