Introduction
Did you know that Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal? The decision to encourage website owners to switch from HTTP to HTTPS is to keep users safe on its platform.
What is the Difference between HTTP and HTTPS?
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It is a system for encoding and transmitting information over the Internet. HTTP is a network protocol that allows the formatting of messages between web browsers and servers in response to various requests.
HTTPS works just like HTTP, except it offers an extra layer of security to your website. It uses an encryption security protocol called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to keep communications secure. The method enables the exchange of sensitive information, such as credit card details and passwords, without the risk of unauthorised access. Therefore, the acronym S’’.
The Importance of Using HTTPS for Webmasters
HTTPS uses three different layers of security to establish a secure connection. Data security encryption enhances data integrity. While encryption protects confidentiality, data integrity assures that the data received is legitimate from the sender and has not been tampered with or altered. Additionally, the protocol provides an authentication process to protect users against attacks. HPPTS is crucial for small businesses that may not have the resources to hire a separate IT department to manage their website and defend themselves against cyber attacks.
A secure connection with these three layers of security provides website users with comprehensive protection. HTTPS reduces the possibility of attacks and identity theft that users submit, such as login credentials and online banking information. This security protocol hides confidential and personal information from other Internet users. A key benefit of HTTPS websites is that they inspire trust and privacy, keeping visitors on your website longer and increasing consumer confidence to purchase your products and services.
The Benefits of Using an HTTPS Website
Google strives to ensure website owners use HTTPS as the standard for all websites. Using an HTTPS website provides the following advantages:
1. Increases trust from users and search engines:
Google has made it a point to label HTTP websites as ‘not secure’. Other search engines have followed suit, alerting users when a secure connection is absent. By being informed that information received and sent on the web is not protected, users become aware of the risks of exchanging data over the Internet. The more secure a site is, the better the user experience will be, and the more users will rely on search engines for their needs.
2. Boosts domain authority:
One of the quickest ways to make your domain more authoritative is to use an SSL certificate. This certificate shows that your business is active and your information is genuine. Using HTTPS for your company’s websites protects you and your customers from data breaches and leaks. Not only does this protect your brand and website reputation, but it also increases browsing time, reduces bounce rates, and improves lead generation.
As a business owner, refusing to migrate to the HPPTS protocol will inevitably leave you behind your competitors, severely hampering your ability to drive sustainable business growth and long-term performance in the Google Search Console.
3. Improves SEO and Google rankings:
Google rewards sites with HTTPS security with slightly better rankings on its Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). In fact, website security plays a vital role in ranking factors for evaluating and understanding websites. Thus, businesses looking to improve their organic traffic should not ignore this technical aspect of website development as part of their SEO strategy in Adelaide and beyond.
Upgrading to HTTPS makes your website more reliable while demonstrating your intent to provide users with a secure browsing experience, thereby helping search engine crawlers determine the quality of your website.
4. Improves website page speed:
Another advantage of HTTPS over HTTP is that websites load relatively quickly, reduce latency, and maximise bandwidth efficiency. No business can afford to overlook its digital presence, knowing that not having a mobile-friendly website can lead to missed opportunities.
Created by Google, Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) is a web component framework optimised for mobile web browsing, designed to make web pages load faster. Google indexes AMP pages in its search results to improve user engagement. However, it only works for websites served over HTTPS.
Conclusion
Switching your website to HTTPS can prove beneficial in the long run to protect your website and user data. Enabling HTTPS on your server is the key to staying competitive and ranking well on search engines.