HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, encrypting communication between a user’s browser and website using SSL or TLS protocols.
It protects sensitive data like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal information from being intercepted or modified during transmission. HTTPS also builds trust with users, signaled by the padlock icon in most browsers.
Why HTTPS Matters in SEO:
- Google Ranking Factor: Google gives slight ranking boosts to HTTPS-enabled sites.
- Trust & Credibility: Users are more likely to engage with and convert on secure websites.
- Referral Data Accuracy: Unlike HTTP, HTTPS preserves referral data in analytics tools.
- Security & Compliance: Essential for GDPR and PCI compliance when handling user data.
Migrating to HTTPS:
- Get an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
- Redirect all HTTP URLs to HTTPS using 301 redirects.
- Update internal links, canonical tags, and sitemaps.
- Monitor crawl errors and update external links where possible.
Adopting HTTPS is not just a technical improvement—it’s an essential move for building authority, SEO performance, and user trust.
