HTTPS
Welcome to the SEO Glossary
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is an internet communication protocol that protects the integrity and confidentiality of data between the user's computer and the site.
Description
In the SEO industry, HTTPS is crucial for ensuring secure communication between a website and its visitors. It uses encryption to protect data from being intercepted by hackers, which helps to maintain user trust. Google has made it clear that HTTPS is a ranking factor, meaning websites that use HTTPS may have a better chance of ranking higher in search results than those that use HTTP. Additionally, modern browsers often display warnings when users try to visit a site that does not use HTTPS, which can deter visitors and harm your site’s reputation.
Examples
- A small e-commerce website, after switching to HTTPS, noticed a significant drop in their bounce rate because customers felt more secure entering their payment information.
- A blog focusing on health and wellness topics saw an improvement in their search engine rankings after migrating to HTTPS, which drove more organic traffic to their site.
Additional Information
- HTTPS can improve your website’s SEO performance and user experience.
- Google Chrome and other browsers label HTTP sites as ‘Not Secure’, which can discourage users from visiting them.
