Why & How to Move Your Website to HTTPS to Improve SEO

Why & How to Move Your Website to HTTPS to Improve SEO


In today’s digital landscape, ensuring that your website is secure is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you're still running your site on HTTP, it's time to make the switch to HTTPS. Not only will this boost your site's security and credibility, but it can also significantly enhance your SEO performance. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons behind the shift to HTTPS and guide you through the process step-by-step.

 

Understanding HTTP and HTTPS

Before we jump into the 'how' of transitioning your website to HTTPS, let's understand the 'why.'

What is HTTP?

HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol and is the foundation of any data exchange on the web. It's used to load web pages using hypertext links. However, HTTP by itself is not secure and does not encrypt any data transferred between the user and the server. This leaves your website vulnerable to threats such as man-in-the-middle attacks and data breaches.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is the secure version of HTTP. It means that all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted. HTTPS is important for protecting sensitive data exchanged on your website, safeguarding user privacy, and providing authenticity to your site.

The Importance of HTTPS for SEO

  1. Google Ranking Boost: In 2014, Google announced HTTPS as a ranking signal. Websites with HTTPS are likely to rank higher in search results.
  2. Increased User Trust: With cybersecurity being a prevalent concern, users are more likely to trust sites with a padlock symbol in their browsers.
  3. Data Integrity: HTTPS ensures data sent and received over the web remain private and unaltered. This is crucial for sites handling sensitive information.
  4. Enhanced Site Security: Securing your site prevents data breaches, which can be costly in terms of both finances and reputation.
     

Steps to Transition Your Website to HTTPS

Migrating from HTTP to HTTPS might seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the transition smoothly.

Step 1: Purchase an SSL Certificate

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is necessary for encrypting the data transferred between the server and the user's browser. You can get an SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). Options include Symantec, GlobalSign, and Let's Encrypt—a free, automated, open CA.

Step 2: Install the SSL Certificate on Your Web Server

Once you've purchased your SSL certificate, the next step is to install it on your web server. The process may vary depending on your hosting provider. Most hosting providers offer an easy-to-follow guide or support staff to help with SSL installation.

Step 3: Update Your Website Links

After installing the SSL, update all the internal links on your website from HTTP to HTTPS. This ensures there are no broken links or mixed content issues. Don’t forget to update your canonical tags, redirects, and custom scripts.

Step 4: Set Up 301 Redirects

Set up 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS to ensure that visitors are automatically redirected to the secure version of your site. This will also help preserve your current SEO ranking.

Step 5: Update Your sitemaps and Robots.txt

Make sure your XML sitemap and robots.txt are updated to reflect the shift to HTTPS. Submit the new sitemap to search engines like Google and Bing so they can re-crawl your site.

Step 6: Check for Mixed Content

Mixed content is when the initial HTML is loaded over a secure HTTPS connection, but other resources (such as images, scripts, or stylesheets) are loaded over an insecure HTTP connection. This can cause browsers to display ‘Not Secure’ warnings. Use tools like Screaming Frog to identify and fix mixed content issues.

Step 7: Monitor Your Traffic and Rankings

After making the switch, regularly monitor your site’s traffic and search engine rankings. Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to keep an eye on any fluctuations. It's normal to see a small dip in rankings initially, but your site should stabilize over time.
 

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Not Updating External Links: Remember to update backlinks from external sites. While you don’t have control over other websites, you can reach out to webmasters and request updates.
  • Ignoring Third-Party Scripts: Ensure third-party scripts used on your website are served over HTTPS.
  • Forgetting to Update CDN and API Calls: If you use a Content Delivery Network (CDN) or API, verify that they are serving content over HTTPS.
     

Final Thoughts

Switching to HTTPS is a critical step in enhancing your website's security and SEO performance. While the process can be technical, following the steps outlined above will put you on the right path. If you run into any issues or need expert assistance, contact REK Marketing & Design today. Our team is here to help you optimize your website’s SEO and security.

Making the shift to HTTPS not only protects your business but also builds trust with your users. In today’s digital age, can you afford not to take this step?

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