“HTTPS as a ranking signal” – This post was published by Google in 2014. In this post, Google says that security is our top priority. In order to make the internet safer, Google is playing a crucial role by ensuring that websites people visit from their search engine are secure. Google advised websites to use SSL certificates. Google also made HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) as a ranking factor in its search ranking algorithms. This step encouraged webmasters to adopt HTTPS.
With the passage of 5 years, in July 2019, Google Chrome started flagging websites that don’t use HTTPS. About one- third of theweb already switched to HTTPS due to fear of being flagged. But, what about the rest two-third? Well, the rest of the website is shown as ‘Not Secure’ in the browser.
Before getting into other details, we first need to understand what exactly is an SSL Certificate and what does it means to use HTTPS.
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a networking protocol used over an insecure network like the internet. The purpose of this protocol is to secure connections between web servers and web clients.
In short, it is a standard technology used to keep internet connection secure. It safeguards any sensitive data being sent between two systems (server & client). It also prevents criminals (hackers) from reading and modifying any data or information being transferred.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Those websites which are secured by SSL Certificates runs over HTTPS. This appears in URL along with a green padlock (a green-colored lock symbol in browser’s URL bar). The details about the certificate such as Certificate Authority, website owner, etc can also be viewed by clicking on the padlock.
Why are SSL Certificates critical?
Mentioned below are a few reasons to have SSL Certificates:
Encrypts Sensitive Information – All the data or information that you send over the internet is passed through several computers until it reaches the designated server. Any computer in between can read or modify your information like credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, etc if the connection is not encrypted (secured).
When we use an SSL certificate, it becomes almost impossible for everyone except the intended (server) to read the information being sent over the network.
Protects You From Cybercriminals – It is impossible to thwart any cybercrime (hacking attempt) if the website does not make use of SSL Certificate. No matter, whether you use Free SSL Certificates or Paid SSL Certificates, but SSL certificates should be used in websites.
Usually, cybercriminals find the weakness in the network during data transmission. Securing the network with SSL certificate will help in defending against transit-based hacking attempts.
Builds Trust & Brand Power – As per researches, it is seen that the padlock, green address bar, and well-placed security seals not only boosts your branding but also develops trust in customers. It ensures them that they are browsing a well-trusted website. They can rest assured that their information will be transmitted in a safe and secure way
Do HTTPS websites rank higher compared to HTTP sites?
As said earlier, Google has already considered HTTPS as a ranking factor in their search algorithms and the outcome can be clearly seen. Interestingly, out of the top 10 websites in Google, almost 9 are having HTTPS. This proves that SSL is now a ranking factor.
Which SSL Certificate should I buy for Google SEO ranking boost?
Well, no matter whether you are using a free SSL certificate or a paid SSL certificate; you must have an SSL certificate installed to run over HTTPS. It doesn’t matter whether you buy a DV SSL, OV SSL or EV SSL certificate, there would not be any difference in you SERPs (Search Engine Ranking Positions) in regards to the type of SSL certificate you are using.
Which SSL Certificate is Ideal for E-commerce Websites?
In an e-commerce website, trust is the most important thing that a customer looks for. No one would share their personal and sensitive information like username, passwords, credit card numbers, etc with websites that lack trust (uses insecure connection). The most trusted websites will show visible site security (in the form of a padlock, green address bar or site seals) which can be identified easily by end-users.
As per surveys, it is seen that people tend to buy easily from an e-commerce website that uses Organization Validation (OV) or Extended Validation (EV). When you buy such SSL certificates, you need to pass a strict process of in-depth verification of the organization. Upon successful validation, the Certificate Authorities also provide you visible trust indicators like site security seal, padlock and a green bar with the name of organization shown in the URL bar of browsers.
Conclusion
Google is extremely strict with regards to HTTPS. So, before you get flagged by Google, get an SSL Certificate for your website today.
“HTTPS as a ranking signal” – This post was published by Google in 2014. In this post, Google says that security is our top priority. In order to make the internet safer, Google is playing a crucial role by ensuring that websites people visit from their search engine are secure. Google advised websites to use SSL certificates. Google also made HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) as a ranking factor in its search ranking algorithms. This step encouraged webmasters to adopt HTTPS.
With the passage of 5 years, in July 2019, Google Chrome started flagging websites that don’t use HTTPS. About one- third of theweb already switched to HTTPS due to fear of being flagged. But, what about the rest two-third? Well, the rest of the website is shown as ‘Not Secure’ in the browser.
Before getting into other details, we first need to understand what exactly is an SSL Certificate and what does it means to use HTTPS.
What is an SSL Certificate?
SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a networking protocol used over an insecure network like the internet. The purpose of this protocol is to secure connections between web servers and web clients.
In short, it is a standard technology used to keep internet connection secure. It safeguards any sensitive data being sent between two systems (server & client). It also prevents criminals (hackers) from reading and modifying any data or information being transferred.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. Those websites which are secured by SSL Certificates runs over HTTPS. This appears in URL along with a green padlock (a green-colored lock symbol in browser’s URL bar). The details about the certificate such as Certificate Authority, website owner, etc can also be viewed by clicking on the padlock.
Why are SSL Certificates critical?
Mentioned below are a few reasons to have SSL Certificates:
Encrypts Sensitive Information – All the data or information that you send over the internet is passed through several computers until it reaches the designated server. Any computer in between can read or modify your information like credit card numbers, usernames, passwords, etc if the connection is not encrypted (secured).
When we use an SSL certificate, it becomes almost impossible for everyone except the intended (server) to read the information being sent over the network.
Protects You From Cybercriminals – It is impossible to thwart any cybercrime (hacking attempt) if the website does not make use of SSL Certificate. No matter, whether you use Free SSL Certificates or Paid SSL Certificates, but SSL certificates should be used in websites.
Usually, cybercriminals find the weakness in the network during data transmission. Securing the network with SSL certificate will help in defending against transit-based hacking attempts.
Builds Trust & Brand Power – As per researches, it is seen that the padlock, green address bar, and well-placed security seals not only boosts your branding but also develops trust in customers. It ensures them that they are browsing a well-trusted website. They can rest assured that their information will be transmitted in a safe and secure way
Do HTTPS websites rank higher compared to HTTP sites?
As said earlier, Google has already considered HTTPS as a ranking factor in their search algorithms and the outcome can be clearly seen. Interestingly, out of the top 10 websites in Google, almost 9 are having HTTPS. This proves that SSL is now a ranking factor.
Which SSL Certificate should I buy for Google SEO ranking boost?
Well, no matter whether you are using a free SSL certificate or a paid SSL certificate; you must have an SSL certificate installed to run over HTTPS. It doesn’t matter whether you buy a DV SSL, OV SSL or EV SSL certificate, there would not be any difference in you SERPs (Search Engine Ranking Positions) in regards to the type of SSL certificate you are using.
Which SSL Certificate is Ideal for E-commerce Websites?
In an e-commerce website, trust is the most important thing that a customer looks for. No one would share their personal and sensitive information like username, passwords, credit card numbers, etc with websites that lack trust (uses insecure connection). The most trusted websites will show visible site security (in the form of a padlock, green address bar or site seals) which can be identified easily by end-users.
As per surveys, it is seen that people tend to buy easily from an e-commerce website that uses Organization Validation (OV) or Extended Validation (EV). When you buy such SSL certificates, you need to pass a strict process of in-depth verification of the organization. Upon successful validation, the Certificate Authorities also provide you visible trust indicators like site security seal, padlock and a green bar with the name of organization shown in the URL bar of browsers.
Conclusion
Google is extremely strict with regards to HTTPS. So, before you get flagged by Google, get an SSL Certificate for your website today.
