Does HTTP vs HTTPS Make a Difference?
When I originally created this post as a draft, it was around 2012 or 2013. A lot has changed since then in the world of websites and Search Engine Optimization, and this issue is no different.
Back in 2013, there may have been slight benefits to have a website with an HTTPS address, but now the pros far outweigh the cons.
What is HTTPS?
Let’s back up a moment and define what I mean by HTTPS.
HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure, encrypted version of HTTP or a website.
You’ll notice that all of your E-commerce websites or other websites that historically had to be secure due to payment information exchanged or secure data used have been using HTTPS addresses for quite some time now.
Why you should have an HTTPS address
I’ve already told you the HTTPS address is better than the HTTP one. But why?
First, HTTPS addresses are becoming more and more recognizable by web visitors. Your visitors know that an HTTPS is more secure – and therefore more trustworthy – than an HTTP site.
Second and perhaps more importantly, Google decided earlier this year that they would start giving more visibility to HTTPS sites. Therefore, your web rankings will more than likely improve by having an HTTPS site over an HTTP site.
Seems like a no brainer, right?
What do you need to get an HTTPS site?
In order to go from HTTP to HTTPS, you’ll have to purchase an SSL certificate each year. The SSL certificate is what will digitally encrypt your site’s data.
Historically, an SSL certificate would run about $100 per year, but prices varied based on the size of your website and the provider you use.
However, you can update your site using resources like Let’s Encrypt for free. In addition, if you have an E-commerce website, you’ll also be responsible for the merchant services bill that will further encrypt payment data from your visitors.
What to remember when you move to HTTPS
There really isn’t a down side to moving to an HTTPS, other than perhaps the minimal additional cost. Your web developer, though, may find moving the site frustrating as there are many moving parts involved. HTTPS can also slow your site down depending on the hosting you use.
Also, when you move your website from HTTP to HTTPS, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Purchase the right SSL certificate based on your site size and the amount of data you’ll be encrypting
- Don’t block your HTTPS from your robots.txt file
- Remember to change your Analytics from HTTP to HTTPS
- Get your website reindexed as soon as possible
So what are you waiting for?! If you still have an HTTP site, start working to move over to HTTPS!