While people always want their websites to rank high in Google searches, the truth is that a lot of HTTPS and SEO is guesswork.
However Google openly acknowledges that it prioritizes sites using HTTPS and SEO in search results.
HTTP vs HTTPS and SEO
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. It is an internet communication protocol that encrypts data so that it won’t be intercepted and exploited by any third party.
HTTPS sites utilize SSL or TLS protocols to secure data transfer and ensure that it has not been corrupted along the way.
How Does HTTPS and SEO Work?
In order to add HTTPS to your website, you have to buy a security certificate (SSL) . It’s important to note that there are different levels of SSLs. They all provide the HTTPS prefix, but don’t offer equal protections for your site.
Extended Validation (EV) SSL Certificates are recommended. These are the highest and most secure certificates, and are ideal for all sites that require the transmission of private data.
EV SSLs verify that the owner of the site is the legal owner of the business and the domain. In turn this reassures visitors that they are on the legitimate website for the business.
Does an SSL Certificate Help SEO?
After securing website transactions and instilling confidence among your customers, SSL certificates also boost your HTTPS and SEO.
Google has openly acknowledged that it favors site URLs that begin with HTTPS, which is only possible with an SSL certificate. As of December 2015, Google prioritizes HTTPS links over HTTP, giving a boost to sites that utilize SSL certificates over those that do not.