How a Secure Website Impacts SEO

How a Secure Website Impacts SEO
August 14, 2018 Mike McLeland

How Can a Secure Website Impact SEO ranking

How Can a Secure Website Impact SEO ranking

With search engines getting smarter and stricter, it’s no wonder that websites are trying to match their expectations.  Google Chrome and FireFox recently started displaying “Site Not Secure” for any website without an SSL certificate. Other browsers will soon display the same message. Clearly, security and safety rank high as the search engines push for more secure websites based on HTTPS protocol.

What are SSL and TLS?

SSL is an acronym for Secure Sockets Layer while TLS is Transport Layer Security. The cryptographic protocols set up an encoded link between a client and a server. TLS has taken over SSL because of its recent and improved protocol. When compared to SSL, TLS uses a stronger encryption algorithm and is rapidly being adopted by web hosting companies.

The cryptographic protocols are supposed to encode connections between web and mail servers, smartphone and manufacturer servers or when using Tinder and Instagram or an app.

The bottom line is that the SSL/TLS certifications should come from the most trustworthy authorities such as the Certificate Authority (CA) organization. One needs to fill up a ‘Certificate Signing Request’ to use the HTTPS protocol.

Secure Connections mean More Web Traffic

Password leaks, theft of credit card details, and business secrets are increasing in the virtual world. The customer today is aware of those issues and is concerned about the safety of his personal and financial information. Search engines and web browsers are aware of the growing concerns and are giving clear signs about the safety and security of a website. The idea is to keep the users safe and secure in the online world from any frauds or malicious intentions.

All regular HTTP pages with login are marked as “Not Secure,” and the sign serves as a warning to the user. He may then choose to browse the website or log in at his or her own risk. It is a no-brainer to understand that users would prefer to keep away from websites marked “not secure.” Thus, a secure HTTP web page means a safe connection and is likely to have a better reputation and contact with the users. Greater web traffic would indicate better visibility and higher position among the search engines.

HTTPS, Security and SEO Rankings

No user would want someone to steal their credit card information or passwords. A site that runs on HTTPS protocol means that one can enjoy a secure, encrypted channel for their online activities and can rest assured that no third-party is intercepting their data.

Search engines are pushing websites to adopt HTTPS for safety considerations. HTTPS status has a positive impact on organic traffic as the page gets to rank higher on the results page. This is good news for SEO and marketing efforts as just the HTTPS sign is a signal to the user that he is in safe waters.

In the coming years, all the coveted top spots are likely to get filed by HTTPS-enabled sites. As the HTTP sign means more security, it will boost the SEO rankings for the website.

What is Google Saying about Website Security & SSL?

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Mike McLeland
Owner – North Texas Web Design

Richard Taveira
WordPress GURU & Specialist