In today's fast-paced digital world, website security and performance are critical for both user experience and search engine rankings. Among the most influential factors affecting these aspects are the protocols used by websites: HTTP and HTTPS. As a website owner, digital marketer, or SEO professional, understanding the fundamental differences between HTTP and HTTPS is essential. With Google increasingly prioritizing secure websites in its search engine ranking algorithm, switching from HTTP to HTTPS has become a vital aspect of website optimization.

What is the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS?

HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation of web communication. It allows data exchange between the browser and the server but does so without encryption. When users interact with a site that uses HTTP, their data is transmitted in plaintext, making it vulnerable to interception by hackers or malicious actors. HTTP is generally suitable for websites that don’t handle sensitive information like login credentials, credit card data, or personal information. With Google prioritizing secure websites and user trust becoming more critical, adopting HTTPS is an essential move for any website that wants to maintain its competitive edge in digital marketing.

However, unsecured websites (those using HTTP) are often flagged as "Not Secure" in modern browsers, which can discourage visitors from engaging with your site. As security concerns grow, HTTP is becoming less ideal for websites that want to improve user trust and rank higher in search engine results.

HTTPS: Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol

On the other hand, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) utilizes SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption to secure the data exchanged between the server and the browser. HTTPS ensures that sensitive data, such as passwords and payment information, is encrypted and protected from potential hackers.

Not only does HTTPS enhance website security, but it also builds user trust by displaying a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, signaling to users that their data is safe.

Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS: Knowing the Basics

The core difference between HTTP and HTTPS lies in the encryption and security features of the latter. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

• HTTP: Transmits data in an unencrypted format, making it easier for attackers to intercept and steal information.
• HTTPS: Encrypts data, making it significantly more secure for transmitting sensitive information and protecting user privacy.

HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol

HTTP has been a widely-used protocol for years. However, it is insecure by nature, meaning it does not provide the encryption necessary to protect user data from cyberattacks or data breaches. Sites that still use HTTP are considered less trustworthy by both search engines and users.

Major Drawbacks of HTTP:

• Lack of Encryption: Data sent over HTTP is unencrypted, which puts user data at risk.
• Reduced User Trust: Browsers mark HTTP sites as "Not Secure," which can deter visitors from interacting with the website.
• SEO Disadvantages: Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking factor, meaning websites using HTTP are at a competitive disadvantage in search results.

HTTPS: Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol

HTTPS is the industry-standard for secure communication across the web. Websites with HTTPS benefit from SSL/TLS encryption, ensuring that data is safely transmitted between the server and the browser.

Key Benefits of HTTPS:

• Improved Security: Encryption ensures data confidentiality, protecting sensitive user information.
• Enhanced Trust: Browsers display a padlock icon next to the HTTPS URL, reassuring users that their data is protected.
• SEO Benefits: Google rewards HTTPS sites with a higher ranking in search engine results, making it a crucial factor for SEO.
• Compliance with Regulations: Websites that handle sensitive data, like e-commerce or healthcare websites, must comply with regulations such as GDPR that require data encryption.

Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS: What Google Thinks About HTTPS?

Google has long endorsed the adoption of HTTPS as an essential element for securing websites and improving user experience. Google Search has officially stated that HTTPS is a ranking factor, meaning that sites using HTTPS have a better chance of ranking higher than those using HTTP.

Why Does Google Prefer HTTPS?

• Improved Security: Google prioritizes websites that offer secure browsing and protect user data.
• Better User Experience: HTTPS websites provide a safer environment for users to engage with, which translates into lower bounce rates and higher engagement, both of which are factors influencing rankings.
• Trustworthiness: Google aims to provide users with the best, most secure web experience, and HTTPS plays a significant role in achieving this.

HTTP vs HTTPS: Breaking Down the Certification

Switching from HTTP to HTTPS requires an SSL certificate to encrypt the data transferred between your website and the user’s browser. There are different types of SSL certificates based on the level of validation:

• DV SSL (Domain Validation): Basic level of security and encryption.
• OV SSL (Organization Validation): Higher level of validation, where the organization behind the site is verified.
• EV SSL (Extended Validation): The highest level of validation, offering the most robust encryption and verification process.

HTTP vs HTTPS: HTTPS as a Ranking Factor

Google and other search engines give higher priority to HTTPS websites. This means HTTPS can positively impact search rankings, making it an essential part of SEO strategy. Here's how HTTPS contributes to SEO:

• Google Ranking Boost: HTTPS is considered a ranking signal by Google. Websites that use HTTPS may see better search engine visibility compared to those using HTTP.
• User Engagement: HTTPS sites tend to build trust with users, leading to increased time on site and lower bounce rates, which are crucial for SEO performance.
• Referral Data: HTTPS sites pass referrer data accurately to Google Analytics, allowing better tracking and analysis.

Difference Between HTTP & HTTPS: How HTTPS Helps with SEO

1. Increased Google Ranking

Since Google uses HTTPS as a ranking factor, switching from HTTP to HTTPS can help your website rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs).

2. Referrer Data

For HTTPS-to-HTTPS connections, referrer data is preserved, making it easier to track the traffic sources in Google Analytics and optimize SEO strategies.

3. Enhanced User Experience

HTTPS provides a secure browsing environment, which leads to increased user trust and confidence in sharing their personal information. This, in turn, leads to better user engagement metrics, which Google values highly.

Is There Any SEO Facts to Remember While Switching to HTTPS?

Switching from HTTP to HTTPS requires careful planning to ensure that you don’t lose organic traffic or SEO rankings. Here are some crucial SEO considerations:

• 301 Redirects: Ensure all HTTP pages are properly redirected to their HTTPS versions via 301 redirects to transfer SEO value.
• Internal Linking: Update all internal links to point to the HTTPS version of the pages.
• Submit Updated Sitemap: Submit your HTTPS sitemap to Google Search Console for reindexing.
• Track SEO Performance: Monitor your SEO metrics in Google Analytics and Google Search Console after switching.

How to Switch from HTTP to HTTPS?

Here’s how to migrate from HTTP to HTTPS:

• Obtain an SSL Certificate: Choose the appropriate SSL certificate (DV, OV, or EV) based on your site’s needs.
• Install the SSL Certificate: Install the SSL certificate on your web server.
• Update Internal Links: Change all internal links to use HTTPS.
• 301 Redirects: Set up 301 redirects from HTTP pages to HTTPS pages to avoid broken links.
• Update Google Search Console: Add your HTTPS site in Google Search Console and submit a new sitemap.
• Check for Mixed Content: Ensure that all resources (images, scripts) are loaded via HTTPS.

Some More Tips from Google Support

Google recommends regularly monitoring the migration process to ensure no SEO issues arise. Use Google’s URL Inspection Tool in Search Console to identify and resolve any issues.

Wrapping it Up!

Switching from HTTP to HTTPS is no longer just a matter of improving security; it’s a crucial step in optimizing your website for search engines and ensuring a safe, trustworthy experience for your visitors. 

If you haven’t yet made the switch to HTTPS, now is the time to do so. Not only will it enhance SEO rankings, but it will also contribute to better user experience, improved website security, and increased conversion rates.