HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the encrypted version of HTTP that uses SSL/TLS certificates to secure data transmitted between a user's browser and the web server. Google has confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal since 2014.
Why HTTPS matters for SEO
HTTPS is a confirmed Google ranking signal. Sites without HTTPS display a 'Not Secure' warning in Chrome, reducing user trust and conversion rates. HTTPS is required for HTTP/2 (faster page loads) and is a prerequisite for many modern web features.
Pro tip on HTTPS
Install an SSL certificate (free via Let's Encrypt or included with most hosting). Set up 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS for all pages. Update all internal links to HTTPS. Check for mixed content warnings (HTTP resources loaded on HTTPS pages).
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