HTTPS vs HTTP
HTTPS sites have risen in popularity in the past couple of years, and for good reason.
Google is constantly changing its search algorithms, and this time around, the difference between HTTP and HTTPS websites is the focus—if you’re looking to market your business effectively online, listen up.
HTTPS defined
In simple terms, HTTPS means your website is secured with an SSL certificate. By having an HTTPS website, you’re reassuring clients that their activity and data entered on your website are encrypted and, consequently, not at risk of being stolen – especially important for e-commerce websites.
The benefits of HTTPS
A recent study found that 84% of users would leave a purchase incomplete if website security isn’t guaranteed, which means that you could lose thousands of pounds in sales by not having an SSL certificate installed on your website.
Worse still, Google doesn’t let you off lightly if your website isn’t secure—every time a client browses your site, they’ll be warned that the connection is not secure and, in most cases, will click away from your site to find a retailer that does have a safe website.
After all, consumers are savvier than ever and will not risk their details for anyone. Your product could be incredible, but you won’t make a sale if your website isn’t secure.
How HTTPS benefits SEO
To date, having an HTTPS website instead of an HTTP site has only offered slight benefits to search ranking.
For instance, 40% of Google’s websites on page one are HTTPS sites. However, this latest addition to Google’s algorithm was only introduced in 2014 and, as with most of Google’s latest updates, is yet to rise to prominence – but once it does, you’ll be well behind the curve if you haven’t already got an HTTPS website.
Also, in 2023, Google confirmed that if two websites rank similarly but one is secure while the other is not, the secure website is more likely to be the frontrunner. Speak to a specialist.
How HTTPS benefits web traffic and sales
It has been proven that there is a link between high amounts of traffic and HTTPS sites.
The first step to getting a new client to buy from you is getting them to your website, and you can do that effectively by having that important green tick show up in search results.
Better still, once clients are on your website, they are more likely to purchase if it is secure – as we said, 84% of clients would abandon a cart if it weren’t safe. Without a doubt, HTTPS pays.
Are you considering having your website redesigned? With VCM’s web design services, all websites receive a free SSL certificate to ensure client security. View all website services.
At VCM, we care about our clients’ web security, so we now install an SSL certificate for free on all new websites we create from scratch or develop.
Our clients on web maintenance packages have also had an SSL certificate added to their websites free of charge. If you want your website created or redesigned, explore our Guildford web design services or contact us to find out what we can do for you.