The common SSL certificate. Beyond just a security measure, what we have seen is that SSL implementation is a proven tactic for search engines to favor your site. We are going to look at in detail how SSL Certificates Improve Search Engine Ranking and also why this technical upgrade is a must for success in SEO.
Why Search Engines Care About Security
To give our users the best results in terms of relevance, trustworthiness and safety we do. Also an HTTP site is a target for data breaches, eavesdropping and malicious injections which in turn puts our users at risk.
Google’s Official Stance: HTTPs as a ranking factor
In 2014 Google reported that they had put in place that HTTPS is a ranking signal. At first it was a small factor, but over time that has changed. Also in 2014 Google Chrome which is the main browser began to mark HTTP sites as “Not Secure” which in turn has an impact on user trust and bounce rates — which in the end does affect rankings.
The Technical Mechanisms Boosting SEO
Beyond trust signals which are present, SSL Certificates Improve Search Engine Ranking making them hold in high regard.
Enabling Secure Data Transfer & Crawling
Search engine bots (for example Googlebot) require that your site be crawled efficiently and securely. HTTPS which is the protocol for secure connection has that data which is exchanged between the server and the crawler encrypted. Although Google is able to crawl HTTP sites it is through a less smooth and reliable path. Sites which have SSL certificates see less of the crawling issues related to security which in turn sees your content indexed properly, a basic requirement for ranking.
Unlocking Performance Advantages with HTTP/2
Security and also performance. We see that SSL Certificates Improve Search Engine Ranking which path which they take to do that
Implementing SSL: Your Way into Search Engine Optimization Benefits
Understanding which is the reason is important but we must do SSL right to see the SEO benefits. That way we can understand how SSL Certificates Improve Technical SEO.
Choosing and Installing the Right Certificate
First off you choose the right SSL certificate:
- Domain Validation (DV): Basic which is for blogs and info sites. Issuance is almost immediate.
- Organization Validation (OV): Confirms your business identity, adds legitimacy. Great for business sites.
- Extended Validation (EV): Highest level of validation which is to see your company name in the address bar (may be less common these days, but still very prestigious).
Installation includes going to your server and creating a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), then going to a Certificate Authority to purchase the certificate which is what you do for an SSL, and then you install the files which the CA provides. Also with today’s modern Hosting Control Panel you have one click install options for SSL’s which also include free options from Let’s Encrypt.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Mixed Types and Redirects
Issuing the certificate is just the first step. Also see to these:
- 301 Redirects: Implement the 301 redirects at the server level which will push all HTTP traffic to its HTTPS version. This improves link equity and also prevents duplicate content issues.
- Fixing Mixed Content: Ensure that all resources (images, scripts, stylesheets, iframes) on your HTTPS pages are loaded via HTTPS. When you have HTTP resources on an HTTPS page you get mixed content which breaks the secure lock and may damage user trust and SEO. Browsers may also block out the insecure elements which in turn may break your site’s functionality.
Beyond Rankings: Total business benefits which include
While there is great benefit in improved SEO we have seen that the value of SSL Certificates improve Search Engine Ranking which in turn causes a series of positive business results.
Enhancing Conversion Rates and Customer Confidence
E-commerce sites do or do not based on trust. We see the padlock icon and “Secure” label during check out which is what decreases cart abandonment. Users are more likely to input personal and payment info on a site they see as secure. This goes to say that the results are of equal value to that of search engine optimization. SSL Certificates Improve Search Engine Ranking by which in turn causes conversion.
Meeting Compliance Requirements (PCI DSS, GDPR)
If you have sensitive info (which includes payment info) handle it with care you will need to use SSL, it is not optional it is mandatory. In the case of credit card processing we see that standards such as PCI DSS report that very strong encryption is required. Also we have regulations like GDPR that put forward the issue of data security. SSL is what you will need to be using in order to be in full compliance which in turn will help you avoid large fines and issues with reputation. Compliance also will add to your site’s overall credibility which in turn supports your SEO.
Conclusion: SSL is the Base for Today’s SEO
SSL Certificates Improve your Search Engine Ranking by which Google’s algorithms pay attention (even while using a web panel), which in turn improves user experience metrics (we see reduced bounce rates, increased dwell time), we also get faster protocols like HTTP/2 and the trust element which is so important for users to engage and convert.
Implementing cheap SSL certificates is a primary, budget friendly, and very basic step you can take for your SEO. It’s not just for the bots; it is for the trust and security of your human visitors which in turn reflects in the search results. Search engines give a boost to those who do. Don’t be left out by securing your site with SSL you take that which is essential for long term SEO success and also prove that SSL Certificates Improve Search Engine Ranking. Today is the time to switch to HTTPS and build the secure base your site’s visibility needs.