In today’s digital world, website security is no longer optional — it’s a must. Search engines, website visitors, and even online payment systems expect a website to be safe and trustworthy. That’s where HTTPS and SSL certificates come in.
In this blog, we’ll explain what HTTPS is, why SSL matters, and how securing your website improves both SEO and user trust.
What is HTTPS?
- HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol used for transferring data between a web browser and a website.
- The key difference is the extra “S”, which stands for Secure.
- With HTTPS, all communication between your site and the user’s browser is encrypted, meaning hackers can’t steal or tamper with the data.
Example:
- http://www.example.com → Not secure
- https://www.example.com → Secure
What is an SSL Certificate?
- An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate is a digital certificate installed on a web server.
- It authenticates your website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection.
- When installed correctly, visitors will see:
- A padlock icon in the browser
- The URL beginning with https://
Functions of SSL:
- Encrypts data (like login credentials, payment info, personal details).
- Builds trust with users (visitors know the site is genuine and safe).
- Prevents data theft from hackers or middlemen.
- Boosts SEO ranking (Google favors HTTPS websites).
Why HTTPS & SSL Certificates Are Important
- Security for Users
- Protects sensitive information like passwords, emails, and credit card details.
- Trust & Credibility
- Visitors are more likely to stay and buy from a secure website.
- Google Ranking Factor
- Since 2014, Google has officially considered HTTPS as a ranking signal.
- Avoid “Not Secure” Warning
- Modern browsers (like Chrome) display a warning for non-HTTPS sites, which scares users away.
- Better Conversions
- Customers feel safe making transactions on HTTPS-enabled sites.
Types of SSL Certificates
Different SSL certificates suit different business needs:
- Domain Validated (DV)
- Basic, affordable certificate.
- Proves domain ownership only.
- Suitable for blogs or small websites.
- Organization Validated (OV)
- Higher-level validation.
- Confirms business legitimacy.
- Good for business websites.
- Extended Validation (EV)
- Highest security level.
- Displays company name in the browser’s address bar.
- Best for eCommerce and financial institutions.
How to Enable HTTPS on Your Website
- Buy an SSL Certificate
- From providers like GoDaddy, Namecheap, or SSL.com.
- Or get free SSL from Let’s Encrypt.
- Install the SSL Certificate
- On your web server (your hosting provider usually helps).
- Update Website URLs
- Change all internal links from http:// to https://.
- Redirect HTTP to HTTPS
- Add a 301 redirect so visitors automatically go to the secure version.
- Update Google Search Console & Analytics
- Add the HTTPS version of your site.
Best Practices for Website Security
- Always use HTTPS by default on all pages (not just login or checkout).
- Renew SSL certificates before expiry.
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Regularly update your CMS, plugins, and themes.
- Enable firewalls and malware scanning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using HTTPS only on checkout pages (all pages should be secure).
- Forgetting to set up 301 redirects (can lead to broken links or SEO loss).
- Not renewing SSL on time (expired SSL makes your site unsafe).
Switching your website to HTTPS and installing an SSL certificate is one of the simplest yet most powerful steps you can take to improve SEO, security, and user trust.
A secure website not only protects your visitors but also enhances your brand reputation and boosts conversions. In short:
👉 No HTTPS = No trust, no SEO advantage, and no long-term growth.