Now HTTPS (Secure) Sites Can Give You Better Ranking Benefits in Google Search Engine

Recently updated: January 5th, 2019

Recently, Google has spilled the beans that encrypted sites will be rewarded with a little bit higher ranking in the internet search results. Now onwards, Google will be using SSL/HTTPS as a ranking signal in their Google search algorithm. It means there is no room for passing the keyword data to the site owners. This way, it could be a huge boost to sites that are using the HTTPS encryption that delivers an improved security for those who are browsing their pages.

HTTP VS HTTPS

Now, the encrypted sites will get a small ranking benefit and counting as a “very lightweight signal” within the overall ranking algorithm. In fact, Google encourages all the website owners to switch from HTTP to HTTPS for keeping every website safe and secure on the web in future. Before indulging in the HTTPS, understand what exactly is HTTP?

• HTTP

First of all, understand what is HTTP? Hypertext Transfer Protocol is a full name of HTTP, it is a protocol used in networking. It allows you to communicate with the websites by delivering virtually all files and other data on the World Wide Web, whether they are HTML files, image files, query results, or anything else.

How HTTP works?

When you type any web address in your web browser, your browser will act as a client, and the computer with the requested information will act as a server. When the client request for the information from the server, it uses HTTP protocol to do so. Once the request is completed, the server responds back to the client. This response comes in the form of web page which can be seen once you type the web address and press “Enter” in your system.

• HTTPS

HTTPS stands for “Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure”. It is a combination of two different protocols that are HTTPS and SSL/TLS protocol. Data encryption performs both SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) which encodes the data and records being exchanged. That is why; the information which is exchanged between you and a web site is encrypted and cannot be hijacked by any unauthorized person who might want to eavesdrop by electronic means when you type a credit card number, a social security number, a password, or any other person information.

How HTTPS works?

It is meant to be a more secure way of accessing web as the way of sending request to the server from a client is secure and the communication is merely encrypted which means no one will get to know what you are in search of. The kind of communication is used for accessing those websites where security is highly required. The websites such as banking websites, payment gateway, emails, and corporate sector websites are some great examples where HTTPS protocols are used.

Common differences

The common difference between HTTP and HTTPS are mentioned below in the table

HTTPS as a higher ranking signal

Since, security is the top-most priority for Google, that’s why Google invest a lot in ensuring that the services provided by it uses industry-leading security, like strong HTTPS encryption by default. It means that people using Search, Gmail, and Google drive will automatically have a secure connection to Google.