HTTP vs HTTPS: All About SSL Certificate and Its Impact on Google Ranking

Ever wondered why some websites show a little padlock icon next to their URL while others don’t? That tiny icon is powered by an SSL certificate, and it’s more important for your blog or business website than you might think. In today’s digital world, website security is a top priority for businesses, developers, and marketers alike. One of the most critical steps in securing a website is switching from HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) to HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure). While HTTP has been the foundation of web communication for years, HTTPS adds a crucial layer of encryption through SSL/TLS certificates, ensuring that data exchanged between users and websites remains private and secure. Beyond security, HTTPS has become a key ranking factor for Google, directly influencing search engine visibility and user trust. If you’re just starting a blog or launching your new website, understanding SSL and HTTPS could be one of the smartest SEO moves you make.

But what exactly is the difference between HTTP and HTTPS? How do SSL certificates work, and why does Google favor secure websites? In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the technical, security, and SEO implications of HTTP vs HTTPS. We’ll cover how SSL encryption functions, why HTTPS is essential for data protection, and how migrating to HTTPS can boost your Google rankings. Whether you’re a website owner, developer, or digital marketer, understanding this transition is crucial for staying competitive in search results and safeguarding user data.

HTTP Vs HTTPs : Understanding Transfer Protocols

Let’s start with a simple explanation of transfer protocols and their role in keeping websites running smoothly.

All website data lives on servers. When you visit a site, your browser sends a request to the server, and the server responds by delivering the requested content. For this exchange to work seamlessly, there need to be clear rules—just like traffic laws keep vehicles moving safely. These rules are called transfer protocols. They define how data travels between your device and the server, ensuring everything loads correctly and securely.

In computing, a transfer protocol is a defined set of rules and procedures that dictate how data is transmitted between two or more devices. It ensures accurate delivery and reception of data, independent of the hardware or software involved. In essence, it serves as the common language that enables computers to communicate and exchange information.

What is HTTP?

How HTTP Works

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is the foundation of data communication on the web. It enables the transfer of text, images, videos, and other media between a web server and a user’s browser. When you visit a website using HTTP, your browser sends a request to the server, which responds by delivering the requested content.

Limitations of HTTP (Security Risks)

Despite its widespread use, HTTP has significant security flaws:

• No Encryption: Data is sent in plain text, making it vulnerable to interception.

• Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks: Hackers can steal sensitive information like passwords and credit card details.

• Data Tampering: Attackers can modify data before it reaches the user.

Due to these vulnerabilities, major browsers like Chrome and Firefox now flag HTTP sites as “Not Secure,” pushing websites to adopt HTTPS.

What is HTTPs?

How HTTPS Enhances Security

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP that uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect data transferred between a user’s browser and a website’s server. It ensures that information such as passwords, payment details, and personal data cannot be intercepted or altered by hackers. Websites using HTTPS display a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, signaling trust and security.

When a website uses HTTPS:

• All communication is encrypted, preventing eavesdropping.

• Data integrity is maintained, ensuring no unauthorized modifications.

• Users see a padlock icon in the browser, increasing trust.

The Role of SSL/TLS Encryption

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and its successor, TLS (Transport Layer Security), are cryptographic protocols that establish a secure connection. Here’s how it works:

1. Handshake: The browser and server authenticate each other.

2. Key Exchange: A secure encryption key is generated.

3. Data Transfer: All data is encrypted before transmission.

HTTP Vs HTTPS

Think of a transfer protocol like the rules of a conversation. When you visit a website, your browser (like Chrome or Safari) needs to “talk” to the server where the site is stored. HTTP is like speaking in plain text—anyone listening can understand. HTTPS is like speaking in code—only you and the website can decode the messages, keeping your data safe. Without these rules, your browser wouldn’t know how to ask for a webpage or how the server should respond—just like trying to have a conversation without a shared language!

For example:

• HTTP → Sending a postcard (anyone can read it).

• HTTPS → Sending a locked package (only the recipient can open it).

HTTP vs HTTPS: Key Differences

To understand how HTTPS keeps online communication secure, we need to look at the technology that powers its encryption, SSL.

Understanding SSL Certificate

What is an SSL Certificate

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that encrypts the data exchanged between a user’s browser and a website’s server, protecting it from interception and tampering.

An SSL certificate is a small digital file installed on your website’s server that:

• Authenticates your website’s identity.

• Enables an encrypted connection between the server and the browser.

An SSL certificate encrypts the data shared between website visitors and website server website, protecting sensitive information and preventing attacks like man-in-the-middle hacks. In simple words, SSL improves cybersecurity by encrypting all messages/ data exchanged between a visitor’s browser and website server, making it unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it.

For example, if a customer enters their credit card details on an e-commerce site using HTTPS, SSL scrambles that information into an encrypted code before sending it to the server. Even if a hacker manages to intercept the transmission, they would only see meaningless, jumbled text instead of usable data. Without SSL, the same information sent over HTTP could be read in plain text, leaving it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and identity theft.

How SSL Works (The SSL Handshake Process):

1. Browser connects to the server and requests a secure connection.

2. Server responds by sending its SSL certificate.

3. Browser verifies the certificate against trusted authorities.

4. If verified, an encrypted session is established.

Difference Between SSL and TLS:

• SSL is the older protocol.

• TLS (Transport Layer Security) is the newer, more secure version — but “SSL” is still used as the common term.

Types of SSL Certificates

When installing SSL, you’ll need to choose the right type based on your website’s needs.

1. Domain Validated (DV)

   • Cheapest and fastest to issue.

   • Verifies domain ownership only.

   • Good for blogs and small websites.

2. Organization Validated (OV)

   • Verifies both domain and organization identity.

   • More trustworthy for visitors.

3. Extended Validation (EV)

• • Highest level of validation (green address bar).
  • Shows company name in browser address bar.

1. • Ideal for e-commerce and financial websites.

2. Wildcard SSL

   • Covers a domain and all its subdomains.

3. Multi-Domain SSL (SAN)

   • Secures multiple domains with one certificate.

Why HTTPS Matters for SEO

Google’s HTTPS Ranking Signal

In 2014, Google announced HTTPS as a lightweight ranking factor. Over time, with increased web security emphasis, HTTPS has become more influential. Studies by SEO agencies have shown that secure sites tend to rank higher than their HTTP counterparts.

Avoiding “Not Secure” Warnings

Chrome, Firefox, and Edge now flag HTTP pages as “Not Secure”, especially when they have forms. This warning can increase bounce rates and lower CTR.

User Trust & CTR Improvements

The padlock icon signals that your site is trustworthy, which improves click-through rate in search results and increases conversions.

Mobile-First Indexing & Page Experience

Since Google uses mobile-first indexing, HTTPS is a baseline for providing a secure mobile experience. A site that fails security checks can lose ground to competitors.

Better Referrer Data in Analytics

If your site is on HTTP and gets traffic from HTTPS sites, referral data is stripped — it appears as “direct traffic” in analytics. Moving to HTTPS preserves this data, giving you accurate insights.

Case Studies: SEO Benefits of HTTPS Migration

• Backlinko Study: HTTPS sites rank slightly higher in SERPs.

• Google Transparency Report: Over 95% of pages in Google’s top results use HTTPS.

How to Get SSL

Getting an SSL certificate is straightforward, but the process can differ depending on whether you already have a website or are starting a new one.

1. For Existing Websites (Migrating from HTTP to HTTPS)

SSL Migration Checklist (HTTP → HTTPS)

Step 1 – Get an SSL Certificate

• Purchase one from your hosting provider or get a free Let’s Encrypt SSL.

• Activate it via your hosting control panel (e.g., cPanel, Plesk).

Step 2 – Update Your Website’s URL Settings

• In your CMS (like WordPress), change the Site URL and Home URL from http:// to https://.

Step 3 – Set Up 301 Redirects

• Redirect all HTTP pages to their HTTPS versions so users and search engines always land on the secure site.

Step 4 – Update Internal Links & Resources

• Update internal links, images, scripts, and CSS to use HTTPS paths to avoid mixed content errors.

Step 5 – Update Your Sitemap & Robots.txt

• Generate a new sitemap with HTTPS URLs.

• Add the updated sitemap to your robots.txt file.

Step 6 – Reconnect to Google Search Console & Analytics

• Add the HTTPS version of your site to Google Search Console.

• Update the property in Google Analytics.

Step 7 – Test Your Website

• Use tools like Why No Padlock or SSL Labs to ensure everything is secure.

• Fix any mixed content warnings.

2. For New Websites (Starting with HTTPS from Day One)

If you’re planning a new website, the easiest route is to choose a hosting provider that includes free SSL certificates. Most modern hosting services—such as SiteGround, Bluehost, or Hostinger—offer one-click SSL activation. This means your website will launch on HTTPS from the very beginning, avoiding migration issues and instantly benefiting from the SEO and trust advantages of SSL.

11. FAQs on SSL and Rankings

Q: Does free SSL work for SEO?
Yes. Free SSL from Let’s Encrypt provides the same encryption as paid certificates. The difference is in trust signals and warranty coverage.

Q: How long until rankings improve after switching?
It can take a few weeks for Google to recrawl and update its index.

Q: Will HTTPS slow my site?
No. In fact, HTTP/2 (available with HTTPS) can make sites faster.

12. Conclusion

Switching from HTTP to HTTPS is no longer just about security — it’s a clear SEO strategy. With Google favoring secure sites, HTTPS not only protects your visitors but can also improve your rankings, CTR, and conversion rates.

If you haven’t already, get your SSL certificate today, migrate your site, and start reaping the SEO benefits of a secure, trustworthy website.