There are certain issues that affect SEO which consumers aren’t even aware of. While they may pay attention to things like keywords and outbound links, most don’t know the difference between a secure and an unsecured site.
But Google does, and it’s starting to factor that into its page ranking algorithm. Specifically, Google is using HTTPS as a ranking signal. The difference between HTTPS and HTTP is that the former signals a secure site. Google already uses it for Gmail and YouTube.
It’s important to note that this isn’t just speculation from SEO agencies. Google expressed this explicitly in its Webmaster Central Blog:
“Over the past few months we’ve been running tests taking into account whether sites use secure, encrypted connections as a signal in our search ranking algorithms. We’ve seen positive results, so we’re starting to use HTTPS as a ranking signal. For now it’s only a very lightweight signal — affecting fewer than 1% of global queries, and carrying less weight than other signals such as high-quality content — while we give webmasters time to switch to HTTPS.”
So while this won’t factor into Google’s algorithm as much as quality content does, it’s still important to take note of. Besides, Google has already said that it plans to increase its impact at a later time.
This is just another development in Google’s mission to provide users with an optimal search experience. In Google’s eyes, a secure search experience is better for everyone, even if the consumers don’t know it.
In addition to its Penguin and Panda updates, which focus on the use of links and quality of content, Google also factors other aspects in its search algorithm, such as a website’s security. One way companies can improve their ranking today is to switch their website to HTTPS.
If you’re not sure how to do this, then you can get help from a professional agency that does. In addition, if you’d like to read more about SEO topics, then download our ebook today.
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