HTTP and HTTPS: Why Secure Websites Matter in 2025
Understanding HTTP and HTTPS
Apart from the obvious reasons, a website’s security and its performance impacts the experience a user gets from the website directly. To add, it also has a say in where the site ranks on search engine platforms. HTTP and HTTPS vary greatly in what they offer and choose. The protocols work on data communication over the internet on surface level, but on a deeper level lies the underlying difference which focuses on the website’s credibility, SEO, and user trust paramount.
This blog aims to talk about the pros of HTTPS over its counterpart and its difference in context reliability, comparison of different versions, and reasons why upgrading to HTTPS is a must for all websites.
What is HTTP and HTTPS?
HyperText Transfer Protocol, HTTP, is a communication tool used in transporting data everywhere in the globe as it works over the internet. It connects a user’s web browser with the server of the website, letting an endless exchange of information – texts, images, and videos leave the server.
HTTPS, ‘HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure,’ builds on HTTP & advances it by encrypting certain elements of it for safe passage. The ‘S’ of HTTPS stands for Secure, which ensures that communications between the web server and browser are encrypted through the help of SSL or TLS.
The server responds by sending the requested webpage to the user’s screen.
Limitations of HTTP and Advantages of HTTPS
Regardless of being the backbone of any data transmission on the web, HTTP and HTTPS have marked differences:
No Encryption With HTTP: Information sent through HTTP is not encrypted and is therefore exposed to malicious activities, while HTTPS shields all data.
Threats to Security: Critical data can be captured by cybercriminals while browsing HTTP websites, while HTTPS prevents these attacks from happening.
SEO Inefficiencies: Google favors HTTPS sites, so those on HTTP risk being left behind.
Disturbed User Trust: Today’s browsers alert users attempting to load an HTTP page, making them think twice before accessing the site. Users are guaranteed safety through HTTPS since a padlock icon is displayed.
The Evolution Why HTTP and HTTPS are Important for SEO
Google has put a lot of attention to website security since 2014. HTTPS makes for a better user experience which encourages webmasters to switch from HTTP. Here’s how HTTPS influences SEO:
1. Improve Page Ranking on Search Engines
Websites with HTTPS will automatically be placed higher on google and put at risk of losing exposure if competitors use HTTPS while staying on HTTP.
2. It Increases Click Through Rate (CTR)
Users tend to click on HTTPS sites more often because, unlike HTTP sites, they seem more secure and trustworthy.
3.Reduces Bounce Rate
When visitors encounter the “Not Secure” label on HTTP sites, they immediately close the page. HTTPS removes this warning which increases user engagement and helps lower bounce rates.
4.Augments Mobile SEO
Google’s mobile-first indexing thumbs-up HTTPS sites, guaranteeing better ranks in mobile search results.
5.Safeguards User Data
Web resources that deal with sensitive data, such as eCommerce and log-in pages, need to adopt HTTPS in order to mitigate cyber risks.
How to Switch from HTTP to HTTPS
It is strongly recommended that websites still on HTTP switch to HTTPS due to its security features and SEO optimization. Here is an easy step-by-step guide introducing the process:
Buy an SSL Certificate
HTTPS can only be enabled after acquiring an SSL certificate. It can be purchased from a reputable certificate authority, like GoDaddy, GlobalSign, or even Let’s Encrypt.
Install the SSL Certificate
After purchasing the SSL certificate, install it on your web server. Most hosting providers offer complimentary SSL installation.
Edit the Internal Links
For all internal links, including resources like images, scripts, and style sheets, change “http://” to “https://”.
Set Up 301 Redirects
Redirect all URLs with the HTTP prefix to use the HTTPS version while performing a 301 redirect to retain SEO value.
Update Google Search Console & Analytics
Notify Google for the migration to HTTPS by modifying the site settings in Google Search Console and Google Analytics.
Check for Mixed Content Issues
Ensure the absence of security warnings by loading all components of your website through HTTPS.
You wouldn't be told that, would you?
1. E-commerce Websites are the only ones who need HTTPS.
That's not accurate. Each and every website, be it a blog, a portfolio, or a mere informational page, has an advantage of HTTPS and its security.
2. HTTPS slows down websites.
That's incorrect. HTTPS sites tend to load faster due to optimization on modern websites.
3. HTTPS comes with a hefty cost.
Not necessarily true. Lots of hosting companies provide free SSL to their clients which makes HTTPS suitable for every web owner.
4. HTTP and HTTPS are two peas in a pod.
Incorrect. There are a number of aspects that differ HTTP from HTTPS, the security and encryption level being the most notable one.
Final Thoughts
It is pretty evident the advantage HTTPS has over a website’s security, SEO as well as user credibility, therefore if you are still running websites over HTTP, you should consider switching as soon as possible.
Migrating to HTTPS improves website security along with search rankings, user trust, and future-proofing the website.
Make the migration from HTTP to HTTPS instantly to secure your website for sustained growth of the business.
