Is https a marketing ploy or serious business?

Crash course http (s): what is it and what is it for?

“Http” (HyperText Transfer Protocol) and “https” are the names of two protocols (computer rules) that control how an Internet document is sent to your computer. These programmatic rules work in the background a bit in the same way that the bank employs people to make sure your money is safe. Http and https are two of the many protocols that control how web pages and emails are loaded and viewed.

Previously, https was mainly used for passwords and sensitive information, but gradually the entire internet is leaving http pitiable for https. The added s after http stands for “secure”. Https is the secure version of the “HyperText Transfer Protocol” that your browser uses to communicate with sites. An SSL certificate is used for this purpose. Do you want to switch to https? Then such a certificate is essential.

SSL, the main ingredient of https

Although they are often mentioned in the same breath, https and SSL are not the same thing. Https is secure because it uses SSL to transmit data. SSL creates a secure, encrypted connection between the web server and the web browser. Https is not a firewall for the web. It doesn't prevent your website from being hacked or from receiving phishing emails, but it does show visitors that you take their privacy seriously. And that also creates trust.

How do you get such an SSL certificate? You can request or buy them from your web hosting. The required certificate is not expensive. You usually pay between €20 and €100 per year. But, you can also request an SSL certificate for free. Such a free certificate does not verify the identity of the applicant and gives you no support, while you are assured of control and help if you purchase an SSL certificate through your hosting provider.

What does Google think? Https as a ranking factor

You've undoubtedly had the tip to switch to https before. Especially after Google announced that https is a ranking factor. I'm sure it's no surprise that Google prefers certified and secure sites. After all, Google also wants searchers' information to be encrypted. Not switching could mean a drop in search traffic. And less traffic means less business. High-quality content is still the most important thing, but the security of your site also determines its discoverability.

Practical examples now show that https sites actually have a ranking advantage. Switching is therefore beneficial for all companies - confidential information or not -.

How https protects visitors. Does a certificate really make such a difference?

Quite a lot. When you connect to an https secure server, secure sites such as the bank's will automatically redirect you to https. Your browser checks the security certificate. This way, you can be sure that you are logging in to a safe environment. You also want to offer the visitor to your website this security, don't you?

Google is already set to https connections by default these days. This means that people — apart from Google itself — can no longer see what you're looking for. The same goes for Wikipedia and other sites. Previously, everyone on the same Wi-Fi network could see all browsing information. On an https site, your visitor feels safe.

The result: what risk does your website run if you continue to use http?

When you connect to an http website, your browser finds the IP address that matches the website, connects to that address, and by default assumes that it is connected to the correct server. Data via this connection is transmitted in readable text. The internet company, the government, or someone who wants to steal data can see everything your visitor sends. And yes, credit card details are also very easy to extract.

Is it easy to switch from http to https?

Switching to https is fairly easy for small sites (less than 50 pages). It's a bit more complicated for larger sites, but this is mainly from an SEO perspective. Having a technical specialist and SEO expert at your side to properly modify links and set up redirects is then no superfluous luxury. They can support you with the technical aspect. Google itself also explains how to easily switch from http to https. You'll probably go a long way with that.

Conclusion: Is https a marketing ploy?

Certainly not. HTTPS websites are increasingly becoming the norm. Nowadays, a secure site is a must. So don't wait too long with the switch. If you start making the switch yourself, you may be confused, but if you outsource most of the technical adjustments, you will reap the benefits. Think of more customer trust, excellent data security and a chance that your site will rank better in search results. In short, what are you waiting for? Switch to https now and future-proof your website.

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