Https Websites Flatter Ranking Factor

According to Google HTTPS opposed to HTTP websites is flattering the ranking factor. In a major shift, Google has made it official that it is rewarding websites using the HTTPS with a better ranking in the internet searches. In the last few months, Google has been running trials and errors to test the use of secure connections as an indicator in the ranking algorithms. The Google webmaster trends analysts Zineb Ait Ba hajji and Gary Illyes have written in a blog that they have seen positive results and hence they have started using HTTPS as a signal for better ranking.

Apparently, it is a lightweight signal and affects less than 1% of international queries. It also carries less weight age than other indicators as good quality content. Meanwhile, the analysts have decided to give webmasters more time to switch to HTTPS. However, time will tell if this parameter will be strengthened as Google plans to encourage all website owners to move to HTTPS from HTTP for safety reasons.

What is Https?

Https stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure. It is a version of the well-known http that helps transfer website pages over the internet. The S adds a level of security through data encryption. If your website supports https, the URL will be Domain. Browsers will add a padlock icon and highlight the address bar in green.

How HTTPS Affects Ranking

A few years back, Google made the announcement that website speed will be taken as a ranking indicator in the search algorithm. Consequently, a number of websites rushed to enhance their loading time. While users appreciated the improvement of speed, no one noted the direct effect it had on rankings.

Page speed is known as a modifier. If 2 web pages have relevant scores and similar quality, the deciding factor in ranking by Google is done on the basis of which page loads faster. Similarly, https looks like a modifier. 99% of searches take place whiteout even looking at https, but in those instances if the webpages are otherwise equal, the https factor might give you the edge.

In the help files, Google talks about the best methods to set up https, such as allowing search engines to see a website as secure by following the tips given below:

1. Redirect your users as well as search engines to https resource or page with the server side 301 http redirects.
2. Use qualified URLs as resources on the secure domain
3. Use protocol relevant URLs for other domains or upgrade your website links for directly linking to the https resource
4. Use a server which supports HSTS HTTP Strict Transport Security and make it enabled

In case or any queries or concerns, Google directs people to Webmaster Help Forums. The search for https in the forums pulls several conversations that take place already on the issue. In the future weeks, Google will publish the best practices in detail. Let’s watch out and keep our fingers crossed until then.