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What’s the difference between http and https in my website URL?

 


What’s the difference between http and https in my website URL?

Have you ever noticed these letters, “http” or “https” at the beginning of a website URL (the address bar in your website name) and wondered why there are two different options? If you haven’t noticed them before or you don’t know why they’re different, it’s to do with security and effects your SEO.

Addresses starting with “http” means there is no password encryption.

Address starting with “https” means the site has encrypted password.

Which one is better?

Your site should be https and if it is not, contact your web developer and arrange for it to be upgraded.

Basically, https is the later model of http. The “S” stands for secure and that should pretty much tell you everything.

What are the advantages of https?

  • From a potential customer perspective, your page visitors will put more trust in a site beginning with https.
  • The level of improved security on https website addresses provides you with protection from scammers and hackers. Vital information, for example credit card details, logon details etc are all encrypted and cannot (for the most part) be intercepted. This is on desktop or mobile device.
  • Significant Google algorithm changes have prepared us for https over the last three or so years. There will initial warnings to get ready for https and now Google places higher emphasis on search results for sites with https.
  • Google is moving (due July 2018 but unsure if this has occurred) to consider all “http” sites to non-secure

Are there any disadvantages of changing to https?

Not really; none worthy of not making the decision to upgrade. There is a cost in obtaining an SSL certificate (your “security” certificate) but in the scheme of things, it is minimal.

Important steps to undertake when you move to https

  • You will need to get an SSL certificate from a trusted source. Speak with your website developer.
  • You will need to redirect all pages on your http site to their new corresponding location on your new https site. Your web developer will be able to assist with this.

Finally, if you’re about to have your website rebuilt (either on the same platform you currently use or a new one), it is imperative that your website developer/builder provides you with an https site. If that hasn’t happened yet, deal with it, without delay.

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