HTTPS
Learn what HTTPS means in SEO, how secure encryption protects website data and serves as a Google ranking signal that impacts backlink trustworthiness
HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is the encrypted version of HTTP, using SSL/TLS certificates to secure the connection between a user’s browser and the web server. Google has confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal, making it a standard requirement for websites seeking strong search performance. For link building, running HTTPS is important because many publishers and webmasters are reluctant to link to insecure HTTP sites, as it reflects poorly on their own credibility. When migrating from HTTP to HTTPS, ensuring all existing backlinks are properly redirected to the HTTPS versions is essential to preserve accumulated link equity.