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Every website owner needs to bear in mind search engine optimisation, or SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), to ensure their site is easily found on search engines. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that protects users’ personal data during data transmission over the internet. But how does SSL affect SEO? Read on to find out why it is important from a search engine optimisation perspective.
The importance of SSL
SSL is responsible for encrypting internet traffic and ensures a secure connection between websites and visitors. A website with an SSL certificate appears in the browser with the ‘https’ prefix, which means the connection is secure. Websites without an SSL certificate use the ‘http’ prefix and do not provide an encrypted connection.
The link between SSL and SEO
User security is of paramount importance to Google and other search engines, which is why they give preference to encrypted websites. In Google’s algorithm, an SSL certificate is one of the ranking factors, and as a result, websites with an SSL certificate appear higher up in the search results.
An SSL certificate not only affects search engine rankings but also boosts visitor confidence. When users land on a secure website, they are more likely to stay on the site and continue browsing, which reduces the bounce rate and has a positive impact on SEO.
How should you go about obtaining an SSL certificate?
Most web hosting providers offer the option to obtain a free SSL certificate, such as Let’s Encrypt. If your web hosting provider does not offer this option, it is worth choosing a paid SSL certificate from a reputable certificate authority, such as DigiCert, GlobalSign or Symantec. Once the SSL certificate has been installed, check that all elements of the website are encrypted, and do not forget to set up a 301 redirect from ‘http’ to ‘https’.
Summary
The link between SSL certificates and SEO is clear and important. Websites with SSL certificates enjoy an advantage in search engine rankings and boost visitor confidence. If you do not yet have an SSL certificate, it is worth obtaining one for your website to improve its visibility in search engines and ensure the protection of your visitors’ personal data. Remember that improving the user experience and security not only helps with rankings, but also strengthens your website’s reputation and increases its traffic in the long term.