Aaron
HTTP and HTTPS are phrases that many internet users have come across before. You might’ve noticed http:// or https:// at the beginning of your URLs. But what exactly do these terms mean? In this post, we’ll break down what their definitions are, and explain why they are important for web security and professional blog content writers.
What do HTTP and HTTPS mean?
HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol, and it establishes how information is passed between a user’s web browser and the website. When a website utilizes HTTP, information is communicated in plain text, which makes it very easy to exploit if it is intercepted.
For instance, if you were on a website using HTTP, and you were typing private information like credit card numbers, social security numbers, or other personal identifiers if someone intercepted that connection, they would be able to see what exactly you were sharing and steal that information. With cybersecurity and identity theft becoming increasingly important issues, this presents a problem, which is why HTTPS was developed.
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure and acts like HTTP, but it encrypts the data sent between a user and a website. How this works is a bit more complex, but you can read a more in-depth discussion about it on this blog.
What is most important to understand about HTTPS, is that it is an added layer of security when browsing and interacting with websites. So with that established, it is easier to see why this is helpful for even casual web users, but why is this important to know for content writers and site managers?
HTTP(S) and SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is one of the most important factors for a content writer or site manager to consider. Your content is effective if it can reach your intended audience and providing for SEO allows you to extend your reach. So how exactly does encrypting web browsing factor into SEO? Well, there are a few key areas.
Google’s “Ranking Factors”
Google’s “Ranking Factors” are aspects of a site that are taken into consideration when being placed by the algorithm in search results (you can find an extensive breakdown of important Google ranking factors at ahrefs blog). So the better you perform in these ranking factors, the higher results you can achieve in Google search results.
While HTTP vs HTTPS is not the most impactful of ranking factors on their list, it can make the difference, since sites providing HTTPS support get the leg up over a site still utilizing HTTP.
Google is committed to the global move towards HTTPS, so this is one of their initiatives supporting that cause. Another push involves labeling websites not using HTTPS as “not secure.” That “not secure” label can be a big deviator for users and provides a good foundation for the next important factor HTTPS provides for SEO and web managers.
Increased User Trust
Data Privacy and Internet Security are prominent issues as more and more people integrate the internet into all aspects of their daily lives. There is a very real concern that you can click a wrong link or enter your information in the wrong spot and end up compromised. Sites using HTTP are not offering the latest in security provisions for their users, and with Google even taking that extra step to notify users that the website they’re on does not have that layer of encryption, it is understandable that some users may not feel comfortable remaining on your site.
The fewer users that click on your site, the fewer users that remain on your site (after being notified of lack of security measures) the less reach your content has. As a site manager, you need to provide the best user experience to obtain and retain users, so adopting HTTPS for your site is a good objective.
Tracking Website Performance
For someone managing a website, you want to provide content and design that engages users and can bring them in from all areas of the web. This is why some companies make the step to outsource content writing services, (like those offered at Content Cucumber!) so that they can maximize their content’s potential.
But you want to make sure your efforts are not in vain, so you want to track website performance, like where exactly on the web your website is being linked. This information is crucial in understanding where you can focus and improve your lead generation.
One key issue is that HTTPS does not pass referral data to sites still utilizing HTTP. Therefore, you could be missing out on key information to your marketing efforts, and your analytics could be disrupted.
Why are HTTP and HTTPS important for you?
An internet with more sites running HTTPS is an internet that is more secure for all web users. For website managers, this is also a worthy opportunity for marketing purposes. A website running HTTPS enables better SEO performance and can ensure that you reap the full benefits of content writing services and thoughtful UI Design.
