HTTPS / SSL, explained properly.
What is HTTPS / SSL?
HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP, the protocol over which data is sent between your browser and the website you are visiting. The S stands for Secure, and that is thanks to an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate. In plain English, HTTPS encrypts the data between a website and its visitors, protecting things like passwords, personal information and contact forms from being intercepted. That little padlock icon in your browser's address bar means SSL is working. It is not just about safety, it is about trust, credibility and SEO. If you are still using HTTP, it is like hanging a "not safe" sign on your homepage.
What is the difference between SSL and HTTPS?
- **SSL** is the technology that encrypts your website's data. - **HTTPS** is the secure protocol your browser uses when SSL is active. Technically, websites now use TLS (Transport Layer Security) rather than SSL, but the term "SSL certificate" stuck.
Why HTTPS matters for SEO
Back in 2014, Google officially made HTTPS a ranking signal, so switching to HTTPS can improve your search visibility. Google's position is documented in Google Search Central, and the broader web platform case for HTTPS is summarised on web.dev. More importantly, non-secure websites scare users away. Chrome flashes a "Not Secure" warning next to the URL bar on HTTP pages, especially if there is a form. Not a great first impression. At BrisTechTonic we include HTTPS checks in every technical SEO audit, and we migrate all our WordPress SEO and Shopify SEO clients to HTTPS by default.
Benefits of switching to HTTPS
- **Improved security:** encrypts user data and login details. - **Trust factor:** users expect that padlock, especially if you are taking payments or contact details. - **SEO gains:** HTTPS is a Google ranking signal, albeit a lightweight one. - **Faster speeds:** with HTTP/2 support, HTTPS can speed things up, which feeds into your Core Web Vitals and page speed scores. - **Required for features:** things like service workers (for PWAs) and location permissions often only work over HTTPS.
How to get an SSL certificate (and do it right)
Getting an SSL certificate is easy. Most hosting providers include it for free these days via Let's Encrypt. The process: 1. Log in to your hosting control panel (for example cPanel, SiteGround, Kinsta). 2. Find the SSL section and enable Let's Encrypt or another SSL provider. 3. Force HTTPS by redirecting all HTTP traffic (via plugin, .htaccess or server settings). Use proper 301 redirects so SEO equity transfers cleanly. 4. Update your internal links and canonical tags to use HTTPS. 5. Update your XML sitemap and resubmit to Google Search Console. Check for mixed content errors, when parts of your site (like images or scripts) are still loaded over HTTP. These can break the padlock icon and cause trust issues. Tools like Why No Padlock can help identify these quickly.
HTTPS and ecommerce SEO
If you run an ecommerce store, HTTPS is not just recommended, it is required. Without SSL, payment processors like Stripe, PayPal or Shopify Payments will not even work. Worse, visitors will not trust you with their card details if Chrome is showing "Not Secure". That is why we prioritise SSL configuration in all our ecommerce SEO projects, whether you are on Shopify, WooCommerce or something more custom.
What if you do not switch?
- You will likely lose rankings to secure competitors. - Your forms may stop functioning properly on some browsers. - Users will bounce at the sight of that warning label. - You will lose out on trust, conversions and credibility.
BrisTechTonic's HTTPS checklist
- Install SSL via Let's Encrypt or Cloudflare - Force HTTPS site-wide (via server, CMS or plugin) - Fix internal links and media references - Scan for mixed content issues - Update canonical tags and hreflang if needed - Resubmit sitemap in Google Search Console Whether you are switching during a site migration or launching a new domain, HTTPS is part of our default build process.
What about subdomains?
If your site has subdomains like blog.example.com, each one needs its own SSL certificate, or a wildcard SSL that covers them all. If even one section of your site is not secure, Google will take notice.
HTTPS / SSL: common questions.
How do I get HTTPS on my site?
Most modern hosts include free SSL certificates via Let's Encrypt. Activation is usually a single setting. Once HTTPS is active, force-redirect HTTP to HTTPS at the server level so all traffic uses the secure version.
Will switching to HTTPS hurt SEO?
Temporarily, possibly. The migration moves all URLs from HTTP to HTTPS, which Google treats like any URL change. With proper 301 redirects from HTTP to HTTPS, traffic typically returns within weeks. Long-term, HTTPS helps SEO.
How do I check my HTTPS is set up correctly?
Two checks. SSL Labs (ssllabs.com/ssltest) tests certificate configuration. Search Console's URL Inspection tool shows whether Google sees the HTTPS version. Both should give clean reports.
Is HTTP/2 the same as HTTPS?
No. HTTPS is the encryption layer; HTTP/2 is the protocol version. HTTP/2 requires HTTPS but does more (multiplexing, header compression, server push) for performance. Most modern hosts run HTTP/2 by default once SSL is active.
What clients say about working with us.
“I've had the pleasure of working with Chris on several SEO projects for my websites in the health field. He was definitely been able to demystify things so that I felt able to make decisions with him and feel confident they were the right ones. For a non-techie, that is worth gold! I look forward to working with Chris again and warmly recommend him to anyone who - like me - is unsure about all things SEO.”
“I was recommended by my branding partner to use Chris and his team last year. I can’t recommend them highly enough. They are very responsive , easy to communicate with and great at translating techy stuff when needed. They are now an essential part of my business model”
“We've been working closely with Chris, Hannah and the team for over 12 months now. As a small company with ambitious growth plans, it was incredibly important that we made the right choice on who to trust with our SEO. 18 months later, we're totally thrilled with our experience so far and our growing online presence within our market. We'd happily recommend BTT and their services to other SMEs. Drop them an enquiry!”
Real people on your account, not a faceless agency.
You work directly with the senior people who do the work, a small Bristol team you will actually get to know, not a call centre or an account manager relaying messages.
Meet the team →
