Let’s have a real talk about something most small business owners would rather not think about: your website’s security. I know, I know — it sounds about as thrilling as watching paint dry. But here's the thing… if your website isn’t secure, it’s not just your customers who might get jittery — Google’s watching too. And when Google’s not happy? Your rankings suffer.

So, let’s get stuck into one of the simplest, most overlooked but incredibly important decisions you can make for your website: choosing HTTPS over HTTP — and why that switch matters more than you might think for your SEO.

What’s the Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS?

Let’s start with the basics — and I promise to keep the tech jargon to a minimum.

• HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol.

• HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure.

See that little “S” at the end? It stands for Secure — and it changes everything.

When someone visits your website, their browser and your server exchange data. With HTTP, that data travels unencrypted. Imagine sending a postcard through the post — anyone along the way can read it. Not ideal if you're sending sensitive info.

With HTTPS, it’s more like sealing that postcard in a thick envelope, locking it, and sending it via private courier. The data is encrypted using something called an SSL certificate (or more accurately these days, a TLS certificate).

Quick Check: Is Your Site HTTPS?

Pop over to your website and look at the address bar. Does it start with:

• 🔓 http:// – Not secure

• 🔒 https:// – You’re good!

Still seeing HTTP? Then keep reading — your SEO could be quietly taking a hit.

Why HTTPS Is a Big Deal for SEO

You might be thinking, “Alright, security is nice and all, but I’m more worried about showing up on Google.”

Totally fair. But here’s the kicker: Google actually rewards secure websites.

1. Google Uses HTTPS as a Ranking Signal

Way back in 2014, Google announced that HTTPS would be a ranking factor. At the time, it was a light signal — but it’s only become more important since then.

That means, all things being equal, if your site is HTTPS and your competitor’s isn’t? You’ve got a better shot at ranking higher in search results.

2. Secure Sites Inspire Trust (and Get More Clicks)

Ever noticed that some sites show a warning like “Not Secure” in the browser? That’s what HTTP gets you these days.

For a customer browsing your site, that little warning can be a deal-breaker. Trust is huge in online business, especially for small companies. If someone doesn’t trust your site, they’re not sticking around — and Google notices that.

3. HTTPS Protects User Data

Even if you’re not running a full-blown e-commerce shop, your site might still collect:

• Contact forms

• Email signups

• Booking requests

• Newsletter subscriptions

If that data isn’t encrypted, it could be intercepted. Google doesn’t like insecure sites handling user info — and neither do users.

4. Better Performance with HTTP/2

Most modern HTTPS websites use HTTP/2, which is a faster, more efficient version of the web protocol. It can load pages more quickly — and speed is another critical SEO factor.

Fast + Secure = SEO win.

How to Switch from HTTP to HTTPS (Without Breaking Your Website)

Okay, let’s say you’re sold. You want to make the switch. Brilliant! But how does it work?

Here’s a simplified breakdown:

Step 1: Get an SSL Certificate

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate encrypts the connection between your visitor and your website. You can get one:

• For free (Let’s Encrypt is a popular option)

• Through your hosting provider (often included in your plan)

If you’re not sure if your hosting includes SSL, just ask — most do these days.

Step 2: Install and Activate It

Your hosting provider often handles this. If you’re using WordPress, there are plugins like Really Simple SSL that can help manage redirects and force HTTPS across your site.

Step 3: Redirect All Traffic to HTTPS

This is important — you don’t want two versions of your site floating around (one HTTP, one HTTPS). That splits your SEO juice.

Set up 301 redirects so any visitor trying to access the HTTP version gets whisked over to the secure HTTPS version instead. Again, your developer or host can help here.

Step 4: Update Internal Links

If your internal links all point to http://yourdomain.co.uk/page, update them to https://.

You can usually do a bulk find and replace in your database or use plugins (like Better Search Replace in WordPress).

Step 5: Tell Google About It

Update your website address in:

• Google Search Console

• Google Analytics

• Any marketing or SEO tools you use

Will Switching to HTTPS Hurt My SEO Short-Term?

Let’s be honest — if you don’t do it properly, yes. But don’t panic.

If you follow best practices — proper redirects, updated sitemaps, canonical URLs — the transition can be smooth, with no major ranking drops. And long-term? You’re setting your site up for better trust, higher rankings, and fewer issues.

Real Talk: Why Some Small Businesses Avoid Switching

Here’s what I hear a lot:

“My site doesn’t sell anything — why bother?”

Even brochure sites can collect emails or contact forms. And Google doesn’t care if you’re selling socks or sharing recipes — they want secure sites.

“Isn’t it expensive?”

Nope. Many hosts offer free SSL certificates. Even paid ones are cheap. The real cost is not switching — lower rankings, lost trust, and a poor user experience.

“Sounds technical. I’ll break something.”

Totally understandable — but this is where your SEO consultant, developer or hosting provider earns their keep. A good SEO service will sort the switch as part of a full site health check.

Bonus SEO Boosters That Come with HTTPS

Switching to HTTPS opens the door to some nice little extras that Google loves:

🔐 Access to Google’s Secure Features

Some Chrome features (like geolocation and push notifications) only work on HTTPS sites.

📊 Cleaner Analytics Data

On HTTP sites, referral traffic can get lost or show up as "direct". HTTPS preserves referral info better — meaning you get more accurate data on how people are finding you.

⚙️ Compatibility with New Tech

Want to use AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages), progressive web apps, or other modern tech? You’ll need HTTPS. No secure site = no fancy upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I have to switch to HTTPS?

Technically, no. But if you care about Google rankings, user trust, or protecting customer data — then yes, you really should.

Q2: Will my SEO drop when I switch?

Not if it’s done properly. Make sure you set up 301 redirects, update all internal links, and resubmit your sitemap in Google Search Console.

Q3: How much does an SSL certificate cost?

Many are free (Let’s Encrypt). Others can cost £10–£100+ per year depending on the type. For most small business websites, a free certificate is more than enough.

Q4: Can I switch to HTTPS myself?

If you’re confident with your CMS and hosting platform, sure. But if the idea makes your palms sweat, hire someone. It’s usually a quick job for a web pro.

Q5: Does HTTPS guarantee better rankings?

No one thing guarantees rankings — SEO is about lots of factors working together. But HTTPS is one of them, and it’s a very easy win.

Security Isn’t Just a “Nice-to-Have”

Think of HTTPS as your website’s suit of armour. In a world where cyber threats are rising, users are wary, and Google’s cracking down on dodgy sites — having a secure website is a must.

And here’s the good news: switching to HTTPS is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your SEO a boost. It’s quick, it’s Google-approved, and it shows your customers you care.

So if your website is still stuck on HTTP — consider this your friendly nudge. It’s time to lock it down, level it up, and secure your spot in the search results.