These days, Google’s all-powerful search algorithm is so seemingly random that it’s nearly become an exercise in futility to try to move up the search rankings.
One day, you’ll try something that will work like gangbusters, only to see yourself drop off the radar the next day. The traditional methods of a half-decade ago are also irrelevant. The reasons for sites ranking well seem more random than ever.
Occasionally, mercifully, Google will drop a hint or two as to how its algorithm works (and we can only hope it’s telling the truth). More often than not this advice comes in the form of “Don’t Do This or Else,” such as getting links from article directories or even guest blogging.
However, Google recently showed us an easy change we can make to our sites that will actually improve rankings. Almighty Google has recently been a proponent of a more secure Internet, even proposing that all sites should adopt HTTPS.
Now, they’ve come out and announced that all sites using HTTPS will carry some weight in the algorithm and will get a little push up the rankings. Google admits that it’s a small change for now, but “[it] may decide to strengthen it, because [it’d] like to encourage all website owners to switch from HTTP to HTTPS to keep everyone safe on the web.”
Here’s why this is big news for all websites:
1. Google rarely offers simple strategies for improving rankings.
2. If you adopt this now (before the masses do), you might reap the early-adopter rewards of high rankings.
3. In the long run, what Google wants, Google gets. If they want all sites to be HTTPS, you better believe they will continue to increase the importance of HTTPS sites – meaning you’ll get left behind if you don’t take advantage.
What is HTTPS? How do I get it?
Without getting overly technical, HTTPS is a more secure version of the typical HTTP that precedes the domain name in the URL. HTTPS is commonly found on shopping carts and pages with logins.
HTTPS encrypts all data sent to and from these pages, making them necessary on pages that ask for credit card information or passwords. Google’s desire is that ALL pages on ALL websites carry the HTTPS moniker in order to provide the safest possible experience online.
In order to adopt HTTPS on your site, you first need to have at least one open static IP (which can be purchased for cheap).
Then you have to purchase what’s called a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate, generate a certificate signing request (CSR) from your server, and then configure the site to use the SSL.
We’d love to help you get this installed in order to make your site more secure and to help you benefit from a push up the rankings.
Use our contact info at the top right of this page, and we’ll help answer your questions!
What do you think of this newest SEO change?