It was reported several months ago that 30% of page-1 Google results in Moz’s 10,000-keyword tracking set were secure (HTTPS) as opposed to standard HTTP. However, as of just a few short weeks ago, this number had increased to 50%
Whilst there are no indications of a big jump, (perhaps highlighting that this is not linked to a major algorithm update, there can be no escaping the fact that these changes are significant.
What Does The Future Hold?
A crystal ball would certainly be handy on occasion but even following a low scale projection, estimates suggest that HTTPS could hit about 65% of page-1 results by the end of 2017. As with all projects, this is just an educated guess but as the image below taken from Moz suggests, the chances are strong.
What Should You Do About Your Website?
It’s very easy to get lost in the quest for SERPS but even if you are not too concerned about your Google rankings, it may still be worth taking a closer look at whether HTTPS may be beneficial for your website.
Whilst Google are currently denying that sites will be rewarded or penalised accordingly for using or not using HTTPS, browser updates such as Chrome warning visitors about non-secure pages can be very off putting to visitors and potential customers.
For any new website we would recommend seriously utilising secure protocols from the outset. The required security certificates are relatively inexpensive and any associated risks are low.
For existing sites though, the choices are tougher. All site wide changes carry an element of risk and therefore this decision should not be taken lightly. If you would like a chat about your website, please give the Footprint Web Design team a call on Tel. No. 01883 372488 today.
Currently Browsing: The Importance Of HTTPS Has Just Increased
To read more about this Moz story, please click here.
