Site Encryption More Important than Ever: Google’s Update Changes the Game

When Google changes how it ranks websites, it’s usually pretty difficult to figure out exactly what changes were made. This time, the rulers of search have actually detailed what the newest update means for online businesses. So, what’s the newest change mean for your website and your business? It looks like site security and strong, HTTPS encryption will play an even larger role in how websites are ranked by Google.

For site owners who have been on the fence about encryption and higher levels of security, this should help make the decision.

Google Tests and Site Security

According to the Google team, they have been running tests on searches where sites with encryption get a bit of a boost to search engine rankings. Here is the exact quote from the web masters at Google:

“we’ve been running tests taking into account whether sites use secure, encrypted connections as a signal in our search ranking algorithms. We’ve seen positive results, so we’re starting to use HTTPS as a ranking signal. For now it’s only a very lightweight signal…”

Notice the use of the phrase FOR NOW. The future might bring with it even more weight for sites with HTTPS encryption. So, what’s a site owner to do now?

Get Prepared and Get Upgraded

As time passes and Google changes algorithms, the importance of encryption could increase. When it comes to search engine optimization, getting any edge you can is vital. How do you get prepared? Before you commit to any encryption or SSL certificate, it might help to understand how they work and what your options are.

One thing that is great about this new update is that it rewards sites for doing something that helps users and site owners. Increased security, specifically in this day and age of bugs and hackers, is important. Having a company like Absolute Web Services buy and install the latest, most-respected SSL certificate can now serve three purposes:

Number One: To increase safety of users and administrators.

• Number Two: To improve the perceived legitimacy of a site.
• Number Three: To increase and improve rankings.

If there was ever a time to spring for the latest and greatest SSL certificate, now would be that time.