Does a HTTPS URL impact SEO?
At the beginning of the month, Google announced there wishes and steps to make the web a safer more secure environment for users and webmasters. They also announced that they would like webmasters to begin adopting HTTPS (which is a secure server) and have been pleased with the uptake so far.
They’ve been running tests over the last few months taking into account if a site uses HTTPS as a ranking factor reporting ‘positive results’, meaning they like what the SERPS return taking this into the ranking factor. Following this, they have announced a ‘lightweight signal’ has been allocated to the HTTPS status whilst at the same time reiterating that this is by far outweighed by other ranking factors such as ‘high quality content‘.
Local SEO guide, Andrew Shotland conducted some research into the effects of this ‘lightweight signal’ across a variety of websites in varying industries. His results can be seen here. Interestingly he concludes in this very small study with little research rigour, that whilst product e-commerce sites are down in visitor numbers, the service e-commerce sites visitor numbers went up.
Service E-Commerce Site: Up 14%
Travel Site: Up 9%
Service E-Commerce Site: Up 5% After Flat For 2 Months
Service E-Commerce Site: Up 4% After Flat for 1 Month
It’s difficult to answer the above question. What we do know is that the HTTPS status is being used as a low value ranking signal. There are so many other rankings signals to spend SEO time on improving to see gains in Local SEO. BUT here at Dental Design will be keeping an eye on this one and of course take any action if required.
To find out more about the significant rankings factors and how to optimise your site using solid SEO techniques, call 01202 677277.
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