No HTTP without the S!
A modern website is not a static product. It should not only offer up-to-date content, but also run fast, securely and without errors. Those qualities are decisive for a good ranking on Google – and for winning the trust of your visitors.
Why HTTPS Is Indispensable Today
HTTPS stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure – the familiar HTTP protocol extended with an encrypted connection over TLS (Transport Layer Security). Every piece of data traveling between browser and server is encrypted.
The technology protects against MITM attacks (man-in-the-middle attacks), in which an attacker tries to read the traffic between user and server in order to obtain confidential information such as passwords or payment details. HTTPS prevents exactly that – which is why it is the standard for every professional website today.
Chrome Actively Warns about Insecure Websites
Since the release of Google Chrome 68 in June 2018, every website without HTTPS is flagged as „Not Secure“. Chrome used to mark only HTTPS pages as secure – that has changed. Today every HTTP page is actively shown as insecure.
The warning is clearly visible in the browser and can scare off potential visitors. According to Google, more than 70% of all Chrome users now browse exclusively on HTTPS-protected websites. An unencrypted connection is therefore a clear competitive disadvantage.
Ranking Benefits of HTTPS
HTTPS has been a ranking signal at Google for years. Sites served over HTTPS get a slight SEO advantage over unencrypted ones. Beyond that, Google actively promotes the spread of secure connections – through warnings in Search Console and tools such as Lighthouse.
At a glance:
| Aspect | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | ❌ None | ✅ Secured with TLS |
| Privacy | ❌ Insecure | ✅ Protected from eavesdropping |
| SEO ranking | ❌ A disadvantage | ✅ A positive signal |
| Browser warning | ⚠️ „Not secure“ | ✅ Trustworthy |
HTTPS Certificates: They Do Not Have to Be Expensive
Many site owners still assume that SSL or TLS certificates have to cost money. That is no longer true. Thanks to initiatives such as Let’s Encrypt, anyone can issue a valid HTTPS certificate free of charge – automatically and in a matter of minutes.
Let’s Encrypt was founded in 2016 with the goal of making the internet safer. Millions of websites worldwide already use its certificates successfully. A free certificate is no less secure than a paid one – the difference lies solely in the support and in how the providers are funded.
How to Enable HTTPS
Switching to HTTPS is technically straightforward – most hosting providers now support Let’s Encrypt automatically. The process usually looks like this:
- Sign in to your hosting or server backend.
- Select your domain and enable SSL/HTTPS.
- Have a certificate issued by Let’s Encrypt (automatically or manually).
- Redirect all HTTP requests to HTTPS with a
301 redirect. - Update internal links and check the site with the SSL Labs test.
Conclusion: No Modern Web without Security
In today’s digital world, HTTPS is no longer an optional extra – it is mandatory. Security, trust and SEO benefits are inseparably linked. Even small websites gain from the switch – technically and in the trust of their users.
With free certificates like Let’s Encrypt, there is no reason left to run unencrypted connections. So: no HTTP without the S!
FAQs about HTTPS & SSL Certificates
Why is HTTPS important?
HTTPS protects the transfer of data between browser and server through encryption, so third parties cannot read or manipulate confidential information.
Is a free SSL certificate insecure?
No. Free certificates such as those from Let’s Encrypt are just as secure as paid ones – they are simply funded differently.
Does HTTPS affect my Google ranking?
Yes, Google treats HTTPS as a positive ranking signal. A secure site therefore has a small SEO advantage.
Why does my browser say „Not secure“?
Because the site still runs over HTTP or the certificate has expired. A valid HTTPS connection clears the warning.
Do I have to renew my certificate regularly?
Yes. Let’s Encrypt certificates are valid for 90 days, but they can be renewed automatically.
Can I simply redirect HTTP to HTTPS?
Yes, through an .htaccess redirect or your server configuration. Every visitor is then sent to the secure version automatically.