Since 2014, Google has used SSL as a search ranking signal
If the browser community had its way, the entire Internet would already be encrypted. And things are moving that way. Not-for-profits like Let's Encrypt and industry titans like DigiCert (through Encryption Everywhere) have begun offering free Domain Validation certificates – which offer basic, no-frills encryption – to interested parties.
Soon, the entire Internet will be encrypted.
But to push this initiative forward, Google, the company behind the Chrome browser and one of the biggest influencers on the Internet, announced in August of 2014, that it would start using SSL as a search ranking signal.
The impact of this is undeniable. For starters, Google rarely discloses any component of its ranking algorithm. So just the simple fact they were willing to publicize this is fairly newsworthy. But beyond that, it's a clear nod to the need for encryption and a great reason to invest in SSL. No, getting SSL probably won't push you from page ten to page one on its own, but it could be the difference between page two and page one. Or it could be the difference between showing up on the bottom of page one or closer to the top. Every little bit helps.
Getting the most out of your SSL Search Ranking Signal
In order to optimize your SSL and your rankings potential it's important that you enable encryption across every page of your website–this is called "Always On SSL." A lot of times sites only use HTTPS on pages that they think need it. But Google serves results on a page-by-page basis—not just by your site as a whole. It displays the most relevant page. So to maximize the benefit of having SSL as a ranking signal, it needs to be employed on every page. For instance, you could have a phenomenal blog post that ranks very well on its own, but it won't get that boost from SSL if HTTPS isn't enabled on that page.
Remember, you don't need an individual SSL certificate for every single page, either. A single certificate is capable of securing your whole site—every page. It all comes down to whether you have the right security solution and how it's configured. If you have multiple domains, then you need to make sure you have a Multi-Domain Certificate. If you have Sub-Domains, then you need a Wildcard certificate.
As long as you have the correct SSL certificate your entire site (or sites) can be secured.
And this is only going to become a bigger ranking signal. So check out our selection of cheap top-notch SSL certificates and enjoy the benefits of a Google Search Rankings boost.
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