Search engine optimization, or SEO, is a complex process that can seem straightforward from the outside. It involves optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results to drive more traffic and revenue. As a digital marketer, you know that SEO is much more than simply producing content or researching keywords. It is also about optimizing page speed, mobile rendering, metadata, and more. However, there is one critical element that is often overlooked: security. Google and consumers both recognize and prioritize the importance of website security, and businesses should too.
Security Is Not Yet a Top Business Concern
The importance of data security for businesses is becoming more and more apparent. Recent data breaches have highlighted the need for companies to take more measures to ensure their customer’s data is secure. Google has taken this into account and now considers website security when determining their SEO rankings. Not only is security important to Google, but it is also becoming more important to consumers. People are becoming more aware of the risks associated with insecure websites and are more likely to abandon sites that don’t offer adequate security measures. Therefore, website security should be a top priority for businesses if they want to maintain their SEO rankings and keep their customers safe.
What Is Website Security?
When it comes to website security, Google’s definition is focused on the ability of information to be safely transmitted back and forth from a website. This does not guarantee that the website is trustworthy or that the data collected from users is secure. It only refers to the data sent to the website (such as a credit card number) and the data received back (such as a confirmation code).
Google recognizes website security with the addition of an ‘S’ after the HTTP of the website address, transforming it to HTTPS. HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol while HTTPS stands for Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol. This protocol allows the display, sending, and receiving of information on the internet, but HTTPS websites use Secure Sockets Layer, or SSL, to securely transfer that data.
It is important to note that Google makes a connection between SSL and SEO. This indicates that website security is essential not just for the protection of user data, but also for the website’s visibility in search engine results.
Security: The SEO Secret Sauce
Google is committed to web security and this is evidenced by their actions. They are pushing for more secure browsing by default, have made HTTPS a part of their ranking algorithm since 2014, and reward faster loading web pages by making speed a ranking factor since 2010. Additionally, Chrome warns users when a site is not secure and treats HTTPS as a tiebreaker when determining ranking.
The users of these sites also care about security. Research has shown that up to 85 percent of people will leave a website if they find out it is not secure. Consumers are more aware of cyber security issues and are demanding better protection, with regulations such as the GDPR in place. Furthermore, websites that load faster, due to being secure, receive more traffic and higher search rankings. All of this demonstrates that website security should be a major consideration for digital marketers doing SEO.
How to Make Your Website Secure
SSL and SEO are closely linked, so it’s important to determine whether or not your website is using HTTPS. To find out, type the URL of your website into the search bar and see if it defaults to HTTPS. If you use Chrome, you’ll see the green padlock in the upper left corner, indicating it is a secure website. Alternatively, you can use Hubspot’s SSL checker to get instant feedback. If you see a green padlock or an S after the HTTP, your website has SSL enabled and your SEO is already benefiting. If not, you’ll need to get certified and decide which type of certification is best for your website. This process can range from free to costly depending on your needs.
Besides setting up an SSL certification, there are other steps that can be taken to make your website more secure. Your web team, rather than your digital marketing team, is usually best suited to tackle these measures. With the right combination of SSL and website security, you can ensure that your website is safe and secure, and that your SEO efforts will be rewarded.
Taking Your SEO to the Next Level
The security of your website is paramount for SEO success. A secure website not only gives visitors peace of mind, but also improves your website’s ranking in search engine results. To ensure your website is secure, make sure to use encryption, authentication, and authorization services to protect against malicious cyber-attacks. Additionally, use secure hosting services, secure coding practices, and regularly scan your website for viruses and malware.
It is also important to stay up-to-date on the ever-changing world of SEO. The Simplilearn Advanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Certification can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to stay ahead of the competition. This course covers all facets of SEO, including keyword management, on-page and off-page optimization, link building, URL building, and analytics. Through extensive project experience, you will learn the practical application of the concepts, allowing you to start using them right away.
Website security and SEO knowledge are both essential for success. Investing in the Simplilearn Advanced SEO Certification will ensure you have the most up-to-date information and skills to optimize your website and keep it secure. This will lead to increased search engine rankings and more customers who trust your site.