If you’ve ever visited a website and spotted a little padlock next to the web address, you’ve seen HTTPS in action. But what does it really mean for your business website? And if you’re not running an online shop or collecting card payments, is it still something you need to worry about?
Short answer: yes. Very much so.
In this post, I’m going to break down exactly what HTTPS is, why it’s essential for all websites (not just eCommerce ones), and what happens if you choose to ignore it. I’ll also explain how you can make the switch – without breaking your website or your budget.
What is HTTPS?
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It’s the secure version of HTTP, the protocol your web browser uses to communicate with websites. That little “S” at the end? It means the data exchanged between your site and your visitors is encrypted.
In simple terms, HTTPS acts like a protective envelope around the information travelling between your site and your visitors. It keeps data secure from hackers and prying eyes.
This is all made possible through something called an SSL certificate (short for Secure Sockets Layer). When you install an SSL certificate on your website, it activates HTTPS and enables secure communication.
Why HTTPS Matters – Even Without Online Sales
If you’re thinking, “But I don’t sell anything online, so this doesn’t apply to me,” then you’re not alone. It’s a common assumption. But it’s also wrong.
Let’s explore why HTTPS matters for all websites – including yours.
1. Builds Trust with Visitors
People are becoming savvier when it comes to online safety. When they land on your site and see that padlock in the address bar, it tells them your website is secure and trustworthy. When they don’t see it – or worse, when they see a “Not Secure” warning – it creates instant doubt.
Even if you’re just collecting email addresses through a contact form, visitors want to know their information is safe. HTTPS shows them you’re taking their privacy seriously.
2. Boosts Your Google Ranking
Back in 2014, Google officially announced that HTTPS was a ranking factor. While it might not be the biggest SEO signal, it still gives you an edge.
And let’s be honest – when it comes to SEO, every little helps.
If your competitors have HTTPS and you don’t, you’re already on the back foot. If you’re trying to climb up those local rankings, especially in competitive areas like Leeds, this small change could make a big difference.
For more tips on improving your visibility, check out my post on SEO that business owners can do themselves.
3. Keeps Data Secure
Even if your site doesn’t take payments, it probably still collects some form of data – think contact forms, newsletter sign-ups, booking requests, or enquiry forms.
Without HTTPS, all of that data is sent unencrypted, which means it could be intercepted. With cybercrime on the rise, even basic information like a name and email address needs to be protected.
This is especially important if your site handles any sensitive client data or personal details. It’s not just about protecting your visitors – it’s about protecting your business too.
4. Avoids Scary Warnings in Browsers
Modern web browsers like Chrome, Safari and Firefox have started actively warning users when they visit a site without HTTPS. You may have seen messages like “Not Secure” or “Your connection is not private”.
Imagine someone clicking on your website, only to be greeted by that. Not the first impression you want to make.
HTTPS helps you avoid these warnings and ensures visitors get a smooth, reassuring experience from the start.
5. Enables Modern Features and Compliance
More and more web technologies require HTTPS to function properly. For example, features like progressive web apps, geolocation APIs, or even some analytics tools will only work on secure sites.
HTTPS is also part of being GDPR compliant. If you’re collecting any personal data, it’s your legal responsibility to protect it – and HTTPS is a fundamental part of doing that.
You can read more about GDPR compliance for UK websites on the Information Commissioner’s Office website.
What Happens If You Don’t Use HTTPS?
Let’s put it bluntly: not having HTTPS makes your site look unprofessional, outdated, and potentially unsafe. You risk:
- Lower Google rankings
- Losing visitor trust
- Form data being intercepted
- Broken functionality on modern browsers
- Falling foul of data protection regulations
All of that adds up to lost leads, reduced credibility, and potentially lost revenue – even if you’re not selling directly online.
How to Add HTTPS to Your Website
Thankfully, moving to HTTPS isn’t as complicated as it used to be. Here’s a rough outline of how it works:
1. Get an SSL Certificate
You’ll need an SSL certificate to activate HTTPS. Many hosting providers now offer them for free (thanks to Let’s Encrypt), while some offer premium options with added features like higher validation or warranties.
If I’ve built your website or you’re on one of my website hosting plans, SSL is already included as standard.
2. Install the Certificate
This part involves applying the SSL certificate to your server. On most managed hosting platforms, it’s a one-click process. If you’re not sure how to do it, your hosting provider should be able to help – or I can do it for you.
3. Force HTTPS
You’ll want all traffic to your site to go through the secure version. That means redirecting any HTTP traffic to HTTPS automatically. This can usually be done via your hosting dashboard or in the .htaccess file (for WordPress sites).
4. Update Internal Links
To avoid mixed content warnings, all links and resources (like images or scripts) should also use HTTPS. If you’ve got hardcoded internal links using HTTP, they’ll need updating. Some plugins can help with this if you’re using WordPress.
5. Update Google Search Console
Once your site is secured, re-submit it to Google Search Console under the HTTPS version. This ensures Google knows you’ve made the change and can start indexing the secure site.
Will It Affect My Site’s SEO or Traffic?
In the short term, switching to HTTPS might cause a tiny dip as Google re-crawls your site. But that’s normal – and temporary. In the long term, you’ll be better off in every way.
It’s worth making sure the transition is done properly to avoid broken links or duplicate content. If your site is managed professionally, this won’t be an issue. If you’re doing it yourself and unsure, you can always get in touch with me and I’ll help steer you through.
Already Have HTTPS? Great – Now Test It
Just because your site has HTTPS doesn’t mean everything is perfect. You should regularly test your site for:
- Mixed content (some elements still using HTTP)
- SSL certificate expiry
- Proper redirects in place
- Secure form submissions
You can use tools like Why No Padlock or SSL Labs to check your setup.
Why I Include HTTPS by Default on All My Sites
Every website I build includes HTTPS as standard. It’s not a bonus feature. It’s the modern standard. Whether you’re launching a new site or updating an old one, security is never optional – and your visitors expect nothing less.
I’ve seen first-hand how much more confident users feel when they know your site is secure. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference.
Before you head off…
HTTPS isn’t just for online shops or tech companies. It’s for every business that wants to appear credible, rank well on Google, protect its visitors, and stay on the right side of data protection law.
Even if your site is just a few pages with a contact form, switching to HTTPS is one of the simplest and smartest upgrades you can make. And if you’re not sure where to begin, I’m here to help.
Ready to Secure Your Website?
If you’re unsure whether your site is fully secure, or you’d like help switching to HTTPS the right way, get in touch for a free website check. I can handle everything from SSL setup to redirect management, so you can focus on running your business.
Need more help? Visit my Website Design Services page or Request a Quote and let’s get your website performing at its best.
