is https better for seo?

Let’s cut to the chase: is HTTPS better for SEO? (Spoiler alert: yes, and not just because Google says so.) If you’re still clinging to HTTP like it’s a vintage fax machine, it’s time for a gentle intervention. At Blogging Machine, we’re all about making your life easier — and your rankings higher — by automating the stuff that matters, like SEO-optimized content and, yes, keeping up with the times. So, let’s unpack why HTTPS for SEO isn’t just a “nice-to-have,” but a “don’t-even-think-about-skipping-it” move in 2025.

HTTPS for SEO: The Quick and Dirty Facts

Google’s been clear since 2014: HTTPS is a ranking signal. Not the biggest, but definitely not ignorable.
Over 70% of voice search results are from HTTPS sites. That’s not a coincidence; it’s a trend.
Browsers now shame HTTP sites with “Not Secure” warnings. Nothing says “trust us” like a big red flag, right?
Regulations like GDPR make HTTPS a compliance must for anyone handling personal data.
User trust and click-through rates go up with that little padlock icon. (People like feeling safe. Who knew?)

Why HTTPS? (And What Even Is It?)

HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is like HTTP’s responsible older sibling. It encrypts the data between your website and your visitors, keeping things like passwords, credit cards, and embarrassing search queries safe from prying eyes. In the age of data breaches and privacy lawsuits, this isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s peace of mind.

SEO Impact: It’s Not Just About Algorithms

Sure, Google’s algorithm gives HTTPS sites a nudge. But the real magic happens in user behavior:

Higher engagement: People stick around longer when they trust your site.
Lower bounce rates: No one likes running from a “Not Secure” warning.
Better conversion rates: Trust leads to action, whether it’s a newsletter signup or a sale.

And let’s not forget: if two sites are otherwise equal, Google will almost always favor the one with HTTPS.

Voice Search, Mobile, and E-E-A-T: The New SEO Frontier

Remember when SEO was just about keywords and backlinks? Those were simpler times. Now, with 92.3% of users accessing the web via mobile and Google’s obsession with E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), HTTPS is foundational. It’s like showing up to a job interview in pants — basic, but non-negotiable.

And about voice search: a whopping 70.4% of voice search results come from HTTPS sites (Backlinko, 2025). If you want your content to be the answer Alexa blurts out while someone’s making coffee, you’d better be secure.

Expert Opinions (Because We Asked the Internet)

“HTTPS websites account for 70.4% of voice search result pages.” — Backlinko, 2025

“Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking signal, and it’s clear that secure sites are favored in both traditional and emerging search results.” — Industry consensus, 2025

Professional Advice: How to Get (and Stay) Secure

Migrating to HTTPS isn’t just a one-and-done deal. Here’s what the pros recommend:

Migrate all pages: Don’t leave any stragglers on HTTP.
Fix mixed content: Make sure every image, script, and widget loads over HTTPS.
Update internal links: Keep your link equity intact and avoid unnecessary redirects.
Monitor regularly: Security isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it game.

For a step-by-step guide, check out Google’s HTTPS migration tips.

Regulations, Policies, and Why Your Lawyer Cares

With GDPR and similar regulations, data security isn’t just about SEO — it’s about legal compliance. If you’re collecting any personal data (even just email addresses), HTTPS is a must. Major browsers like Chrome and Firefox now actively warn users away from non-HTTPS sites, which can tank your engagement and, by extension, your rankings.

For more on compliance, see the EU GDPR Portal.

Recent News: HTTPS Is the New Normal

In 2025, HTTPS is the default. Sites without it are rare — and usually not the kind you want to emulate. As AI and zero-click searches become more common, trust signals like HTTPS are only getting more important. If you’re not secure, you’re not just behind — you’re invisible.

HTTPS vs. HTTP: The Tale of the Tape

Feature	HTTPS	HTTP
Ranking Signal	Yes (positive)	No (neutral/negative)
User Trust	High (secure padlock)	Low (“Not Secure” warning)
Compliance	Meets modern standards	May violate regulations
Voice Search Presence	70.4% of results	Minority of results
Browser Warnings	None	“Not Secure” warning

How Blogging Machine Makes HTTPS Work for You

At Blogging Machine, we’re all about making SEO effortless. Our AI agent doesn’t just churn out SEO-optimized articles — it keeps up with best practices, like making sure your content is HTTPS-friendly. We automate keyword optimization, topic research, and yes, we’re obsessed with the little details that make a big difference in your rankings.

Want to see how easy SEO can be when you let the robots handle it? Check us out.

FAQ: HTTPS for SEO

Q: Is HTTPS better for SEO than HTTP? A: Absolutely. HTTPS is a confirmed ranking signal, improves user trust, and is now a baseline expectation for any reputable site.

Q: Will switching to HTTPS hurt my rankings? A: If done correctly (with proper redirects and no mixed content), switching to HTTPS should only help your rankings. Google even provides guidance to make the process smooth.

Q: Do I need HTTPS if I don’t sell anything or collect data? A: Yes. Even informational sites benefit from HTTPS, as browsers warn users about non-secure sites, which can hurt your traffic and engagement.

Q: Is HTTPS required by law? A: For sites handling personal data, regulations like GDPR make HTTPS a legal requirement. Even if you’re not legally required, it’s a best practice.

Q: How does Blogging Machine help with HTTPS and SEO? A: We generate SEO-optimized, HTTPS-friendly content automatically, so you can focus on growing your business while we handle the technical (and not-so-technical) details.

Is HTTPS Better for SEO?