Migration of your site to HTTPS is not an option. It secures your site and enhances the search engine optimization. Using the HTTPS protocol, website communication is encrypted with the help of the SSL certificates. This secures the confidential information against the hackers. Google prefers websites that use HTTPS and in most cases, it ranks these websites highly in search result listings.
So follow the below steps and successful migrate your website to HTTPS without losing its google ranking position.
Step1: Start by planning your HTTPS migration
The migration should commence with proper planning. Website audit and verification of URLs.Write a list with all the pages, media files, and internal links so as to make sure not to miss anything. Choose suitable SSL certificate. Even the simplest kind of an SSL certificate will encrypt traffic and will support HTTPS.Planning helps in making the process of migration smoother and minimizes chances of making mistakes and over losing SEO.
Step2: SSL Certificate Installation and Set-ups.
HTTPS depends on the presence of the SSL certificates. So you have to check the cost of ssl certificate and get the one that you can afford .Then, install your certificate on the server based on instruction of providers. It is imperative that it is configured properly. Introduce HTTPS to all pages and redirect all HTTPS traffic. This may be done automatically by use of server redirects or CMS plugins. Severed configuration on the SSL certificates may cause mixed content errors that damage user experience and search engine optimization.
Step3: Renewing Internal Links and Resources.
Once done with securing HTTPS, all internal links, scripts and images should be updated with the secure protocol. Mixed content warnings are made when the HTTP is still used by some of the elements in the page. This may damage credibility and rating. This can be made easier using search-and-replace software or CMS URL update software.
Step 4: Implementing 301 Redirects
Redirections-301 will be important to SEO conservation. Redirect all URLs with HTTP to the corresponding HTTPS.This guides the search engines that the move is permanent and transfers existing the ability to link. The presence of improper redirects may lead to missing traffic, decrease in ranking, and SEO wastage.
Step 5: Refreshing External Resources and Submission to Google.
Replace external links to social profiles, backlinks and third party services with HTTPS links. Add your new HTTPS sitemap to Search Engine Optimization. Check regularly to ensure smooth transition Check to ensure crawl errors, broken link or indexing problems.
Step 6: Tracking and Management of SEO Performance.
Monitor the performance of your web site once it has been migrated. Track rankings, traffic and errors on the SSL. Solve any problem promptly to sustain SEO.Note that, there is a need to renew the certificate of SSL. Constant checks guarantee your site is safe and that it is trusted by the visitors and the search engines.
Conclusion
To secure your site and improve your search engine ranking, it is necessary to migrate your web site to HTTPS.Think beforehand, use the correct installation of the SSL, update links, use 301 redirects, and watch the performance. An encrypted HTTPS site will safeguard the users, enhance trust, and maintain search positions in the competitive online world.
