HTTPS or Hypertext transfer protocol secure, is the secure version of HTTP. HTTP is the primary protocol used on the web to send data between a web browser and a website.
Websites that use HTTPS use encryption to ensure secure data transfer. This is especially important when users send sensitive data. Like when logging into a bank account, health insurance provider, or email service.
When we are talking about SEO, we already know Google gives a slight ranking boost to HTTPS URLs. It has been this way since 2015.
How do you make sure your website is using HTTPS? Let me explain below.
VERIFY HTTPS IN YOUR BROWSER
The quickest and easiest way to check if your website is using HTTPS is to visit your website from a web browser. In the address bar of that browser, you will either see a lock icon that is locked 🔒, or unlocked 🔓. Some browsers shows the lock at the end of the address.
While other browsers show the lock at the beginning of the address. There are others that will signal you by using a red or green address bar, or give you a warning. If you do not see this lock on your website, then you’ll want to fix this as soon as possible.
VERIFY HTTPS BY USING A TOOL
Another easy way to make sure your website is using HTTPS is to use a 3rd party tool. There are several tools available on the web, here are 3 that I recommend.
Testing your website is quick and easy. Just enter your website address (URL) and click test. The SSL test should only take a few seconds, and will give you a long list of information. Here is 1 item to look for.
Make sure HSTS is enabled. HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) is an HTTP header. It tells the browser to only connect to your site over HTTPS. In other words, it forces a modern browser to use secure connection.
ENABLE HTTPS ON WIX
Wix is a website building platform that many businesses use today. By default all Wix websites have HTTPS enabled on their platform. Use the instructions linked below if your Wix website does not have HTTPS enabled.
Having trouble? Visit their Troubleshooting Your SSL Certificate page.
ENABLE HTTPS ON SQUARESPACE
In a similar fashion Squarespace websites are automatically protected with an SSL certificate. HTTPS is enabled by default on all Squarespace websites, so you don’t need to take any action.
If you do see an error with your SSL certificate, visit Troubleshooting SSL for your site.
ENABLE HTTPS ON DUDA
Unfortunately SSL and HTTPS are not enabled by default for Duda websites. After publishing your website you will need to visit the site settings and enable HTTPS.
Duda requires your domain’s DNS settings setup correctly before enabling SSL. Once that is setup, you can then use these instructions to enable SSL under site settings.
ENABLE HTTPS ON WEEBLY
Weebly also does not enable SSL by default. For visitors get an HTTPS connection when visiting your website, you will have to enable SSL. To enable SSL on a Weebly site you can follow their instructions on How can I Enable SSL?
Their instructions are a little more complicated than most web builders and may require further troubleshooting and support. For rare instances where SSL is not working visit Troubleshooting SSL Issues.
LINKS INSTEAD OF INSTRUCTIONS
Why did you provide links to their support pages instead of just writing the steps here? The reason I provide links to their documentation is because their sites change.
It is better to link to the troubleshooting guides provided by the web builder. This makes sure you are getting the most accurate information.
TOO COMPLICATED?
SSL and HTTPS are complicated. Having a background in IT, I understand. Signed certificates for websites, email, and many other products are difficult to setup. Even with my experience, it is not an easy task.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and ask.
