Migrating from HTTP to HTTPS: A Detailed SEO Checklist

As of 2014, Google has been prioritizing websites that use the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol, which is denoted by the https prefix in URLs. This means that if you’re still using the non-secure http prefix, it’s time to consider making the switch to https. In this article, we’ll walk through a detailed SEO checklist for migrating from HTTP to HTTPS.

Why Migrate to HTTPS?

1. Google Ranking Boost: As mentioned earlier, Google favors websites that use SSL/TLS encryption.
2. Security and Trust: Switching to HTTPS ensures that your website is using the latest security protocols, which can increase trust among users.
3. Future-Proofing: With an increasing number of websites adopting HTTPS, migrating now will future-proof your website for any potential search engine changes.

Pre-Migration Checklist

1. Check Your Current SSL/TLS Certificate

• Verify if you have a valid SSL/TLS certificate issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).
• Check the expiration date of the certificate to ensure it’s still valid.
• Review the certificate’s subject and issuer fields to confirm they match your website’s details.

2. Choose an SSL/TLS Provider

• Select a reputable CA that offers affordable pricing and good customer support.
• Consider using a trusted provider like Let’s Encrypt, which is free and easy to use.

3. Backup Your Website

• Create a full backup of your website’s files and database before making any changes.
• This will ensure you can easily revert back to the original configuration if anything goes wrong during the migration process.

Migration Process

1. Generate a New SSL/TLS Certificate

• Follow the instructions provided by your chosen CA to obtain a new SSL/TLS certificate.
• Make sure to request a certificate with the correct domain name and SAN (Subject Alternative Name) fields.

2. Install the New SSL/TLS Certificate

• Install the new certificate on your web server, following the instructions provided by your CA or web hosting provider.

3. Update Your Website’s Configuration

• Update your website’s configuration files to use the new https prefix.
• This may involve updating your Apache/Nginx config files, as well as any other software that interacts with your website (e.g., WordPress).

Post-Migration Checklist

1. Test Your Website’s SSL/TLS Configuration

• Test your website to ensure the new https prefix is working correctly.
• Check for any errors or warnings in your browser’s console or search engine results.

2. Update Any External Resources

• Update any external resources, such as Google Analytics and social media profiles, to use the new https prefix.

3. Monitor Your Website’s Performance

• Monitor your website’s performance and crawlability after the migration.
• Use tools like Search Console and Screaming Frog to identify any potential issues.

Conclusion

Migrating from HTTP to HTTPS is a crucial step towards securing your website and improving its visibility in search engine results. By following this detailed SEO checklist, you can ensure a smooth transition to https and enjoy the benefits that come with it. Remember to test and monitor your website’s performance after migration, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance.