What is HTTPS and Why Should You Care?

If you run a small business or manage a website, you have probably heard of HTTPS. You might have even seen browsers warn visitors that your website is not secure if it does not have it. But what does HTTPS actually do, and why does it matter for your business?

This guide breaks it down in simple terms, so you can understand how HTTPS protects your website, builds trust with customers, and even helps your business grow.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It is a fancy way of saying that any information sent between your website and its visitors is encrypted. This means hackers cannot snoop on or steal sensitive information like passwords, personal or payment details while data is being sent to and from the website.

Think of HTTPS as sending a locked parcel instead of a postcard. With a postcard, anyone handling it can read what is written. But with a locked parcel, only the person with the key can open it. That is what HTTPS does for your website's data.

Why Should You Care About HTTPS?

1. It Keeps Your Customers Safe

If your website collects any kind of personal information, from contact forms to payment details, HTTPS protects that data from being stolen. Without it, hackers can intercept the information and use it for fraudulent activities.

2. It Builds Trust and Credibility

Most people will leave a website if they see a Not Secure warning, especially given Google recommends that users "do not enter any personal information on this page. If possible, do not use the site". When your site has HTTPS, visitors see a padlock in the browser bar, which reassures them that your site is safe.

3. It Helps Your Google Ranking

Speaking of Google, they much prefer secure websites. In fact, it ranks HTTPS websites higher in search results than those without it. If you want to be found online, HTTPS is an easy win.

4. It is a Requirement for Many Features

If you want to use modern web tools like online payments, location services, or even certain browser features, HTTPS is a must-have. Many services will not work on an insecure website.

How Does HTTPS Work?

When someone visits your website, their browser requests the page from your server. With HTTP, this request is sent unencrypted, meaning anyone on the same network can intercept and read it. With HTTPS, the request is encrypted using a system called Transport Layer Security (TLS), which keeps everything private and secure.

How Do You Get HTTPS on Your Website?

Adding HTTPS to your website is easier than you might think. Here is how you do it:

1. Get an SSL/TLS Certificate

An SSL/TLS certificate is what makes HTTPS work. It is a digital certificate that proves your website is legitimate and encrypts the data. You can get one from services like Let’s Encrypt, or purchase one from your hosting provider. For our clients, we sort all of this out for them.

2. Install the Certificate on Your Website

If you are using a hosting company like GoDaddy, Bluehost, or SiteGround, they probably offer a one-click HTTPS setup. If not, your web developer can install it for you very easily.

3. Update Your Website Links

Make sure all your website’s links, images, and forms use HTTPS instead of HTTP. This prevents errors and keeps everything secure.

4. Redirect All Traffic to HTTPS

Set up a 301 redirect so anyone visiting the old HTTP version of your site is automatically sent to the secure version. This ensures no one accidentally lands on the unprotected version.

5. Test and Monitor

Once HTTPS is set up, use free tools like SSL Labs’ SSL Test to check if everything is working correctly. Keep an eye on it to make sure your site stays secure over time.

Common Myths About HTTPS

“I don’t sell anything online, so I don’t need HTTPS.”

Wrong. Even if you only have a contact form, HTTPS stops hackers from tampering with or stealing your visitors' information.

“HTTPS is expensive and complicated.”

Not anymore. Many hosting providers offer free SSL/TLS certificates, and setup can take just a few clicks.

“My website is too small for hackers to target.”

Hackers use automated tools to scan the internet for vulnerable sites. If your site does not have HTTPS, it is an easy target.

Conclusion

HTTPS is not just for big companies or online shops. It is a very important security feature for every website, no matter how small. It protects your visitors, builds trust, improves your Google ranking, and ensures your website stays modern and secure.

The best part? It is easier than ever to set up. If your site is still using HTTP, now is the time to make the switch. Your visitors, your search rankings, and your business will thank you.