Switching to https worth it?

Not really worth it to be honest unless you have a e-com site.

I have an ecommerce site with Shopify, and for some reason I always just thought it was https. I am ranking well on all my targeted keywords with over 25 in the top 10. I just switched to https, I really hope it doesn't mess up my rankings. I guess if anything it would be short term.

drzodiac said:

Is there any reason not to use HTTPS?

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The concern is of it could lower rankings such as by devaluing links cause now they are all redirected to https. I would imagine in theory it shouldn't but I haven't tried it yet.

Experience from over 10 clients completely switching their sites from http to https (especially online shops): In terms of ranking, it does almost zero. On the other hand, there are loads of small details that can make the switch bumpy, you especially want to make sure proper 301s http -> https are in place (yes, it's like switching domains!) and if SC (GWT) are used, the new property is defined as preferred. You need a proper certificate and proper encryption (some don't meet Google's minimum requirements), you need to make sure external resources are integrated via https...it's not THAT easy if you want to do it right.

The days of the free SSL services are counted anyway in my opinion, many of them are massively abused by phishing sites.

Maybe https will positively affect rankings in the future, but at the moment it's just a nice little green lock that may help in trust with visitors sensible to security. Whoever claims SSL improves rankings didn't test it personally and just repeates what Google is saying. If you are planning to switch to a new CMS, do a relaunch, restructure the whole website or similar, I'd recommend to get https as well, won't hurt, but it's far from mandatory to get excellent rankings at the moment.

As far as the lower value of links via a 301 is concerned: Yes, there is a slight difference, but it's not worth mentioning. You won't drop from #3 to #5 because of a 301.

Anonoptimization said:

The concern is of it could lower rankings such as by devaluing links cause now they are all redirected to https. I would imagine in theory it shouldn't but I haven't tried it yet.

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Go with HTTPS if your site is Authority and a business if Blog etc not need then.

Normally for brands with payments accepting etc and credibility.

IN SEO factor it can do a minor effect but not whole new thing.

I have a bunch of internal links and images that link using http://, should I spend the time to edit them all to https:// or just let it redirect on it's own?

Well it's been a few days, and after having about 20 keywords ranked 2-10 for the past year, I now have two keywords ranking #1. Small ones, but my first ones to reach number one. I would have to say it's related to switching to HTTPS as I haven't really done anything else lately.

jon_xx_x said:

I have a bunch of internal links and images that link using http://, should I spend the time to edit them all to https:// or just let it redirect on it's own?

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i used // instead of http:// or https:// as it work for both version. you should make it fully secured with green padlock icon shown on chrome or no broken padlock on firefox. hope this helps

See my site also have http there no s with that but then also my site ranks well,If it is on free then go with that.

xjapan said:

i used // instead of http:// or https:// as it work for both version. you should make it fully secured with green padlock icon shown on chrome or no broken padlock on firefox. hope this helps

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I know, I see that and wish I would have done that from the beginning. I didn't have the full green and wasn't sure why. So I did what you said and changed the http links to https, there was only about five in my template so was easy. Now it's full green lock.
Thanks!

It won't make a difference unless you are desperate for a secure environment.