HTTPS
The padlock in your browser bar - proves your website is secure.
The Tradie Take
HTTPS is like having a lockable mailbox instead of an open one. If a customer drops their details through your website (booking form, enquiry), HTTPS makes sure nobody reads that note on the way to you. Without it, browsers put a big "Not Secure" warning on your site - would you give your details to a site that says that?
Definition
HTTPS (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) is the secure version of HTTP - the protocol used to transfer data between your browser and a website. The "S" stands for Secure. When a site has HTTPS (the padlock icon), any data you send (like filling out a form) is encrypted. Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal - secure sites get a small boost over non-secure ones.
How It Works
- 1 An SSL certificate encrypts data between the visitor's browser and your server
- 2 HTTPS prevents anyone from intercepting information sent through your site
- 3 Browsers mark non-HTTPS sites as "Not Secure" - a trust killer for potential customers
- 4 Google confirmed HTTPS is a ranking signal (small but real)
Tips for Tradies
- Most modern hosting includes free SSL certificates (Let's Encrypt)
- If your site still says HTTP, get SSL sorted immediately - it's cheap or free
- After switching to HTTPS, set up redirects so old HTTP links still work