Google and HTTPS: 2014 Announcement
John Mueller (Google): "HTTPS is a lightweight ranking signal." Since 2018, Chrome labels HTTP sites "Not Secure".
Ahrefs 2024 research: 98% of Google first page is HTTPS. Without SSL certificate, ranking impossible.
HTTP → HTTPS Migration Checklist: 1) Install SSL (web hosting cPanel: Let's Encrypt 1-click, cloud server: certbot 10 min). 2) 301 Redirect (.htaccess): RewriteEngine On, RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off, RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://%{HTTP_HOST}/ [R=301,L]. 3) Internal Link Update: WordPress Better Search Replace plugin, database http:// → https://. 4) Google Search Console: Add HTTPS property, resubmit sitemap, keep HTTP property (track 301). 5) Analytics & Ads: Update Google Analytics property URL, check Google Ads destination URLs.
Ranking Drop Risk? No drop if 301 redirect correct. 2-4 week transition period. Domain authority preserved.
Mixed Content Fix: HTTPS site but image from HTTP → browser blocks. Solution: Make all assets HTTPS or use protocol-relative URL.
Conclusion: SSL mandatory for SEO. Dedicated + SSL + email EuroVDC single panel.
