HTTP vs HTTPS: What’s the Difference & Why It Matters

Ever noticed that tiny padlock icon in your browser’s address bar — or maybe the warning that says, “Not Secure”? That’s not just cosmetic. It’s the difference between HTTP and HTTPS — and in 2025, it’s the difference between gaining or losing a customer.

In our web design projects at Website Design in London, we’ve seen firsthand how switching from HTTP to HTTPS can boost trust, improve search rankings, and even increase conversions. Whether you run a small business website or a full-scale eCommerce store, understanding this protocol upgrade isn’t optional — it’s essential.

What Is HTTP?

HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. It’s the original way that data is transferred between your web browser and a server. When a user types a URL starting with http://, it begins a communication session between the user’s browser and the website — without any encryption.

Problems with HTTP:

• Any data transferred (e.g. contact form info, login credentials) can be intercepted.
• There’s no encryption, making it easier for attackers to perform "man-in-the-middle" attacks.
• Modern browsers display security warnings for HTTP-only sites, which can damage user trust and bounce rates.

What Is HTTPS?

HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It does everything HTTP does — but with a critical layer of protection: SSL/TLS encryption. This encryption ensures that any data sent between the browser and the server is secure, private, and safe from tampering.

When a user visits a site with https://, their browser initiates a secure handshake with the server using an SSL certificate. The result? Data stays encrypted. The visitor sees a padlock icon. And your site builds instant trust.

HTTPS Is Now the Standard

• Google made HTTPS a ranking factor as early as 2014 — now it’s considered non-negotiable for SEO.
• Browser compatibility has evolved — many APIs like geolocation and camera access only work on HTTPS domains.
• GDPR and data privacy laws expect encryption for any site that collects personal data — including contact forms.

Real-World Analogy

Imagine you're mailing a postcard (HTTP) versus a sealed envelope (HTTPS). Anyone along the delivery chain can read that postcard — but only the intended recipient can read what's inside a sealed envelope. That’s the fundamental difference.

Why This Matters for Small Business Websites

At Website Design in London, we work with small business owners, coaches, and professionals across the UK who often don’t realise they’re losing potential customers due to something as simple as HTTP.

Visitors see the "Not Secure" message, hesitate to fill out contact forms, and bounce — all before you’ve even had a chance to convert them.

Why HTTPS Is Crucial for SEO

If your website still runs on HTTP in 2025, you're already behind. Search engines like Google have long confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking signal. While it may not be the most powerful factor alone, it works in combination with others — like Core Web Vitals, mobile optimisation, and site speed — to influence your position in search results.

Here’s how HTTPS directly improves SEO:

• Increased trust = lower bounce rates – users are more likely to stay on a secure site, which indirectly improves rankings.
• Browser compatibility – modern browsers penalise non-secure sites, sometimes by blocking access or disabling key features.
• Secure referrals in Google Analytics – switching to HTTPS helps retain referral data that’s often lost over HTTP.

Better Security = Better Business

HTTPS doesn’t just make your site look better — it protects your business and your users from real threats. Here's what it helps defend against:

• Man-in-the-middle attacks: Cybercriminals can't intercept data travelling between browser and server.
• Data theft: Sensitive information like contact details, card info, and login credentials stay encrypted.
• Site integrity: HTTPS prevents unauthorised third parties from injecting ads, malware, or popups on your site (a common issue on unsecured public networks).

Customer Trust Signals That Convert

When visitors land on your site, the first thing they notice — often subconsciously — is the URL and padlock. A missing padlock symbol or "Not Secure" warning is enough to scare off first-time visitors.

In contrast, a secure site with HTTPS tells them you take their data seriously. You appear professional, modern, and ready for business — even before they’ve read a word of your copy.

Case Study: Switching to HTTPS Increased Conversions

Last year, we helped a London-based cleaning business migrate from HTTP to HTTPS as part of a full website redesign. They were receiving decent traffic but struggling with contact form conversions.

Here’s what happened 4 weeks after the HTTPS switch:

• Organic traffic increased by 23%
• Bounce rate dropped by 11%
• Form submissions doubled — with no other changes to the content or layout

This proves HTTPS isn’t just about compliance — it directly impacts revenue. People trust secure websites, and that trust turns into leads and sales.

Visual Comparison: HTTP vs HTTPS

How to Switch from HTTP to HTTPS (Step-by-Step)

If your site is still using HTTP, migrating to HTTPS doesn’t have to be difficult — especially if you're working with a professional team. Here’s a simplified process you can follow or discuss with your developer:

1. Purchase or generate an SSL certificate: Most modern hosting platforms like SiteGround, Bluehost, and Kinsta offer free SSL certificates via Let’s Encrypt.
2. Install the SSL certificate: This can usually be done via your hosting control panel or requested through your support team.
3. Force HTTPS redirection: Add 301 redirects in your .htaccess file (or server settings) to automatically forward all traffic from HTTP to HTTPS.
4. Update internal URLs: Ensure all internal links point to https:// versions of your pages.
5. Update canonical tags: Make sure your site’s SEO metadata reflects the new HTTPS URLs.
6. Resubmit to Google Search Console: Add your new HTTPS version as a property and submit your updated sitemap.

Bonus Tip: If your site is built on WordPress, you can use a plugin like Really Simple SSL to automate much of this process — but always take a backup first.

Still Not Secure? We Can Help

At Website Design in London, we include SSL integration and HTTPS redirection with every web project — at no extra cost. Whether you're switching from an old HTTP site or launching a brand-new domain, we’ll make sure your website is safe, secure, and search-engine ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

+ What does HTTPS stand for?

+ Is HTTPS really necessary if I’m not selling anything?

+ Can I get HTTPS for free?

+ Will switching to HTTPS hurt my Google rankings?

+ How do I check if my site already uses HTTPS?