My HTTP is Ranking Higher Than My HTTPS – What Should I Do?
Hey everyone, I’m still learning the ropes when it comes to SEO and website management, so please bear with me if this sounds a bit off.
I recently discovered in Google Search Console that the HTTP version of my site is outpacing the HTTPS version in both ranking and clicks, as shown here: https://imgur.com/a/1ZlGgvS.
I had no idea there were multiple versions of my website!
After some research, I found that I should consider redirecting one version to the other. Here are my questions:
- Should I redirect HTTP to HTTPS even if the HTTP version has better rankings?
- I’m using Squarespace, but my domain is managed through GoDaddy. Where should I go to set up the redirection?
- If I proceed with the redirect, should I expect a temporary drop in rankings? If so, how long might that last?
Thanks for any advice you can provide!
2 responses to “My HTTP is ranked higher than my HTTPS??? How to fix”
It’s great that you’re diving into SEO and trying to understand how to improve your website’s ranking! Here’s how you can address the issue of having your HTTP site ranking higher than your HTTPS site:
Redirect HTTP to HTTPS: Yes, you should redirect your HTTP site to HTTPS, even if the HTTP site is currently ranked higher. HTTPS is more secure, and Google gives preference to secure sites in its rankings. By redirecting, you ensure that all your traffic is directed to the secure version, which is better for user trust and security.
Setting Up Redirects: Since you are using Squarespace and your domains are hosted by GoDaddy, you might need to set up the redirect in both places:
In GoDaddy, typically, you can manage your domain settings, but Squarespace should handle the HTTP to HTTPS redirection if properly configured.
Impact on Rankings: You may see a temporary decline in rankings right after making the change, as search engines take time to process the redirect and adjust their indexing. However, this is usually temporary; many sites see a recovery and even improvement in rankings after the transition to HTTPS. It’s important to monitor your traffic and rankings through Google Search Console after the redirect.
Additional Tips:
Following these steps will help ensure a smoother transition to HTTPS and can lead to better SEO performance in the long run. Good luck!
Hi there! It’s great to see you actively engaging in the intricacies of SEO and website management. Your situation is quite common, and it’s important to address it correctly to improve the overall performance of your site.
1. **Redirect HTTP to HTTPS**: Absolutely, you should redirect HTTP to HTTPS, even if the HTTP version has better rankings. Google considers HTTPS a ranking factor and prioritizes secure sites for user safety. In the long run, this will not only help with SEO but also build trust with your visitors.
2. **Setting up the Redirect**: Since you’re using Squarespace managed through GoDaddy, you’ll typically handle the redirect in two places. First, you can set up a forwarding rule in GoDaddy to redirect HTTP traffic to your HTTPS version. Then, ensure that your Squarespace site settings are configured to use HTTPS as the default version. Check Squarespace’s guide on enabling SSL if you’re unsure how to do this!
3. **Temporary Ranking Drop**: It’s possible to experience a temporary dip in rankings after implementing the redirect, as search engines take some time to recognize the change. The duration can vary, but some site owners report recovering within a few weeks to a couple of months. To minimize disruptions, ensure that your redirects are set up correctly and verify everything in Google Search Console afterwards.
Overall, making the switch to HTTPS is a positive long-term strategy. Don’t forget to update any external links and monitor your site’s performance regularly after the transition. Best of