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What Are the Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS in Web Hosting?
Imagine you open a website, and your browser shows “Not Secure” in the address bar. Would you trust it?
Whether you’re a beginner blogger, small business owner, or affiliate marketer, understanding the difference between HTTP and HTTPS is crucial for your website’s success.
In this article, we’ll break down what HTTP and HTTPS mean, how they differ, and why switching to HTTPS is no longer optional it’s essential.
What Is HTTP?
HTTP stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol. It is the foundation of data communication on the web — allowing browsers and servers to exchange information.
When a user visits a website that uses HTTP (e.g., http://example.com), the communication happens in plain text, which can be intercepted by hackers or third parties.
Key characteristics of HTTP:
- Unsecured connection
- No encryption
- Vulnerable to attacks like man-in-the-middle
- Browser may label as “Not Secure”
- Not recommended for websites handling sensitive information
What Is HTTPS?
HTTPS stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure. It’s the secure version of HTTP, where the ‘S’ stands for Secure. HTTPS uses SSL/TLS encryption to protect the data being transferred between the user’s browser and the server.
Key characteristics of HTTPS:
- Encrypted communication
- Authenticates website identity
- Protects against data breaches
- Boosts SEO rankings
- Required for online payments, forms, and login systems
Example: https://yourdomain.com is a secure website address using HTTPS.
Key Differences Between HTTP and HTTPS
| Feature | HTTP | HTTPS |
|---|---|---|
| Security | No encryption | Encrypted with SSL/TLS |
| URL Prefix | http:// | https:// |
| SEO Impact | No SEO advantage | Google gives ranking boost |
| Browser Status | Often marked “Not Secure” | Shows padlock icon |
| Data Protection | Vulnerable to hacking | Protects data in transit |
| Trust Factor | Low user trust | High trust and credibility |
| Best For | Non-sensitive content (rare now) | All modern websites |
Why You Should Use HTTPS for Your Website
Still using HTTP? That’s risky — both for your site and your visitors. Here’s why switching to HTTPS should be a top priority:
1. Protects User Data
HTTPS encrypts data like login credentials, credit card numbers, and contact forms — keeping them away from prying eyes.
2. Boosts SEO Ranking
Google officially announced HTTPS as a ranking factor. That means secure sites are more likely to appear higher in search results.
3. Builds User Trust
Websites with HTTPS display a padlock icon in the browser. This small symbol creates big trust among users.
4. Enables Secure Payment Gateways
If you’re running an eCommerce store, payment providers like Stripe or PayPal require HTTPS for security compliance.
How Web Hosting Companies Support HTTPS
Most modern web hosting providers like GreenGeeks, Hostinger, and InMotion Hosting offer free SSL certificates (via Let’s Encrypt) to help users migrate from HTTP to HTTPS easily.
Look for hosting that includes:
- Free SSL certificate
- Auto-renewal of SSL
- 1-click HTTPS redirection
- Security monitoring and firewall
Recommended: Use eco-friendly hosts like GreenGeeks that offer secure & green hosting with free SSL and 99.9% uptime.
How to Migrate from HTTP to HTTPS
Switching to HTTPS is easier than ever. Here’s a simple step-by-step process:
- Get an SSL Certificate from your hosting provider.
- Install the certificate (usually done automatically).
- Redirect HTTP to HTTPS via
.htaccessor cPanel. - Update internal links and scripts to
https://. - Use tools like Why No Padlock or SSL Checker to test.
Bonus Tip: Add your HTTPS version to Google Search Console to track performance.
Summary: Secure Your Website with HTTPS
Let’s recap the main differences:
- HTTP is outdated, insecure, and affects trust and SEO.
- HTTPS is secure, encrypted, and a must-have in 2025.
- All websites — blogs, stores, portfolios — should use HTTPS.
- Hosting providers like GreenGeeks, InMotion, and Hostinger make HTTPS setup easy.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Now
If you’re serious about your online presence, switching to HTTPS isn’t just a best practice — it’s a necessity. It protects your visitors, boosts your credibility, and helps you rank higher on Google.
Need a reliable hosting provider with free SSL?
Try GreenGeeks Hosting — eco-friendly, secure, and beginner-friendly.