In 2014, Google rather quietly announced that they were planning to start using HTTPS as a ranking signal. In the months since, you may have noticed an increase in the number of encrypted sites you use daily. You may have also noticed changes in the way Chrome alerts users about the presence of encryption. Google’s changes are leading the charge on security, helping push website owners and developers to HTTPS as standard. Of course we all want more security (right?), and while a variety of tools can be used to help you transition your site, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to this problem for existing WordPress builds not designed to use HTTPS. You’re going to need a solid plan, and a few more than 5 minutes to transition legacy WordPress content to effectively use HTTPS. We’ll discuss why encryption even matters if you’re not processing credit cards or social security numbers. I’ll share our typical process, identifying common missteps and tricks as well as how to future-proof for new content.
Takeaways:
- What is HTTPS? And why you should care if your site is using it.
- How to smoothly transition a WordPress site that is not currently HTTPS to HTTPS.
- How to prepare your WordPress site for a future of exclusively HTTPS assets.