How much does it cost to implement HTTPS for SEO?

Implementing HTTPS for SEO can cost between $0 to $300+ annually, depending on the SSL certificate, hosting provider, and additional services
How much does it cost to implement HTTPS for SEO
How much does it cost to implement HTTPS for SEO
How much does it cost to implement HTTPS for SEO?
Implementing HTTPS for SEO can cost between $0 to $300+ annually, depending on the SSL certificate, hosting provider, and additional services
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Table of Contents
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Website Security is an extremely important factor in the current digital environment. It not only safeguards the user’s data but also plays a significant role in Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

Adding HTTPS to the website is one of the most effective ways to improve its security and SEO rankings. 

But a lot of website owners are hesitant because they have concerns about the potential costs involved in the implementation of HTTPS.

This article breaks down, How much does it cost to implement HTTPS for SEO and tips to reduce this cost.

Why is HTTPS important for SEO?

Before delving into the costs, let us briefly understand why HTTPS is essential for SEO.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of HTTP. It encrypts data transmitted between the user’s browser and the website. 

It is essential for SEO because,

  • It protects the website and visitors from cyber threats which leads to improved security.
  • Google has confirmed HTTPS as a ranking factor since 2014. This means secure sites will rank higher in search results.
  • When a website has the secure padlock icon displayed in the address bar, visitors are more likely to interact and trust it. This in turn improves the conversion rates.
  • The integrity of the content on the website is maintained with the help of HTTPS. It ensures that the data sent and received is not altered during transfer.


    Learn more about the key differences between HTTP and HTTPS to understand which one is the secure choice for your website.

How much does it cost to implement HTTPS for SEO?

The cost of implementing HTTPS varies widely depending on several factors. This includes the size of the website, the type of SSL certificate chosen and whether the transition is handled in-house or with external help.

And the implementation of HTTPS involves few essential components. These components are with different costs. They are,

1.SSL Certificate

SSL certificate is the fundamental component of HTTPS. It authenticates the website and encrypts data. This certificate can be,

Free SSL Certificate – This type of certificate is available from providers like Let’s Encrypt.

It is a good option for smaller websites or blogs. It requires a renewal every 90 days. This in turn involves additional maintenance cost.

However, they will not have all the features and support of premium options.

Paid SSL Certificate – The cost of the paid SSL certificate can range from $10 to $500 per year. It is based on the number of domains/subdomains covered and the level of validation.

The types of paid SSL certificates includes,

2.The Compatibility of Web Hosting

  • Some hosting providers include SSL certificates at no additional cost in their hosting plans, while others charge extra fees for SSL installation and maintenance.
  • If SSL installation is not covered by your hosting package, you should budget between $0 and $100.

3.Implementation

  • You can handle the implementation of HTTPS by yourself, if you have the technical expertise. This will minimize the cost but requires a time investment.
  • If you are hiring a professional, migration services can cost from $100 to $500 or more. It depends on the complexity of the website.

4.Content and URL Updates

  • It can take some time to update all internal links to HTTPS. But doing so is essential to prevent mixed content problems. 
  • This can be done manually or with automated tools, which costs between $50 and $200.

5.Maintenance

  • SSL Certificate expires usually after one to three years.
  • Renewals have the same price as the initial purchase or slightly less.

How to reduce the cost involved in HTTPS Implementation?

1.Make use of free SSL certificates like Let’s Encrypt which are easy to implement. Many hosting providers include free SSL certificates with their hosting packages.

For Example, Cloudflare offers free SSL Certificate as a part of their CDN services,  even for those using their free plan.

2.If you have the technical skill, install the certificate by yourself. Many Hosting control panels like cPanel, Plesk have user-friendly tools for SSL certificates. 

For manual installation, Certificate Authorities offer detailed guides.

3.Utilize built-in hosting features. Many web hosting providers now offer automatic SSL certificate installation and renewal, One-click HTTP to HTTPS redirection and tools for identifying & fixing mixed content issues.

4.Combine the HTTPS Implementation with other planned website updates. For Instance, Implement during a website redesign or rebranding or Coordinate with an upcoming switch to a new CMS or server.

5.Use automated tools for content updates like Internal links and fixing mixed content issues.

For Example, WordPress Plugins like Really Simple SSL, SSL Insecure Content Fixer and Online tools like SSL Check, Why No Padlock? 

6.For businesses managing multiple websites or sub domains, purchase a wildcard or multi-domain SSL certificate.

Even though it costs more, it is more cost-effective compared to purchasing individual certificates for each domain.

7.Choose a longer validity period certificate. This means consider 2 to 3 year certificates instead of annual renewals.

8.Implement gradually for the larger websites. Start with important pages like the login page , checkout page and expand gradually.

9.If a business is having multiple websites on the same server, implement SSL at the server level rather than individually for each site.

10.Establish a routine maintenance schedule. Set up automated reminders for certificate renewal and consistently monitor and address issues with mixed content. Also, stay informed about vulnerabilities in SSL/TLS and update accordingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of implementing HTTPS for SEO varies widely from free to several hundred dollars annually. It depends on the chosen method and resources.

Also, it’s easier than ever to implement HTTPS nowadays with the help of numerous affordable solutions like automated tools and free SSL certificates. 

In the end, it’s not about how much it will cost to implement HTTPS. It’s about the potential cost of not implementing HTTPS in terms of lost traffic, user confidence and rankings. 

This significance highlights, this investment ought to be seen as necessary rather than optional in the current digital environment. 

So, for any website that takes its SEO performance and user experience seriously, HTTPS is an essential and beneficial investment.

It you still need assistance in this implementation of HTTPS. Explore our Technical SEO Services, as we provide you with the expertise needed to achieve the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it takes to implement HTTPS on a website?

The time taken to implement HTTPS varies depending on the size and complexity of the website.

For small websites – It takes a few hours to a day to buy, install and configure the SSL/TLS certificate.

For Larger or Complex Websites –  If a lot of testing and debugging are needed to ensure that all content is served securely, it might take several days or weeks.

What are the common issues faced during HTTPS Implementation?

The common issues faced during HTTPS Implementation are,

  • Mixed Content Errors where some resources are still served over HTTP and result in security warnings.
  • Inadequate setup of redirects can also result in redirect loops. 
  • Broken links and a poor user experience may result from neglecting to update third-party resources and internal links to HTTPS.
Does HTTPS directly improve the SEO Ranking?

Google has confirmed HTTPS as a ranking factor. But it is one of many ranking factors. Although it won’t ensure a spike in rankings, it is a crucial indicator of user trust and security. This in turn indirectly improves SEO.

Founder of 7 Eagles, Growth Marketer & SEO Expert

Ashkar Gomez is the Founder of 7 Eagles (a Growth Marketing & SEO Company). Ashkar started his career as a Sales Rep in 2013 and later shifted his career to SEO in 2014. He is one of the leading SEO experts in the industry with 8+ years of experience. He has worked on 200+ projects across 20+ industries in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, UAE, Australia, South Africa, and India. Besides SEO and Digital Marketing, he is passionate about Data Analytics, Personal Financial Planning, and Content Writing.
Discover How 7 Eagles Help Your Business

Founder of 7Eagles, Growth Marketer & SEO Expert

Ashkar Gomez is the Founder of 7 Eagles (a Growth Marketing & SEO Company). Ashkar started his career as a Sales Rep in 2013 and later shifted his career to SEO in 2014. He is one of the leading SEO experts in the industry with 8+ years of experience. He has worked on 200+ projects across 20+ industries in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, UAE, Australia, South Africa, and India. Besides SEO and Digital Marketing, he is passionate about Data Analytics, Personal Financial Planning, and Content Writing.
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