16 Jun 2023

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. What is HTTP?
  3. What is HTTPS?
  4. Benefits of HTTPS
  5. Why Should You Migrate from HTTP to HTTPS?
  6. Preparing for HTTP to HTTPS Migration
    • Backup Your Website
    • Update Internal Links
    • Update External Links
    • Update Social Media Links
  7. Purchasing an SSL Certificate
  8. Installing and Configuring the SSL Certificate
  9. Update Google Analytics Settings
  10. Updating Google Search Console
  11. Testing the HTTPS Migration
  12. Monitoring and Troubleshooting
  13. Updating Robots.txt File
  14. Redirecting HTTP to HTTPS
  15. Finalizing the Migration

Introduction

In the modern digital landscape, website security is of utmost importance. One crucial aspect of website security is migrating from HTTP to HTTPS. This article will guide you through the process of changing settings for Google Analytics and Google Search Console during an HTTP to HTTPS site migration.

What is HTTP?

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a protocol used for transmitting and receiving information on the Internet. It allows the transfer of data between a web server and a web browser.

What is HTTPS?

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is a secure version of HTTP. It encrypts the data transmitted between a web server and a web browser, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the information.

Benefits of HTTPS

There are several benefits to migrating from HTTP to HTTPS:

  1. Improved Security: HTTPS encrypts data, protecting it from potential eavesdropping and tampering.
  2. Trust and Credibility: HTTPS displays a padlock symbol and “Secure” label in web browsers, instilling trust and confidence in your website visitors.
  3. SEO Advantages: Google considers HTTPS as a ranking signal, potentially improving your website’s search engine rankings.
  4. Protection Against Data Modification: HTTPS ensures the integrity of data, preventing unauthorized modification during transmission.
  5. Compliance: Many regulations and standards, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), require websites to use HTTPS when handling sensitive data.

Why Should You Migrate from HTTP to HTTPS?

Migrating from HTTP to HTTPS is essential to provide a secure browsing experience for your website visitors. It helps protect user data, build trust, and improve your website’s visibility in search engine results. Failure to migrate to HTTPS can result in security vulnerabilities and a negative impact on user experience and SEO rankings.

Preparing for HTTP to HTTPS Migration

Before initiating the migration process, it’s crucial to make adequate preparations. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:

Backup Your Website

Before making any changes, create a backup of your entire website, including databases and files. This ensures you have a copy of your website in case of any unforeseen issues during the migration process.

Update Internal Links

Review your website’s internal links and ensure they point to the HTTPS versions of your pages. Update any hardcoded HTTP links in your website’s HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.

Update External Links

If your website has external links, such as backlinks from other websites, contact the respective website owners and request them to update the links to HTTPS versions.

Update Social Media Links

Update the links to your website on social media profiles and posts. This ensures that the shared links lead to the secure HTTPS version of your website.

Purchasing an SSL Certificate

To enable HTTPS on your website, you need to purchase and install an SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificate. An SSL certificate is a digital certificate that verifies the authenticity of your website and enables secure communication between the web server and the browser.

There are various types of SSL certificates available, such as domain validation (DV), organization validation (OV), and extended validation (EV) certificates. Choose the one that best suits your website’s needs.

When purchasing an SSL certificate, ensure that it covers all the necessary subdomains and provides adequate encryption strength.

Installing and Configuring the SSL Certificate

Once you have obtained the SSL certificate, follow these steps to install and configure it on your website:

  1. Generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) from your web hosting control panel.
  2. Provide the CSR to the SSL certificate provider.
  3. Complete the domain ownership verification process as specified by the certificate provider.
  4. After verification, you will receive the SSL certificate files.
  5. Log in to your web hosting control panel and locate the SSL/TLS settings.
  6. Upload the SSL certificate files and configure the appropriate settings.
  7. Verify that the SSL certificate is installed correctly by accessing your website via HTTPS. The browser should display a secure connection with a padlock symbol.

Update Google Analytics Settings

During the HTTP to HTTPS migration, it is crucial to update your Google Analytics settings to ensure accurate tracking of website traffic. Follow these steps to make the necessary changes:

  1. Log in to your Google Analytics account.
  2. Navigate to the “Admin” section.
  3. In the “Property” column, click on “Property Settings.”
  4. Update the “Default URL” and “Property Name” fields to reflect the new HTTPS version of your website.
  5. Save the changes.
  6. If you have any custom filters or settings in Google Analytics, review them and ensure they are compatible with the HTTPS version of your website.

Updating Google Search Console

Google Search Console (previously known as Google Webmaster Tools) is a powerful tool for monitoring and optimizing your website’s presence in Google search results. To update the settings in Google Search Console, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Google Search Console account.
  2. Select the property (website) you want to update.
  3. Click on the gear icon in the top right corner and select “Site Settings.”
  4. Update the “Preferred Domain” to the HTTPS version of your website.
  5. Submit the updated sitemap to Google Search Console to ensure proper indexing of your HTTPS pages.

Testing the HTTPS Migration

After completing the necessary changes and updates, it is essential to test the HTTPS migration to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Follow these steps to perform a thorough test:

  1. Use an online SSL checker to verify that your SSL certificate is installed correctly and functioning properly.
  2. Manually test various pages of your website by accessing them through HTTPS URLs. Ensure that all the elements, including images, scripts, and stylesheets, are loading securely.
  3. Test any forms or interactive elements on your website to ensure they are submitting data securely.
  4. Verify that all internal and external links are correctly redirected to their HTTPS counterparts.

Monitoring and Troubleshooting

Monitor your website closely after the HTTPS migration to identify any issues or errors. Keep an eye on website traffic, user behavior, and search engine rankings. If you encounter any problems, refer to the following troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check for mixed content warnings. Mixed content occurs when your website loads insecure (HTTP) resources on an HTTPS page. Update all resources to use HTTPS.
  2. Monitor server logs for any errors or warnings related to the HTTPS migration.
  3. Test your website’s performance and loading speed to ensure there are no significant delays or issues.
  4. Use online tools and scanners to check for vulnerabilities or security loopholes.
  5. If you encounter any major issues that you are unable to resolve, consider seeking assistance from a professional web developer or security expert.

Updating Robots.txt File

The robots.txt file plays a crucial role in guiding search engine bots on how to crawl and index your website. During the HTTPS migration, it’s important to update the robots.txt file to ensure search engines properly recognize and index your HTTPS pages. Follow these steps:

  1. Open your website’s robots.txt file.
  2. Update any HTTP URLs to their HTTPS counterparts.
  3. Save the changes and upload the updated robots.txt file to your website’s root directory.

Redirecting HTTP to HTTPS

To ensure a seamless transition for your website visitors, it’s important to set up proper redirects from HTTP to HTTPS. Redirects automatically send users who enter the HTTP version of your website to the corresponding HTTPS version. There are different methods to set up redirects, including using .htaccess file or server-side configurations. Consult your web hosting provider or refer to relevant documentation for specific instructions.

Finalizing the Migration

Once you have completed all the necessary steps and confirmed that your HTTPS website is functioning correctly, it’s time to finalize the migration. Here are a few final actions to take:

  1. Notify your website visitors, subscribers, and customers about the HTTPS migration. Inform them of the added security measures and the benefits of a secure browsing experience.
  2. Update any external platforms, such as advertising networks or social media profiles, to reflect the new HTTPS URLs.
  3. Update any other relevant tools or integrations that interact with your website, such as email marketing software or e-commerce platforms.
  4. Perform a final check to ensure all the pages on your website are accessible via HTTPS.

Congratulations! You have successfully migrated your website from HTTP to HTTPS, providing a secure browsing experience for your visitors and improving your website’s search engine visibility.

HTTP to HTTPS Site Migration

WATCH THIS VIDEO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOsNkVegMCQ

Conclusion

Migrating your website from HTTP to HTTPS is a crucial step in enhancing security, building trust, and improving your website’s performance in search engine rankings. By following the outlined steps and ensuring proper configuration of Google Analytics and Google Search Console settings, you can smoothly transition to HTTPS. Remember to regularly monitor your website and promptly address any issues that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will migrating from HTTP to HTTPS affect my search engine rankings? Migrating to HTTPS can potentially have a positive impact on your search engine rankings. Google considers HTTPS as a ranking signal, and having a secure website can boost your visibility in search results.

2. Do I need to purchase an SSL certificate for every subdomain of my website? It depends on your specific requirements and the type of SSL certificate you choose. Some SSL certificates cover multiple subdomains, while others are valid for a single domain. Evaluate your needs and select the appropriate SSL certificate.

3. How long does the HTTPS migration process typically take? The time required for the migration process can vary depending on the size and complexity of your website. It’s important to allocate sufficient time for planning, testing, and implementation. The process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

4. What happens to my existing SEO rankings and backlinks after migrating to HTTPS? When properly implemented, the migration from HTTP to HTTPS should not have a significant negative impact on your SEO rankings. However, it’s important to set up proper redirects and update any backlinks to the new HTTPS URLs to ensure a seamless transition and maintain the authority of your website.

5. Do I need to update all my internal links to HTTPS manually? Yes, it’s important to update all internal links on your website to the HTTPS version manually. This includes links within your content, navigation menus, footer, and any other areas where internal links are present. By doing so, you ensure a consistent and secure browsing experience for your users.

In conclusion, migrating your website from HTTP to HTTPS is essential for security, trust, and improved search engine performance. By following the outlined steps, including updating Google Analytics and Google Search Console settings, purchasing and installing an SSL certificate, and properly redirecting HTTP to HTTPS, you can successfully make the transition. Remember to monitor your website after the migration and address any issues promptly. Enjoy the benefits of a secure and optimized website!

Thanks

Abhay Ranjan