Over the past couple of years, Google started ranking “HTTPS” sites higher than regular “HTTP” sites in non-branded searches. Then in September, Google announced: “Beginning in January 2017 (Chrome 56), we’ll mark HTTP pages that collect passwords or credit cards as non-secure, as part of a long-term plan to mark ALL HTTP sites as non-secure.”

What does this mean for you and your organization? It means the time is now to add “HTTPS” to your list of items to get done sooner than later. If someone searches for your organization by name it will still come out on top but if they search for non-branded keywords you will lose ranking on the top pages because you are not compliant.

How do you do this? It’s working with the company that hosts your website. They will be able to get you the certificate which will cost you an additional yearly fee. It varies depending on the level you need.

How does this relate to working with me as a designer? Your overall marketing strategy is important to me. Every aspect of it can help or hurt your mission. If I find out something that may not be on your radar and it can get better results I will share it, be it design or tech news. Here is an excellent article that dives deeper into “HTTPS.”