1.6 HTTPS / security / infrastructureCriticalVerified

No HTTPS

What it is

Serving a site over plain HTTP in this era is a hard fail. Browsers mark it not secure, users distrust it, and Google has used HTTPS as a ranking signal for years. Everything should be served over HTTPS. Site served over HTTP.

Why does no https matter for AI search?

HTTPS is a confirmed ranking signal and a trust/security baseline; modern browsers warn users.

How do you fix it?

Install a certificate; redirect all HTTP to HTTPS.

How do you find it on your site?

  1. Load the site over http:// and watch whether it upgrades to https.
  2. Check the browser address bar for a not secure warning.
  3. Confirm a valid certificate is installed and http 301-redirects to https.
  4. Add HSTS once https is solid so browsers default to it.

Which ranking and citation factors does it touch?

HTTPS is a confirmed ranking signal and a baseline trust requirement. Without it, modern browsers actively warn users away.

What is the impact?

Medium ranking, high trust/UX. Direct.

What is the evidence?

HTTPS is a ranking signal. Google Search Central, Secure your site with HTTPS

Frequently asked questions about no https

What does "No HTTPS" mean?

Site served over HTTP.

How do you fix no HTTPS?

Install a certificate; redirect all HTTP to HTTPS.