This week we learned some revealing new data about HTTPS, and Google has expanded the test run of what will end up being one of the most prominent features in search results.
Full details about each of these headlines are in this week’s SEO news roundup.
30% of Front Page Search Results Are HTTPS
Two years ago Google made HTTPS a ranking signal. At the time, and still to this day, people were weary about whether or not to transition their site from HTTP to HTTPS because they weren’t sure if the potential reward was worth all the effort involved. Not to mention there is always risk when making any kind of site-wide change.
Recent data from Dr. Pete Meyers of Moz shows that Google is slowly but surely winning the battle of getting more sites on the web to convert to HTTPS. Prior to Google’s announcement of making HTTPS a ranking signal, only 7% of sites on the first page of search results were HTTPS. Two years later, that number has risen to over 30%.
According to Dr. Meyers this is a significant statistic because it could potentially represent a tipping point for HTTPS. Within 1 to 2 years he believes that number will rise to 50%, and when that happens he predicts Google will strengthen its HTTPS ranking signal.
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to convert to HTTPS, Dr. Meyers recommends to at least keep it in the back of your mind and be aware of how many sites you see in your industry are on an HTTPS server. Keep alert for another algorithm update which could be on its way within a year’s time.
Google Expands ‘Google Posts’
Google continues to slowly roll out a search results feature called Google Posts, which made its debut earlier on in the presidential race. Google Posts allowed political figures to post messages directly to the front page of search results, ahead of organic results.
In March of this year some small businesses started receiving the ability to utilize Google Posts in a very limited test. Now it appears that test has been expanded to organizations and public figures as well.
Here are some examples from Twitter of what the feature looks like when being used by organizations and public figures:
And here are Google Posts for Wimbledon. Very interesting. Again, prominent orgs and people. @jenstar #seo pic.twitter.com/sEaC7OW3To
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) July 5, 2016
Check out Google Posts for this former cricketer. G Posts seem tied to prominent people/ organizations @jenstar #seo pic.twitter.com/Yf7of052FP
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) July 5, 2016
Does this mean Google Posts is set to make its way to prime time with a widespread release? That’s anyone’s guess at this point, and Google has been very quiet with respect to Google Posts. If you have seen Google Posts for any of your recent queries, please let us know in a comment. We will continue to update as we continue to see this feature get rolled out further.
Conclusion
HTTPS is becoming a pretty big deal, and a further ranking boost may be on the way. Google Posts is rolling out to prominent figures and organizations, which means we may start seeing the feature more often in our search results. If you have any questions about any of this week’s updates, please leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to respond.
Pam Aungst
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