HTTPS Migration: The Secure Switch Step by Step
Last updated: March 2026 · Reading time: 6 minutes
HTTPS is not a nice-to-have. Browsers mark HTTP pages as "Not secure," Google evaluates HTTPS as a ranking signal and the GDPR requires appropriate technical safeguards. If you haven't migrated yet, you should do it now.
Why HTTPS Is Mandatory
Security. HTTPS encrypts data transmission. Form data, login information and personal data are protected from eavesdropping.
Trust. Browsers show a lock icon for HTTPS pages. Websites without HTTPS are marked as insecure — that costs trust and conversions.
SEO. Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal. With equal quality, the HTTPS variant ranks better.
GDPR. The General Data Protection Regulation requires technical measures to protect personal data. Encryption via HTTPS is part of that.
The Migration Process
Set up SSL certificate. Let's Encrypt offers free certificates with automatic renewal. For enterprise environments, Extended Validation certificates are available.
Configure 301 redirects. Every HTTP URL must redirect to the HTTPS variant via 301 redirect. This happens at the web server level (Apache/Nginx) and preserves the SEO values of existing URLs.
Eliminate mixed content. Images, scripts and stylesheets must also be loaded via HTTPS. A single HTTP request on an HTTPS page triggers a browser warning.
Update internal links. All internal links in content, templates and configurations must be switched to HTTPS. In Drupal, a database update or the "Search and Replace Scanner" module helps.
Update Google Search Console. Create the HTTPS property, submit the XML sitemap and verify indexing.
HTTPS Migration for Your Platform?
arocom configures SSL certificates and redirects as part of hosting operations. The Future Check reviews your current configuration. Starting at EUR 2,500 plus VAT, credited toward the follow-up project.
Does an SSL certificate cost money?
Let's Encrypt offers free SSL certificates accepted by all browsers. Renewal runs automatically. For most websites, this is sufficient.
Will I lose rankings during the HTTPS migration?
Not with correct implementation using 301 redirects. Google transfers the ranking signals from the HTTP to the HTTPS URL. Short-term fluctuations are normal and stabilize within weeks.
What is mixed content?
Mixed content occurs when an HTTPS page loads resources (images, scripts) via HTTP. Browsers block these requests or show warnings. All resources must be switched to HTTPS.
Read more
- SEO During Relaunch — Preserving rankings during a relaunch
- GDPR and Drupal — Data protection in practice
- Choosing Hosting — The right infrastructure
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