Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a cryptographic protocol designed to ensure the privacy and data integrity of communications over computer networks, primarily the Internet. In terms of SEO and website optimization, the relevance of TLS comes into play with HTTPS (Secure HyperText Transfer Protocol), which uses TLS to secure data transfers.
Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking factor, emphasizing the search engine’s commitment to promoting online security. Websites utilizing HTTPS signify to users that their data, like personal information or credit card details, is protected during transmission.
From an SEO perspective, the adoption of HTTPS can offer a slight ranking advantage, but perhaps more importantly, it enhances user trust and confidence. Websites marked as “not secure” because they lack HTTPS can deter users from engaging or making transactions, leading to increased bounce rates and potentially impacting SEO indirectly.