Google: It's Fine To Link To HTTP URLS For SEO

Mar 4, 2020 - 8:21 am 1 by

Google Secure Https

Google's John Mueller confirmed that from an SEO point of view, linking to an HTTP URL, instead of an HTTPS URL is fine. Google won't penalize or downgrade your site if you link externally to a non-secure page.

Of course, from a user point of view link to the HTTPS version if possible and make sure your site and embeds are secure. But linking to sites that are not on HTTPS or just linking to the HTTP version and that site redirecting you to the HTTPS version is fine.

Here is John Mueller's tweet:

Back in 2015, Google even said it is not worth going back through all your external links and changing them from http to https.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
- YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: July 11, 2025

Jul 11, 2025 - 10:00 am
Search Video Recaps

Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Helpful Content Recoveries With Core Update, AI Mode Expands, Hidden Ad Terms & Fewer Ad Clicks

Jul 11, 2025 - 8:01 am
Google Maps

Google Local & Business Profiles Drops June 25th - Reporting Glitch?

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google

Google Tests Zoom Effect In On Images Within Search Results

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:41 am
Bing Search

Bing Search Image Box Tests Explore Image & Visual Search Buttons

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:31 am
Bing Search

Microsoft Bing Tests Delivery Truck Icon In Search Ads

Jul 11, 2025 - 7:21 am
Previous Story: Google I/O Cancelled Over Coronavirus Caution