Google: Self-Signed SSL Certificate Won't Work For HTTPS Ranking Boost

Jan 6, 2016 - 8:29 am 23 by

google https

We know Google has an HTTPS Ranking Boost. Initially when it launched, all it checked was to see if HTTPS was in the URL, but it didn't check if it was valid or working. A couple months ago, Google began sending out notifications of SSL certificate issues, which shows they may start validating it before giving the ranking boost.

John Mueller said on Twitter that self-signed certificate, which is an identity certificate that is signed by the same entity whose identity it certifies, would typically be flagged as invalid by Google's detection tools. He said, if it works in a browser, than you are safe, if not, then not.

Bottom line is, if it doesn't generate an error in a browser, it should work for Google as well.

To be safe, don't go with self-signed certificates.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: July 10, 2025

Jul 10, 2025 - 10:00 am
Google Updates

Google June 2025 Core Update Leading To Some Partial HCU Recoveries

Jul 10, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google Search Console Performance Report Average Position Bug?

Jul 10, 2025 - 7:41 am
Google Ads

Google Search Ads People Also Consider Carousel Format

Jul 10, 2025 - 7:31 am
Google Maps

Google Business Profiles Drops Utility Bill As Evidence For Appeal

Jul 10, 2025 - 7:21 am
Google

Google AI Mode Comes To Circle to Search and Lens

Jul 10, 2025 - 7:11 am
Previous Story: Google: Decimal Points In URLs Are A Bad Idea