We run a lot of tests, and we’re testing like crazy on about a hundred sites. We have to if we want to understand how Google works.

Here, we have a test on what happens to your website if you do NOT use HTTPS, meaning enhanced security and encryption from start to finish.

99% of all traffic to the site comes from Google, meaning it’s organic traffic.

Traffic before Google required HTTPS = approx. 10 visits per day.

From May 2, 2019, to May 14, 2020, the site was penalized. There was ZERO organic traffic from Google, 8 direct visits, and 2 referral visits in an entire year.

Traffic after implementing HTTPS = 8 visits per day in the first few months but quickly increased to 10 visits per day, the same as before Google required HTTPS.

Between May 6, 2019 (when Google introduced penalties for not using HTTPS) and May 1, 2020 (when the site started using HTTPS), there were only 9 visitors!

👉 ALWAYS use HTTPS/SSL – it makes Google happy and brings more customers to your site.

So, if you’re wondering where your traffic has gone and you haven’t installed HTTPS on your website, now you have your answer.