HTTP/2 is a protocol for transferring data which is brought in communication between browsers and servers, by reducing the load times. HTTP1.1 is lower as it only allows the service to send files one at a time and the line would open and close each time the file was sent. As HTTP2 keeps the line open, it gives loading time a boost. So, this post is about what is HTTP2 and how it works.

HTTP2 improves efficiency of communication between browsers and servers. By doing this it reduces the load timings. HTTP2 is a renewal of the old HTTP1.1. It is binary, fully multiplexed, can use one connection for parallelism, and uses compression to reduce overhead. So, servers can open a single connection with the browser to send all of the files until everything is loaded. After that, the connection closes and the website gets rendered.

How does HTTP2 work? WHAT IS HTTP2: IMPACT ON SEO AND HOW TO IMPLEMENT IT

How does HTTP2 work?

When we click the URL to visit a website, the browser sends a request to the server. Server answers with a status message and a file list. Then the browser asks for the files one at a time. In HTTP2, rather than a sequence of exchanges, one connection can host multiple exchanges at once and the server can make responses without waiting to be called. Thus, it works by sending and receiving multiple files simultaneously through one connection rather than making them one at a time.


Impact of HTTP2 on SEO WHAT IS HTTP2: IMPACT ON SEO AND HOW TO IMPLEMENT IT

Impact of HTTP2 on SEO

Even though Google does not use HTTP2 to rank websites, but it rewards websites which provide great user experience. A great user experience is proportional to the page load speed. So, switching to HTTP2 will definitely have a positive impact on search engine optimisation.

Like Infographics is a great tool to engage customers, implementing HTTP/2 is another way to enrich user experience.

Moreover, HTTP2 will also improve the performance of websites on mobiles. Optimising website for mobile crawlers is also one of the TECHNICAL SEO TACTICS TO IMPROVE WEBSITE TRAFFIC which makes the site mobile-friendly.

As websites get bigger, they accumulate a number of assets like HTML, JavaScript, images, CSS etc. This means that the loading times will take a toll. HTTP2 makes the process of file exchange a lot easier for both servers and browsers, and also speeds up the website.


Steps for enabling and implementing HTTP2 WHAT IS HTTP2: IMPACT ON SEO AND HOW TO IMPLEMENT IT

Steps for enabling and implementing HTTP2

Many websites are already using the HTTP2. To check, open the web developer tools and look at the network traffic. In the protocol, if you see HTTP/2.0 this means that it has been implemented. In case it hasn’t, follow these steps:

  • Use HTTPS: Most of the HTTP2 implementations require a TLS. So the first step is to get an SSL or TLS certificate to make your website HTTPS.
  • Use HTTP2 CDN on web server: You can self implement it if you manage your web server by updating the server software.
  • Test: Before implementing it for the whole website, try it on a development server.
  • Design: Make design and development decisions based on HTTP2. CSS sprites, linking of CSS or JavaScript isn’t necessary as HTTP2 solves this problem too.

Enabling your website to use HTTP2 will improve customer experience, better performance and rankings. Also, do check what are the 6 TOP TECHNICAL SEO ONLINE TOOLS FOR PROFESSIONALS to improve the chances of indexing and gaining better rankings.

This will ultimately result in more traffic, more conversions, and more profit. It not only keeps the customers happy, but is also great for rankings because improving page performance finally increases the rankings. This is especially true for search queries performed on mobiles. Also, search engine optimization gets easy if you have website made on WordPress. Further, using one of the 6 BEST SEO PLUGINS FOR WORDPRESS immensely helps you to optimize your site’s SEO. 

Now that you know about HTTP2, hopefully you will want to switch to using it. You can take help of professionals as well. There are no drawbacks in making this upgrade and the rewards are long lasting.

UNI SQUARE CONCEPTS

Uni Square Concepts is an advertising agency located in New Delhi, India. By initiating The Uni Square Blog, we aim to provide a comprehensive portal where readers can educate themselves about the various aspects of advertising and marketing. The articles and blogs are written by our professional team of content writers, under the guidance of senior leaders of Uni Square Concepts including its CEO, Uday Sonthalia.