How to Fix Non-Secure Pages in SEMrush Audit [Step-by-Step Guide] 2024

Table of Contents

How to Fix Non-Secure Pages in SEMrush Audit

If SEMrush has flagged non-secure pages on your website, it’s essential to address these issues promptly to maintain your site’s security and SEO performance. Here’s how to fix them:

Common SEMrush Errors Related to Non-Secure Pages:

Homepage Does Not Use HTTPS Encryption: Your homepage must be secured with HTTPS to protect user data and enhance trust.
Non-Secure Pages: Any page not using HTTPS encryption should be updated.
No Redirect or Canonical to HTTPS Homepage: Ensure that your HTTP pages are properly redirected or have canonical tags pointing to the HTTPS version.
HTTP URLs in Site Map: Update your sitemap to reflect only HTTPS URLs.
Mixed Content Issues: Mixed content occurs when HTTPS pages load resources (images, scripts, etc.) over HTTP. This weakens the security of your site.
Links on HTTPS Pages Leading to HTTP Pages: Internal or external links on secure pages should not lead to non-secure (HTTP) pages.

Steps to Fix Non-Secure Pages:

Implement HTTPS Encryption:
- Obtain an SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted certificate authority.
- Install the certificate on your server to enable HTTPS across your website.
- Update your website settings to use HTTPS by default.
Set Up Proper Redirects:
- Redirect all HTTP URLs to their HTTPS counterparts using 301 redirects. This ensures that users and search engines are directed to the secure version of your site.
Update Canonical Tags:
- Make sure all canonical tags point to the HTTPS version of your pages, especially your homepage.
Correct Your Sitemap:
- Ensure that your sitemap only includes HTTPS URLs. This helps search engines index the secure versions of your pages.
Resolve Mixed Content Issues:
- Scan your site for mixed content. Update or replace any HTTP resources on your HTTPS pages with secure versions.
Fix Internal and External Links:
- Update all links on your HTTPS pages that point to HTTP URLs. Ensure that all internal and external links are secure.

Additional Tips:

Use a Checklist: Follow a comprehensive checklist to ensure that you’ve covered all aspects of securing your site. Missing one step can lead to further issues, such as locking yourself out of your site or creating redirect loops.
Consider Professional Help: If you’re not confident in your ability to implement these changes, consider reaching out to a professional or submitting a ticket to your support team. This ensures that the process is handled correctly and without unnecessary complications.