HTTP response header that prevents clickjacking by controlling iframe embedding. SEO impact: Can block embedding of your pages → reduces link equity via embeds.
Are you worried about a sneaky trick that hackers use to display your website inside a tiny window on their own shady site? This is called clickjacking, and it can seriously confuse your users and damage your brand trust.
I found a powerful, simple security fix that stops this from ever happening, which is great for both your security and your SEO.
I will explain What is X-Frame-Options (SEO & Security)? and show you how to use this security header to protect your website’s integrity right now.
What is X-Frame-Options (SEO & Security)?
What is X-Frame-Options (SEO & Security)? is a critical security instruction I send from my web server that tells the user’s browser if it is okay to load my page inside a frame or iframe.
I use this header to stop other websites from putting my content in their own window, which prevents the clickjacking attack.
A secure site is a trustworthy site, and trustworthiness is a huge positive signal for search engines like Google.
Impact on CMS Platforms
Since this is a security header, how I set it up depends on how much access the CMS gives me to the server.
WordPress
In WordPress, I can easily implement this header by editing the .htaccess file on the server to apply it site-wide.
Alternatively, I use a high-quality security plugin that has a feature to manage all my necessary security headers.
I usually set the value to SAMEORIGIN, which only allows the framing if it is on my own domain.
Shopify
Shopify is a managed platform, so I rely on their engineers to implement all necessary security headers, including this one.
You cannot manually add the header, but Shopify has strong, centralized security policies already in place.
I just focus on keeping my shop secure with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Wix and Webflow
These platforms also handle the core server security, so I do not worry about setting the X-Frame-Options myself.
The platforms ensure that this header is already in place to protect all hosted websites from known vulnerabilities.
I use my time to create great content, knowing the hosting environment is technically secure.
Custom CMS
With a custom system, I have full control to add this header directly in my server configuration, like with an Apache or Nginx file.
I recommend setting it to DENY if I absolutely do not want my pages ever loaded in a frame.
This level of control ensures the highest possible security against framing attacks.
X-Frame-Options in Various Industries
I apply this security measure to protect the integrity and user experience for every type of business.
Ecommerce
I use this header to protect my checkout pages and payment forms from being framed on a malicious site.
If a customer suspects a security issue during checkout, they will immediately leave, and I will lose the sale.
A secure, non-framed experience builds trust, which encourages more completed purchases.
Local Businesses
For a local business, this header prevents competitors from framing my review forms to trick users into leaving bad ratings.
It also stops the website from being visually hijacked to advertise something unrelated to my business.
I keep my site secure to maintain my positive reputation and local search visibility.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
Security is paramount for SaaS, especially to protect the login pages and user dashboards from clickjacking attacks.
I must ensure that my customers’ login credentials are safe and that no one can steal session information.
This technical header is a fundamental part of projecting a professional, secure image.
Blogs
I use this header to prevent my popular articles from being framed and shown on ad-filled, low-quality spam sites.
When my content is framed, the user’s experience is ruined, and they associate the bad experience with my brand.
I keep my content safe on my own domain to ensure a good user experience and protect my brand authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main values for the X-Frame-Options header?
The three main values I use are DENY, SAMEORIGIN, and ALLOW-FROM.
DENY means no site, not even my own, can frame the page; SAMEORIGIN allows framing only by my own domain.
ALLOW-FROM is older and lets me list a specific, single other website that can frame the page.
Does this header help with PageSpeed?
No, this header does not directly make your website load faster.
It is strictly a security and content integrity header, not a performance optimization.
It helps keep your site secure, which is just as important as speed for long-term SEO success.
Should I use this header on all my pages?
I recommend using this header on every page, with the value set to at least SAMEORIGIN.
You can set it on the entire website through your server configuration for simple, full coverage.
This prevents all unnecessary and malicious framing, which is a great default security practice.
