Site Wide SSL is a Go For Those That Want it


cyber-attack.jpgMatt Cutts chimed in that it should be safe to use SSL (HTTPS) site wide from an SEO standpoint after Facebook's formal announcement that they will be rolling out HTTPS as the default connection option for all pages for North American users.

SSL (aka HTTPS) encrypts information sent over the internet, protecting it from outside attacks. Typically it's only been used on pages that transmit sensitive information like ordering pages or login pages but sites such as Facebook and PayPal are moving towards HTTPS site wide to protect more user information.

In the past, there was some question as to how HTTPS site wide would affect SEO strategies, 301 redirects, and analytics. In a video, from May 2011, Matt had previously urged caution for sites that wanted to use HTTPS site wide, as there were so few sites to test how it would affect ranking.

However, in his latest statements he says 'at this point I'd say feel free to go HTTPS.' He explained that previously there was a minor bug that may have caused problems for sites that he believes now to be resolved.

Cutts also reminds us that if you wish to make the switch, test it on a domain with lower traffic first. HTTPS can slow down site load speed (a big ranking factor) so you need to test and make sure that your site is optimized for speed before moving foward. For more information on site speed, check out these previously published resources here and here.

Protecting your site visitors information is important. A site that is protected with HTTPS site wide may see an increas...

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