We’re sure you’ve heard by now that Google has announced that going HTTPS by adding a SSL 2048-bit key certificate on your site will give you a minor ranking boost. What does this mean for your site? Should you switch over to using full SSL? Can Kryptronic software handle this properly?
The Skinny
In a nutshell, Google says this gives websites a small ranking benefit, only counting as a very lightweight signal within the overall ranking algorithm. In fact, Google said this carries less weight than other signals such as high-quality content. Based on their tests, Google says it has an impact on fewer than 1% of global queries but said they may decide to strengthen the signal because they want to encourage all website owners to switch from HTTP to HTTPS to keep everyone safe on the web.
Wow. This represents a big change to the way the web works. We’ve been told since the beginning (think the early 90’s when neon clothing was popular, rap went mainstream and Saved by the Bell was on TV) that the encryption used to create SSL transmissions from browser to server and back again should only be used on pages that need to be secure, which collect customer or sensitive information. We were told this to ensure Internet traffic isn’t bogged down with unnecessary SSL encryption. How things have changed… Google has been telling webmasters it is safe to change over to SSL for years. But you need to take the proper steps to ensure your traffic doesn’t suffer.
What Does All This Really Mean, and What Should I Do?
Good question. After going over all the documentation, and reading what all the talking heads are saying about this, Kryptronic has compiled the following list of recommendations for site owners using Kryptronic’s ClickCartPro and EuropaCart:
1. The signal for SSL use is very lightweight at this time, and as far as we can tell, the signal is being used to check SSL availability on websites, not whether or not the full site is running via SSL. Kryptronic recommends installing an SSL certificate on your website and configuring our software to use SSL for normal page requests which should be SSL-based. Our Kryptronic Managed Hosting accounts are a perfect way to get your site running on a fast, stable and secure server with full SSL support.
2. At some point in the future, when the signal strength increases, we will be releasing updates and instructions for our software which will make it run an entire site via SSL. The software is capable of doing this now, accomplished with a simple SQL-based query, however Kryptronic does not recommend going full on SSL at this time. Just know the software you’re using is capable of doing so when, and if, the time comes. Our version 8 and higher software is capable of making this change.
3. It is highly recommended that you consider having Kryptronic migrate your full site to SSL, if you choose at this time to do so. There are a number of items which need to be addressed, like proper redirects and canonical URL changes to ensure your SEO does not suffer as a result of the change. Just submit a quote request through our Custom Shop if you want to move ahead with a full on SSL change ahead of everyone else. Again, this is not recommended, but we’re here to help.
Kryptronic Recommendation Summary
Basically we’re going to be taking a wait-and-see approach with this new ranking component. We recommend you get SSL running and configured now, and get your software ready by upgrading if you’re using an older version. We’re committed to ensuring your SEO is all it can be, and we’re here to help.
Read More: Helpful Links
Use the links below to learn more about this topic, and to contact Kryptronic for help.
Kryptronic Managed Hosting
Kryptronic Custom Shop
Google HTTPS as a Ranking Signal Announcement
Google Secure Your Site with HTTPS Article
