Welcome to the Q&A Forum

Thanks Eric, I appreciate the response.

Thanks Logan!

Hey Mozzers,

I'll be moving several sites from HTTP to HTTPS in the coming weeks (same brand, multiple ccTLDs). We'll start on a low traffic site and test it for 2-4 weeks to see the impact before rolling out across all 8 sites.

Ideally, I'd like to simply 301 redirect the HTTP version page to the HTTPS version of the page (to get that potential SEO rankings boost). However, I'm concerned about the potential drop in rankings, links and traffic.

I'm thinking of alternative ways and so instead of the 301 redirect approach, I would keep both sites live and accessible, and then add rel canonical on the HTTPS pages to point towards HTTP so that Google keeps the current pages/ links/ indexed as they are today (in this case, HTTPS is more UX than for SEO).

Has anyone tried the rel canonical approach, and if so, what were the results? Do you recommend it?

Also, for those who have implemented HTTPS, how long did it take for Google to index those pages over the older HTTP pages?

Hi Harry,

I've been working with a company called Killer Infographics. The infographic was great and the cost was approx $750. Examples can be found here.

REMOVED

Hi Marisa,

I was in the same boat as you.

What I was able to do, was put a value, an ROI on my activity. In fact, I just blogged about my success over at YouMoz although it's pending right now. Not sure if you can see this blog post here but:... http://www.seomoz.org/ugc/four-seo-basics-that-helped-double-organic-traffic-and-sales-overnight

Basically, we took organic web traffic from 2,000 visits per week to 6,500 per week and organic weekly sales increased by 450%. Once I associated actual $$ from my efforts, I got full support.

Best of luck!

I've read tens, possibly hundreds of articles on subdomains vs folders.

I still prefer the folder approach (it makes more sense to me) but I'd be interested in seeing the article you refer to that says Google now views SD the same as folders. Much appreciated!

We have the same set (separate tracking) up in Google Analaytics at Hurtigruten. I prefer it this way than having one GA script that covers 3 or 4 sub-domains or TLD's.

Yes, it's as easy as adding the GA script to each site, but as a back-up, I'd also create a global account in GA that tracks all sites, just for ease of use when scanning reports or the dashboard when on-the-go.

For detailed reporting, one GA script per site works very well. Filters are required more when you have one account that covers all sites.

However, we have 21 websites. If you only have two and do not plan to expand, then perhaps one script is fine.

Best of luck!

Add mentioned by Mcarle, FOOTSTOOLs is your priority here. At first glance, I assume you are selling socks.

Suggestions:

1. Add real images of footstools, not the black and white designs

2. Move "This week's featured footstools" and "Free delivery" above the fold

3. Run a usability test using www.usertesting.com

4. Make the product the focus on the product pages, not the header (with socks)

5. Change the colour of your "Add to basket'" button

If possible, I would also remove the following step in the process and include in on the product page (with remove item): http://www.funkyfootstools.com/basket.asp?cat=3&prod=148

Best of luck!

I definitely recommend Google+ to build circles and share content

Second would be blogging and creating unique content

Third would be LinkedIn to share your blog posts and Google+ content in groups and to your connections

Hi Harry,

I've been working with a company called Killer Infographics. The infographic was great and the cost was approx $750. Examples can be found here.

I definitely recommend Google+ to build circles and share content

Second would be blogging and creating unique content

Third would be LinkedIn to share your blog posts and Google+ content in groups and to your connections

Hi Marisa,

I was in the same boat as you.

What I was able to do, was put a value, an ROI on my activity. In fact, I just blogged about my success over at YouMoz although it's pending right now. Not sure if you can see this blog post here but:... http://www.seomoz.org/ugc/four-seo-basics-that-helped-double-organic-traffic-and-sales-overnight

Basically, we took organic web traffic from 2,000 visits per week to 6,500 per week and organic weekly sales increased by 450%. Once I associated actual $$ from my efforts, I got full support.

Best of luck!

I recently improved my on-page SEO and saw a drop in one or two keywords due to changing the title tags and URL. More than a week later, they had regained their original ranking, with one increasing its position.

Although, if you could list two or three changes you made, I'm sure we could provide further help.

Hi Charlotte,

Firstly, I'd suggest signing up to www.usertesting.com and running three tests on your site (costs approx $40 per test).

Secondly. I suggest signing up to the conversion rate experts newsletter, which will provide you a series of free case studies, tips and improvements.

And without seeing the site, my gut says;

• Prioritize key functionality to the front page (order form, email sign up, etc)
• Remove "create account/ sign up" process or include "checkout as guest"
• Increase the number of payment options (paypal, credit card, bank wire)
• Merge offline channels with online by including catalogue/ brochure search on web
• Ensure the site has accurate pricing, images and descriptions (easily overlooked)

By following the above, I managed to help a client increase their conversion rate by 125%.

Best of luck!