Mixed Content Warnings and HTTPS Changes

Page rendered without CSS

I plan on doing a longer post on the process of switching over to HTTPS. As you might guess, it’s not as easy as you think. Until I resolve the remaining issues, you’ll most likely see some mixed content warnings in your browser. That’s because both “secure” and “insecure”content is being served. If the page doesn’t look correct in your browser, you can accept the “insecure” content and it will look fine.  I’ve posted some shots of how different browsers show the error. 

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Moving to HTTPS

https icon example in address bar

Google recently indicated that HTTPS will be a ranking factor. That started some discussion with folks as to whether that would be enough of an incentive for people to change. I think it’s a good move on Google’s part, but not sure it will move the needle. I think making the move is something to investigate. I thought this would be a good challenge for me. Will it be easy for me to move to HTTPS, or will I find it cumbersome?

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Slash the Duplicate URLs

Screaming Frog results showing similar URLs

It’s not even April and I’ve made another foolish mistake on this site. Call it my own version of “March Madness” and quasi duplicate URLs. It’s an error of my own making and I have no one to blame. Chances are it may be one that you have too. Fortunately, I’ve discovered this one early so it will be easier to fix.

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Where Else Has That Image Been Used

example of searching for stock photo

This tutorial relates to a previous article where I questioned if stock photos were the best. I’m not against stock photos, but I think people should consider the context and frequency of use. Below are two reverse image search engines that you can use to see where an image has been used on the web. This is useful in evaluating if a photo has been overexposed or if someone else is using your images without permission.

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Every Picture Tells Two Stories

You know what happens when you get 5 webmasters on a phone call and the subject of Google duplicate image penalties comes up? The answer is easy — an argument. Each of us had ideas as to what was happening after hearing this rumor. None of us knows what Google is doing and some didn’t think there was a penalty.

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My Kingdom for an Email Address

Once in a blue moon, this dragon does shop. I was reading an email newsletter yesterday when I saw an ad from an online retailer. Instead of reading the article, I clicked through to learn more about the store and its offerings. My expectations utterly changed when I got to the site. I wondered if this online tactic had been tested, and then I saw it again.

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