Recently, I was doing a search for plug-ins to fix a specific problem. It was easy to find and install using Plugins and Add New from within WordPress. However, the info that displayed was a subset of what was available. In hindsight, I wish I had done the same search against https://wordpress.org/plugins/ because it would’ve saved me some heartache.
Mixed Content Warnings and HTTPS Changes
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.
Moving to HTTPS
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?
Lessons Learned Using Google Consumer Surveys
There are a lot of things I enjoy, but one that tends to make me smile is when I get to play with other people’s money. This is especially true if the donor is Google. Their coupon offer to use Google Consumer Surveys was one I couldn’t resist, but I should’ve waited.
Slash the Duplicate 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.
Where Else Has That Image Been Used
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.
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.
The Website Gatekeeper – Robots.txt
I got a call from a friend who was upset that his website traffic had dwindled, and sales were on a steep decline. My first thought was maybe he got caught up in some link scheme that got his site penalized. It turns out the problem was a simple mistake that many people have made including me.
Learn From Your Competitors History
Do you ever wish you could go back and see website snapshots over time? Perhaps, you’d like to see how a competitor looked or even your own site. Although we don’t have a web time machine, two free resources can provide you a historical perspective.
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.