Google introduces HTTPS as a search ranking signal

Google has taken the next stage in its push for “HTTPS everywhere” by announcing that it now uses HTTPS as a ranking signal in its search ranking algorithms.

Although Google says that the primary concerns are regarding security and enhanced performance and that currently HTTPS is currently only regarded as a “lightweight” signal it seems fairly obvious that at some point in the future it could become a heavyweight ranking factor as low quality web sites and affiliate marketing style sites are unlikely to go to the additional expense of having an SSL certificate.

So we can see that if goole chooses, at some point they could choose to filter search results aggressively using HTTPS as a primary signal.

For googles own take on this please view their own announcement using the link below.

http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/https-as-ranking-signal.html

Google Analytics Model Comparison Tool

Recently Google added a new reporting tool within the Conversion reports that gives new insight into tracked conversion data which is especially useful for eCommerce web site owners.

The Model Comparison tool extends the enhanced reporting functions that Google have been steadily adding to their Analytics reporting system and this new tool is particularly useful for people who run Pay Per Click campaigns such as Google Adwords.  Now you can run reports which provides information on revenue generation and CPA (cost per acquisition) comparing traditional last click statistics with first click and even last adwords click.

The results produced by these reports will surprise some while for others it will provide evidence to support previous assumptions about the effectiveness of their various marketing channels. Beyond the standard reports provided you are able to implement your own custom modelling.

Google information about attribution modeling 

 

 

How does Google handle duplicate content

This is a questions that is often raised by clients, here Google provides a straightforward explanation.

 

Google search results positions explained by Matt Cutts

This is an interesting video where Google’s Matt Cutts explains a bit about Google algorithms and how they are applied to search results.

 

Text Ads and Product Listing Ads produce a winning combination

Recent research undertaken  by Google and Millward Brown Digital suggests that online shoppers are more likely to respond to and buy from retailers and brands that display both text ads and product listing ads (Google Shopping) than from those that only show text ads.

 

For an interesting visual confirmation of results visit the link below

http://ssl.gstatic.com/think/docs/text-ads-and-product-listing-ads_products.pdf