Google Encrypted Search and the Effects on SEO - Titan SEO

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The SEO industry finds itself in upheaval as Google announced that searches will now be encrypted for logged in Google users. What will be the effects on SEO and the industry? And the most important question... Is this really as bad as everyone is making it out to be?

While there is disconcerting chatter and SEO's all over are throwing accusations for 'hypocrisy' and greed, we are here to reflect the facts.

What is Google's Encrypted Search?

It should come as no surprise that Google is creating more privacy for their users, although, this does not apply to AdWords searches, interestingly enough. The new encrypted search will apply to Google users who are logged into Google while they are searching; meaning, Google is blocking referrer data from third parties, which also includes Google Analytics. Users can opt to search in privacy by logging into their Google account or using the https://www.google.com URL. Though Google announced that less than 10% of users will be affected, it is difficult to tell how much data will now be hidden from analytics users.

The Effects on SEO

This loss of data has put SEO's in a frenzy, since they analyze key phrases and their conversions, and optimize based on that data. While the loss of some of this data in Analytics could be described as an inconvenience, it is not as unfortunate as it seems. Look to this change as a minor speed bump in the already constantly evolving world of SEO. It's nothing we can't handle, and more importantly, nothing that holds a candle to the most important SEO tactics.

Getting relevant data on markets and keywords in Analytics will not change. Although some data may not be available that was previously, SEO will live on! Let this be a reminder that the most important SEO strategies still remain, and continue to be the cornerstone for any effective SEO agency.

Submitted by Erica Machin, Titan SEO

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SOURCE Titan SEO