How do I implement SSL correctly without losing rank?

[Ocularis]

I need to add SSL to our site in some capacity - either entirely, or just on specific pages (form pages, for example.)

How do I implement this properly so as not to lose rank?

[donford]

It is normal to have SSL on page where information is exchanged.

Login/Register
Some Form Submissions (Applications and the Like)

That said, there is very little point in making your entire site SSL, you typically only need to enable it for the sections mentioned above which in most cases have no benefit on your ranking so its not much to worry about.

In the case of changing an existing page from http to https I would use a 301 redirect for only those pages that need SSL and only if the page has search engine value, then update your internal linking structure appropriately, (you don't want to link to a redirect).

Did that answer the question?

[Ocularis]

It definitely did. Thank you!