Trouble with https

[handsun]

A new client of mine utilizes a ssl certificate, so his domain starts with https, it seems to be messing up the seo. I just ran a check with site explorer and if I copy and paste the https url into site explorer, it is not found.  when I enter http, I get 1 backlink, no facebook likes and no internal links, all which are totally incorrect. Where do I start to sort this out?, htaccess, and what is the best strategy to take?

Thanks so much for your assistance! Carin

[Unity]

Normally I just use https for the pages that require it, like during the cart process. That means the top level pages are http only and SEO isn't affected. Could you do that?

[polarking]

How long ago was the site launched? I ask this because Seomoz uses a database. What happens if you do a link: www.example.com?

[handsun]

The site has been live for a couple of years, I can find it without the https. but the data is not complete. How often approximately does the database update, for facebook and other link data?

[handsun]

I guess it is being redirected in htaccess, he doesn't have a cart its an insurance site, and there is really no need for ssl in my understanding. I have already built links to the https, so I guess I could just redirect them to http. Its worth a try.

But I still don't understand if having https: is a confusing element in seo and dilutes and hides links?

[AdamThompson]

I have never done SEO on an https page, but there are quite a few https pages that rank well. Here are some more notes: http://www.seomoz.org/ugc/seo-for-https-with-s-like-secure

[handsun]

I would like  to redirect all https links that have been built to http and make sure http is always served up, not https as it is now. there is no real need for a secure connection as the forms all just ask for email or phone number, no personal information. right now htaccess shows the following: Any help would be appreciated!

RewriteCond %{HTTPS} off
RewriteRule (.*) https://%{HTTP_HOST}%{REQUEST_URI}

[handsun]

Also should I make not of that redirection in google webmaster account too? Like a canonical redirect can be noted?