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Thanks for the input. Irving, I was going to put a redirect in, so that any time a user goes to the checkout page, it redirects from the http:// version to the https:// version (no matter how they get there: clicking a link, typing it in directly, black magic, etc). I believe the search engine bot should honor the redirect and only see the https version.

Excellent. Good luck on your climb to page 1.

I have to agree with John. Just another thing to consider, in the past when we've launched a new domain we've 'acquired' (through hard work, not through $) a few very high quality links and not bothered with any low value links. We will then let those links sit there for some time (1-2 months) before trying to target other links. Because your domain is quite mature (in a sense), you should be fine, especially if you are hiring a highly reputable SEO firm. Just make sure they are very transparent in what they do. Good luck!