September 2017 Ceatus Chronicles

A Disturbance in the Force!

Google’s HTTPS update announcement has practices asking if their website is in danger

A recent communication from Google suggested that there is an HTTPS-related update for users of the Chrome browser (owned by Google). Chrome is one of about seven or eight browsers popular among Internet surfers. Other popular browsers include Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, etc. According to Google’s communication, a small warning will appear in the Chrome browser address bar when a website user starts to type a message into a contact form on a non-HTTPS website. The image below shows how this warning will appear.

As with all Google announcements, this one has posed many questions but provided few answers. Below is a guide to navigating this latest Google update.

Should You Convert Your Practice Website to HTTPS?

HTTPS was designed to protect (through encryption) personal and financial data that is stored on or drawn from website databases whereby the private data is used for transactions. These systems are typically used for websites where consumers log in, such as large e-commerce and financial institution sites, as well as for other companies that regularly store secure information in their website databases.

We sometimes get the question, “Do I need HTTPS for my practice website?” Practice website databases rarely store practice or patient financial or personal information. Practice websites typically only store and present/display files intended to be viewed by the public, such as text, graphics, pictures and video files.

Bottom Line: In general, HTTPS encryption is not needed for most practice websites.

HTTPS and HIPAA

We have also been asked the question, “Is it true that moving my website to an HTTPS server will make my email completely secure?” The answer is an unequivocal NO! A completely secure email chain only occurs if both the sender’s and receiver’s email is secure, i.e. if both the practice AND the patient log into a secure system to send and read the email (think banking or insurance).

Bottom Line: Simply put, hosting a website on an HTTPS server does not/cannot create a secure email system. However, having your website contact forms, and data captured from them, hosted on a secure server is a good idea, which is why we have been doing this for our Ceatus clients for many years.

Does This Affect SEO?

There has been some talk about a connection between HTTPS and the Google ranking algorithm. Of course, we monitor all search engine activities very closely and while Google has stated this is one of the hundreds of ranking factors, there has been no evidence to demonstrate that HTTPS sites outperform non-HTTPS sites in the search results. Google uses more than 200 different signals, both on and off the practice website, to determine website ranking.

Bottom Line: At this time, HTTPS is not among the wide variety of variables important for obtaining higher rankings. The key variables continue to include unique content, links, coding, citations, social media engagement, reviews, etc.

What About the Future?

There are circumstances in which HTTPS websites are either required or requested, which is why Ceatus has always offered HTTPS server hosting to our clients. Unlike most Digital Marketing companies, Ceatus has its own internal IT and software development departments. These teams of experienced systems and programming experts have developed the HTTPS systems that we use to protect data on our own encrypted servers. We utilize these servers to store the private data entrusted to us by our own employees and clients. Suffice it to say, we are experts in this technology.

Bottom Line: While as of this moment, not having HTTPS status is not detrimental to the Digital strategy of the average practice website, conversion to HTTPS may be something to consider as Google continues to refine its algorithm and integrates this factor with other variables such as website, browser and search features. Stay tuned and, as always, we will keep you updated as changes to Google’s algorithm occur and best practices evolve.

What If I Want to Convert Now?

For those who would like to proactively convert their website to HTTPS, we are offering a discounted package through November 30, 2017. Contact us for pricing and mention “Ceatus Newsletter.”

Internet Tip of the Month

According to Facebook (our staff met directly with Facebook executives), the 80/20 rule applies. Specifically, less than 20% of posts should be used for promotion, while 80% or more should be used to prompt engagement. Engaging posts build relationships with your current audience and expand your reach for future social success, and this engagement sends signals to the search engines that are used to determine your website rankings.

All (promotion) is not lost, however. Once you get your followers engaging with your Facebook, you can then mix in effective promotion. This strategy can become a big money maker for your practice.

Q: How do “social signals” impact my search engine rankings?

How? The Google algorithm now evaluates the interactivity and engagement of visitors with your online presence. So while there is no direct correlation between the number of social posts and your search rankings, there is a relationship between the engagement your posts receive and your rankings on Google, Bing and Yahoo.

Bottom Line: Make sure your posts are engaging rather than promotional.

The Birds (1963)

The quaint and sleepy town of Bodega Bay, CA becomes terrorized by violent birds in this famous Hitchcock thriller. A cult classic that weaves good old-fashioned suspense and horror into a stunning and elaborate plot. You’ll never look at birds the same!

Frankenstein (1931)

An obsessed scientist, Dr. Henry Frankenstein, attempts to make a creature of his own devices with body parts of the deceased. Frankenstein succeeds in bringing his creation to life and, in a fit of confusion and trauma, it escapes to torment and wreak havoc in the neighboring countryside. “It’s Alive! It’s Alive!” Dr. Frankenstein cries, in one of the most iconic scenes in cinema history.

The Mummy (1932)

A group of British archeologists stumble upon mummified remains of an Egyptian prince, Imhotep, and a legendary scroll that seems to have mysterious powers. When one of the archeologists recites the scroll aloud, the mummy comes to life and quickly escapes. Years later, Imhotep, disguised as a wealthy man, returns to Egypt in search of his lost love who he thinks has been reincarnated into the beautiful Helen Grosvenor. Love and intrigue!

Dracula (1931)

With dashing good looks, a castle and refined clothing, one could say Dracula is quite the charmer. But considering his penchant for luring beautiful and unsuspecting women in to his lair to suck their blood and turn them into vampires, one could also say he doesn’t have the best intentions. When he sets his sights on a beautiful daughter of a prominent doctor, vampire hunter Van Helsing is brought in to the stop the count’s bloodlust.

The Raven (1963)

Edgar Allen Poe’s famous poem comes to life in this tongue-in-cheek ‘60s film adaptation. Sorcerer Erasmus Craven has been mourning the death of his wife Lenore, when he is visited by a raven. He soon discovers that this raven is none other than his wizard apprentice, Dr. Bedlo. Bedlo explains that an evil doctor, Dr. Scarabus, turned him into a raven and that he may have seen Craven’s wife’s ghost walking the halls of Dr. Scarabus’ castle. The two team up to exact revenge and to reunite Craven with his love. Revenge is a dish best served cold.

House on Haunted Hill (1959)

Enter if you dare! Rich oddball Frederick Loren has a proposal for five guests to come to his haunted mansion. If they survive for a night they will receive $10,000 each. But what he doesn’t know is that two of the guests are Loren’s estranged wife and her secret lover — with plans of murdering Loren! Who’s scaring who, in this cat and mouse game?

Tarantula (1955)

A group of desert scientists try to stop the King Kong of spiders from taking over the town. Spiders… Need we say more?