This is disappointing
Yesterday I contacted Site Support after my social share count was lost when I converted to SSL.
On my website I use the Sumome plugin for my social feather and the numbers have all disappeared.
This is the reply from site Support...
"URLs starting with http are different than those starting with https. Many sites like facebook will not merge the two, as a result the counts will not reflect."
Well, I knew that.
This means we have to try and find a resolution ourselves. Some social sharing plugins are not affected though. I've heard from other members that their plugins are unaffected.
Time to get Googling I'm afraid :(
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An update: The good news is we can fix it. I have been in contact with Sumome Support and it's retrievable.
The bad news is it involves adding a bit code to the to our html files. I'm still in the process of learning this and understanding exactly what is required.
Once I've got my head around it I'll probably post some training, it's a bit techie, even for me.
This is only applicable for Sumome users.
Aye like I said earleir Craig, requires a coder/scripter...
Glad you got some positive feedback from the SumoMe Devs...and from Jay...
Neil
Neil,
You seem like the right guy to ask. Can you take a look at this for me? What is the best way to edit html files?
Hi Craig looks like a couple of folks have hooked onto this for you, so I figure we just let them do their thing and see what transpires...
Regards
Neil
Craig another thought. you could try to see if the search and replace tools available all over the net for WP will help, there are ones that cover just URLs and others that will scan your entire database and/or site...
You could try one out to see if you can find the code you need and if so, then replace the entry and then see if it works and then do the rest...
Oh and make sure you have a Database Backup (and probably a backup of your site files too) before you go meddling with the DB/Code...Usually works out ok but you dont want to be wishing you had not bothered...it is one of them just in case moments...
Look here for a heads up http://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-tutorials/how-to-find-and-replace-text-with-one-click-in-your-wordpress-database/
Also look at this SSL Fixer https://ssl.webaware.net.au/
There are various ones you can use that may help you...but I suspect your issue out of scope for these plugins, but worth knowing about nonetheless...
Best wishes
Neil
Thanks Neil, I'll check them out. I won't be adding any refs to the old http protocol though. I want my site to be secure so I think I'd prefer to forego the share counts. Thanks mate.
Hi Craig,
Even though the social count has been reset, it does not mean that the old social shares are no longer valid.
So, if you had a 100 social shares on Facebook, those 100 Facebook shares still count as a ranking metric.
There are going to be some caveats when it comes to switching to https as with any large change to a site.
But keep in mind that there is no charge for this new additional feature. Other places, you are required to make a significant investment to have this feature.
Hope this helps,
Jay
Hi Jay. agreed but...I am just asking here not complaining...
@There are going to be some caveats when it comes to switching to https as with any large change to a site.
Are these potential issues mentioned anywhere yet??? If not how was Craig and other members going to know about such potential pitfalls?
@But keep in mind that there is no charge for this new additional feature. Other places, you are required to make a significant investment to have this feature.
Never really a great argument, hey you might have crap in your eye, but at least its free...
I have not looked/activated SSL/TLS here as I have no sites here, but would like to see where the info about the activation of the SSL is located if possible.
Is the webinar going to the first info? Just wondering...
Kind regards
Neil
Hi Jay,
That's a bit of a relief. I read somewhere else that the ranking metric would be affected. If it isn't then that's pretty cool.
It seems that the share numbers can be retrieved. I contact Sumome support and it's workable.
I'm definitely not complaining about the SSL Jay, I'm over the moon with it.
Not Bugs, well known issues that are a result of different protocols at work (well same protocol - http with the addition of TLS/SSL to secure comms https), a bug is an error in logic or processing generally, this stuff is working as it should and how it would be expected to work at its base level.
You may also find some social feeds dont use TLS/SSL...
Neil
Aye its a right sod...I generally tend to put SSL on right at the outset if its available and only when it will make a difference to something...
At the least I usually advise customers that SSL is handy for logging into the back end...
The rest can be somewhat frustrating if you have changed halfway through development and are looking for full sitewide SSL...that redirects to the old http site...
Neil
Hi Neil,
I have contacted Sumome support. Maybe there is some code that can be added to bring them back.
There is a way but not generally user friendly and usually only if you have a cached site, and not something most helpdesk techs would be bothered to do to be honest, unless they have a strong coder/scripter as obviously they cant do 0000s manually.
The only way I know of that works generally is with the SocialWarfare plugin, also see here https://www.freewheelings.com/converting-wordpress-https-ssl-preserving-social-share-button-counts/ scroll down somewhat and read, I dont know if the newest version can pick up both, after the fact, but it basically takes the counts and merges them for a true count...
I am surprised this was not highlighted as a potential pitfall in the SSL info/tutorial or whatever SSL info was provided to you all...
Prolly best to wait and see what they say! Also I notice there is some walkthrough or something on the 7th Jan, for the SSL stuff, is this a repeat or is this the first in the sessions for SSL switching???
Best wishes
Neil
Hi Neil,
I have looked at both of them, thanks. Freewheelings seem to think that adding code can do it, but I'm not a techie as such. I'll wait and see if Sumome Support come back with anything.
I'm a bit reluctant to switch to Social Warfare since Sumome is pretty much integrated into my site with email popups too etc.
There is a Webinar tomorrow with Jay about SSL. I'll see if this throws up anything too.
Thanks for your help.
I agree Craig, my advice matches your own thoughts and my advice, to you and others, sit tight until someone who knows more about said situation can give you an authoritative answer, I could say more but to be honest, I feel it is just best left to the techs at WA, and those who have a better understanding of the behind the scenes hosting here at WA and also like you say, and have done, contact the Devs at SumoMe to see if they have any advice they can provide to you.
One of the reasons I am reluctant to run my site here, and the reason I host my own stuff, is because I know exactly what’s going on and what I can and cannot do, I have far more control over my stuff.
Best wishes and I hope you get a resolution.
Neil
Sorry. I haven't changed over yet. I have the sumome work out in but I haven't done much with social networks yet, except for Google+. I'm about half afraid to change over now. Does it affect Google ranking for your site?
Yes, if your share count is lost it will have an adverse effect, from what I've read so far.
So sorry to hear and good to know. :) If you find a solution, please post it for others. Thanks!
Yeah I've seen a couple other people post with the same problems. If FB isn't going to count them though, I don't know what other option there is. But if you find something do share.
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You will get it done, I have to do it to this week.