So as we get closer and closer to October 1st, people are getting more and more curious about Facebook’s new mandated SSL certificate requirements.
For those who have not heard, starting Oct. 1, Facebook will be mandating an SSL certificate for all custom tabs on Facebook fan pages. To dive into this a little further, let’s all start with nice, deep, calming breath….[deep sigh]….Good.
Now let’s talk about the new Facebook SSL and how it affects you.
What is a Facebook SSL?
An SSL certificate is a “Secure Socket Layer” certificate. If a page has an SSL certificate, it means that the information is securely encrypted and thus safer from online attack. You may already be familiar with this concept, as it can also be said that a page has an SSL certificate if the URL starts with “https”, the “s”standing for “secure” in that case.
Only your custom tabs are effected by the new Facebook SSL requirements.
Facebook SSL is an attempt by Facebook to mandate that all custom tabs, applications, and widgets used on the Facebook platform provide their users with the highest level of safety and protection.
Facebook has come under fire since its inception for their lack of protection of proprietary and private information, and this is actually a very positive step in that direction for Facebook users everywhere.
As of October 1st, all custom tabs on Facebook fan pages will need to be operating under an active SSL Certification.
What happens if I don’t have one?
Let me dispel some rumors going around, after October 1st, if your fan page’s custom tabs don’t have an active SSL cert, your pages will not explode, be deleted, or physically attack anyone who lands on your fan page.
If your pages don’t have an SSL cert after Oct. 1, any users that land on your page will receive a notification from Facebook that they must click through to view your page. I land on your page. I get a quick pop-up. I click through. And just like that I am looking at your page, exactly as you designed it.
Yes, the pop-up isn’t ideal. But don’t listen to these guys out there screaming about how you need to buy their new “Facebook SSL” e-book that will explain the secrets to avoiding complete and total fan page damnation after October 1st.
These guys are crackpots, and unless you are purchasing an actual SSL cert, please do not spend any money on this mini Y2K, scare-tactic-filled frenzy.
How do I get a Facebook SSL?
First, check to see if you actually may already be protected. If you have any custom tabs with hosted text, videos, or pictures, check and see if the website you use for hosting is operating under an SSL cert.
You may need to contact your web hosting provider to check on this. If you don’t have an SSL cert on a site you use for hosting images, text, pictures, etc. used on your Facebook fan page, you can expect to pay between $500-$1,500 for an SSL cert.
Second, check and see if any applications you use on your fan page offer a Facebook SSL already. Applications like “Questions”, “YouTube”, and others often used on fan pages will all need your attention. Visit these applications’ pages and check on wether they offer an SSL cert with their application or not.
If you are unsure about the status of your SSL cert, you don’t want to deal with web hosting & code, or you aren’t willing to shell out the cash required for a SSL cert, then build your custom tabs with 5 Minute Fan Page. 5 Minute Fan Page is our monthly service that allows you to create professional grade fan pages at a fraction of the cost. And 5 Minute Fan Page comes a complete Facebook SSL for any custom tab made with our tool.
For current Get 10k Members, we will be releasing more info about the Facebook SSL, how it affects your pages, and what you need to do to be ready inside of Fan Page Secrets very shortly.
Can we panic yet?
Facebook’s new SSL mandate is actually a great addition. If anything, it will actually help legitimize Facebook marketing and the exchange of goods on the Facebook platform.
For those of us with legitimate business with nothing to hide, this truly is a great opportunity. Don’t allow the panic and mis-information to deter you from working hard to get Facebook to work for your business.
Welcome the change, and be patient and willing to adapt. Non-legit entrepreneurs & businessmen will turn and run at the first sign of adversity. Don’t be like them, constantly chasing the next-hottest thing, trying to make a quick buck.
Be willing to adapt, be consistent, and look at this change for what it is, another opportunity in an ever-changing world of internet marketing.
