Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Thank you for your purchase. Should you have any technical issues or questions feel free to contact us.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

I am using CDSEO will this mod have a negative effect at all?

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Hi,

I purchased this mod and trying to install.

I'm having hard time with 'patching 3rd party skin' part of the installation guide (at http://help.x-cart.com/index.php?title=X-Cart:Rich_Google_Search_Results).

I am using Phil's Smart Template. Is there any patch instruction for this template?

Thanks in advance.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

As I wrote here:
http://forum.x-cart.com/showpost.php?p=351021&postcount=39

We are not aware of any problems with CDSEO, but if you face any, we will be happy to sort them out.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Feel free to post a new ticket into our Helpdesk. We will be glad to help you.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

In addition to Tony's message, please refer either to Tony or to me (Alex Diatchkov) in your ticket so that it goes directly to us. We will help you to sort it out.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Status report on this mod, pelase?

Is everyone happy with the results?
Are you seeing better metrics and conversion with vs. without?
Has Google picked up the advanced customer reviews stars?
If anyone has this successfully operational, please PM me with product names that I can search for. I promise I won't blow your site's metrics and I won't click through.

3 Questions for Alexander and/or Tony:

1. if I install this into 4.5.4 gold plus, what is your upgrade policy for future x-cart versions (i.e. will the 4.5.5 upgrade include patches for this mod and do you test for compatibility going forward?)

2. Also, what does this mod do to site performance? Does this make a feed that is uploaded to Google, or does Goog have to find the snippets and then index it?

3. Are there circumstances where Google does not display the rich code? Or conversely, can you guarantee that Google will display the star ratings and price of my products in the results?

I like the "idea" of the star ratings and price delivered to Google. But it has to work. Sell me.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

@ carpeperdiem: Personal comment on this
I have this for a long time now but not the QT mod - I coded this myself into my stores to correct places where the code belongs. There is no feed to submit - SE will find the tags and it's up to them to index it or not. I don't think this feature is aimed at better sells or conversion - it is to make it easier for customers to see product info in search results as well as ratings instead of going to merchant page... so easy to compare search result right there on that same page.

This doesn't affect site performance - it is simple info included in the html source - it is already available on the product page in XC anyway.

There is no quarantee that SE will display these tags or on which products will display them. This is up to SE to decide. As long as you have them and they are properly formatted - SE will index them at some point.

I have installed this mod on couple carts, I have coded my own on others... both ways work and both ways end up showing the info needed in proper format. I don't think you will make a mistake buying the mod - it will do what it's supposed to do I think. As for licensing and other techinical info - not my place to answer that :)

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Thanks for this, Steve.

As a coder, if you can roll your own, what benefit does the site developer have with this mod vs. having you just code it? Is it really more than a hour of work? I guess so...

I've received a few "just do it" PMs.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

This mod will install on unmodified stock skin out of the box so easy to install. If you have 3rd party skin or very customized stock skin then all changes has to be manually applied. I can't say that one way is better than the other - I made my changes directly in the template files as needed; the QT mod has the these changes in separate templte files and refrences them in the templates they apply...

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Thanks Steve for detailed answers!

As of upgrades, of course we double check the module compatibility with the upcoming version and generate new module distribution right after release. So, you will just need to re-install the module after upgrade.

As of Google not showing rich snippet, we did have some clients having this problem, but our support team is always ready to investigate the problem, submit a form to Google team in order to review why it is happening and finally apply the solution according to Google feedback.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

I installed this a month ago, can't say it's shown any results yet but I know it will take some time to take effect, just like any kind of SEO change. Figured it can't hurt...

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Has ANY X-Cart store with "Advanced Customer Reviews" integrated this mod and have Google display the star-rating in the index yet?

Please PM me name of the product -- I'd love to see what it looks like in the real world.
Thanks.
J

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Hello

My website is down right now because we are working on it but I wanted to share with you a screen shot.

It is working good for me. on select products.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Good to know! Thank you for sharing

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

I do think there is a problem with the module now I look at it.

My website is still under development so please disregard the mess of a site.

But paste this link in google and it will generate random reviews with meta description as the same on all of them but NOTHING is in the admin meta description.

Also there is no reviews on this product but it displays random review numbers + it also generates RANDOM start ratings. some items have 2 stars and nobody has even seen the product.

http://www.2wheelpartssupply.com/Bike-Master-TruGel-Battery-MG10ZS.html

PLEASE CLICK LINK FIRST AND COPY AND PASTE FROM BROWSER INTO GOOGLE.

Please help me asap because this is false information

1. It generates the same meta description and that text is not even included in the product.


2. It says it has reviews and no reviews are placed on the products.

3. Price and in stock does not display all the time.



example #2
Paste in browser and then google
http://www.2wheelpartssupply.com/DUCATI-848-08-10-1098-R-S-08-10-1100-Street-Fighter-09-10-Multistrada-120...r-Filters.html


As you can see it displays the correct pricing and shows the in stock icon. But it also says there is 1 review - NOT TRUE

The description in the meta is wrong.



Example 3

http://www.2wheelpartssupply.com/YOSHIMURA-EPA-Noise-Comliant-System-Yamaha-With-Stainless-End-Cap-194731-12.html

This one says it has 18 reviews and there is NO reviews. Also its pulling data from the description.


Everything is so random I can not lie to my customers


please help asap.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

There is a thorough investigation required. Unfortunately I can't tell for sure with just looking at the products, we need to examine your code.

Please post a new support ticket via HelpDesk with a reference to Alexander Diatchkov and description of the problem.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Thanks Rocky

I have submitted the info along with my access in the secure area.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Got it. We will contact you shortly.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

What a mess of an installer! I am terribly disappointed in how this installer was coded!

Instead of patching what it can and making a list of "please patch these files" - the installer gives an either/or and you either have to abort the installer and manually patch all, or permit it to overwrite all and then you have to move files around.

What a freaking PITA and contrary to EVERY OTHER installer from x-cart.

Why did you guys feel it was necessary to reinvent the wheel here?

I manually patched the files that need to be patched, but I can't run the installer now without thinking about many files...

Bad, bad, bad, bad installer programming. I am tempted to just ask for a refund and try this again when you guys build a better installer.

:-(

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

There's more... you should be ashamed for selling this for $79 without proper documentation or a working installer!

The docs say there are 5 templates to patch for 4.5.4 - 4 are in "your skin", and one is in -- hold on there...


Hold on a moment -- what about ADVANCED Customer Reviews? Please dont' tell me that ACR uses the vote_bar.tpl from a module that is disabled? Seriously? No, it doesn't.

Um, did I get the most recent distribution in my file area?
Are the docs here:
http://help.x-cart.com/index.php?title=X-Cart:Rich_Google_Search_Results

But the docs want me to patch ./modules/Customer_Reviews/vote_bar.tpl
-- why not
/common_files/modules/Advanced_Customer_Reviews/vote_bar.tpl
???

Sheesh.
This is NOT a complicated install -- it's only 5 templates and 1 php file. Why do you have to patch every possible skin file and files not-used?

SHOULDN'T the install for this product be simplified to reflect how simple it really is?

1. copy files: /modules/Rich_Google_Search_Results
2. patch php file: product.php
3. patch tpl files: ./customer/bread_crumbs.tpl.patch
./customer/home.tpl.patch
./customer/main/product.tpl.patch
./customer/main/product_details.tpl.patch
./modules/Customer_Reviews/vote_bar.tpl.patch
4. Run sql

F**k the installer!!! Why can't you guys make an installer for this that's on the scale of an Altered Cart or WebsiteCM or BCSE or any other professional software --

File name: xyz
FIND: <old code>
after, INSERT <new code>

This is really not very complicated.
I think you guys have made a mess of this installer and overly complicated things.

I am 50/50 on the fence of requesting a refund simply because the installer sucks.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

There's more...

from the module config settings:


If using Advanced Customer Reviews, "Customer Reviews" must be disabled. What should this setting be? This module appears to know that Advanced Customer Reviews exists:

from the docs:

But that is the ONLY mention of ACR anywhere in the docs or the module or the files.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

WHAT IF...
we don't want to display sku, weight, etc on product_details.tpl?

IN my product_details.tpl, I have this code block commented out because I don't want ANY of it to display...


SO if my page doesn't display these properties, I have to use an alternate method to get these fields onto the page without pissing off Google. What's the best way to do this? Can we use hidden divs? Will google see this? White text? I thought that was a no-no. What's the "good" way to allow google to pick these fields up without displaying them on my page?

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Please allow me to explain why I rant...

I am a manufacturer and merchant. My success depends on customer satisfaction and 85% repeat business. Making things is hard. Selling things is even harder. Making things that work as represented, and are easy to use requires experience in the business, and a constant fear that if you don't make the best product, your customer will buy someone else's.

My products are made in factories that require 6-12 weeks lead time. Once we approve a production master, that's it for 5000+ units per sku. If we don't get it right before it is manufactured, we don't have a 2nd chance without great expense. SO we test and test and proofread and get focus group feedback before we green light the plant. This is very common for physical goods, and for anything that is manufactured.

The problem with some software -- and it's way too common around x-cart, a "release" means it's going to be tested by by the customer.

Dammit, Jim...

This product was released 4 months ago. You would think this would all be resolved by now?

</rant>

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

SO... a few hours later, calm, but a bit hungry...

I edited the templates and the one php file based on the .patch files
Enabled the module
Cleanup.php
Cleared browser cache

OK -- let's see what this does...

1. It makes a total mess of the detailed product page.
2. It repeats the product description twice -- that is, whatever content is in the "Detailed description:" is placed on the page twice if the module is enabled. If the moduleis disabled, my site is perfect. [solved - see post #69]

Why is Rich Google Search Results messing with the visible content?

Shouldn't this be grabbing data from the database, format it the correct way for google, and then get the f**k out of the way of the page? Why is an include for the module duplicating content?

AND -- there is clearly a bad html tag -- looks like a closing "> is being left out to dry if the module is enabled.

Alexander, my distribution package must be defective -- you would never ship software that is known to not work correctly, right? Is there a possibility that the distributive from October 2012 has a known bug in it that has not been fixed?

Can you please update my file area? Please?

Thank you.
Jeremy

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Jeremy, the installer is the same as for all other modules. First of all it checks whether files can be patches and then it patches them. Or offers to overwrite them if files can't be patched.

I reckon that it's much more professional to have an automatic installer rather than a manual one (as third-party modules). A user just need to launch a script via web and the module is installed.

As for the partial patching, we will take it into consideration and try to improve it, thank you for suggestion.


Regarding a duplicating content and ">" sign, I suppose files were incorrectly patches. I'd recommend you to contact our support team. We will be glad to perform thorough investigations and help you.


Speaking of the invisible or hidden content, as you probably know Google doesn't disclose methods of indexing websites. However, it's recommended to have visible content so that Google could grab it.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Alexander,

The Rich Google Search Results installer is NOT like X-Cart "upgrade" installers (which I have used countless times)... The upgrade installers patch what it can, then displays a list of "can not patch" files. We can then edit the files manually, and alter the file.lst to exclude the manually patched files.

What makes the "manual" installers superior to a partial or incomplete automated installer -- it's a sure thing. There is total transparency -- we know where every file is placed or modified;

Your installer did not tell me what was installed. Then it forced me to abort the process since at least one file could not be patched automatically. I have no idea if all the files were installed or not. I don't know if the sql patches were run or not. Your installer may be fine for an unmodified xcart, but let'sd be realistic: the customer who will install this is generally NOT going to have an unmodified xcart. SO now your automated perfect installer is useless for the bulk of your customers. THIS module demands a manual installation that is professionally documented.

The 3rd parties are smart -- by providing detailed installation documentation, if you simply follow the instructions your module will install perfectly. You know exactly what files are being added. You know exactly if you've installed the patches correctly or not -- if you go down the checklist, it's a done deal. Look at a WebsiteCM or AlteredCart installation -- it doesn't get more clear. This is once again a case of "look, my son is only one in the parade marching in-step"

If your installer raises these questions, maybe the installer is defective?

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Alexander,

Can you please discuss the use/installation of this module if Advanced Customer Reviews is already in place?

Do any ACR files need to be patched? Settings? DO we still patch the original Customer Review templates? Why? If the Customer Review module is disabled, why are we patching its files and checking a config setting to use it?

This is TOTALLY unclear and an omission from the documentation.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Here's the reason for the duplicate content:

IN the patch file:
/x-rich-gsearch-results.patches/skin/books_and_magazines/customer/main/product.tpl.patch

FIND:

This displays the {$product.fulldescr|default:$product.descr}, then it displays the same thing from the module.

The code should look like this:


(add the else and move the default description include)

There still is the issue of the stray html... this is NOT a defect in my patch, it's an issue in modules/Rich_Google_Search_Results/description.tpl -- please stand by, I will fix this for you.

Are you certain you tested this before you released it?

Alexander, you see - if your installer was more generic and didn't try to be everything to everyone, it would have been very obvious that there should only be a single call for the full description.

I don't like paying for software then having to not only report the bugs, fix them myself. You could have spotted this in a heartbeat too.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

I wish it were as simple... on some of my products, the left bar disappears entirely.

This module is a mess.

Did you guys really test this?

I have to turn it off again.

I can't recommend this to anyone until you fix it.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Comprehensive bug reports and details provided via help desk.
Thank you for solving this.

Jeremy

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

OK -- here's another one to think about...

using the Google Structured Data Testing Tool:
http://www.google.com/webmasters/tools/richsnippets

IF you have CDSEO pro, the clean URL is not used... instead a URL looks like this:
http://www.domain.com/product.php?productid=1

(instead of: http://www.domain.com/category/product-name.html)

Of course, CDSEO 301s the ugly URL back to the correct pretty one, but we don't want the ugly URL used at all.

This can't be good...

Anyone using CDSEO Pro with this? What's the workaround?

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Jeremy, if it didn't work for you it doesn't mean it didn't work for others. It went smoothly for the majority of our customers.

The module is definitely not a mess. It's needless to say that we have surely tested this extension thoroughly before releasing it. Something just went wrong in your case and we are willing to sort it all out and help you. You've posted a new ticket and we will contact you there shortly.

I reckon it's prematurely to say that the module is worthless unless we find out an origin of all these issues you encountered. I'm sure we will find a solution.

Now speaking of the installer, I have to disagree with you on this one. I'm totally sure that an automatic installer is much better than a manual one. Let me explain why.

1) First of all, every file might be patched automatically and all you need to do is to unpack a distributive package and run the installer. Easy, isn't it?

2) If something goes wrong and one of the file can't be patched, you can always check hanks and find out why it can't be patched (as usual it's because of the corresponding code modified). All the patches information is stored in module_name/.patches folder. You will find there files with ".patch" extension which contain all the information you need. So, you can patch the files manually.

Patch application process is well-documented. Please refer to the following article for more information on how to apply patches:

http://help.x-cart.com/index.php?title=X-Cart:Applying_Patches

To put it in a nut shell, 3d-party module offers only manual installation, whereas X-Cart offers you an automatic installation and manual one as an alternative.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

We will have to agree to disagree.

I think one big problem is that my store is based on Books and Magazines skin, and this skin is very different than other xcart skins -- especially product.tpl, and the patch had a bug in it, which opened the can of worms for me.

I still prefer manual installations of modules. I will always prefer to know what files are being copied or modified. The auto installer does not share this info.

In the case of the X-Cart UPGRADE installer, it is very clear on files -- the module installer may be related, but it leaves things hanging.

We will have to disagree on this one. Thanks.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

I've made CDSEO compatible and I'm just finishing up testing. Will be available in CDSEO 1.9.1 shortly.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Thanks Jon

I was just going to buy your module for my new store but I will wait until you release it.

I LOVE YOUR MODULE>

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

:) It will be available in about an hour.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

CDSEO upgrade is available.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

great I will be buying this tonight.

Re: Rich Google Search Results module released
 

Hey Jon

do I buy the http://www.websitecm.com/x-cart-mods/cdseo-pro-x-cart-seo.html

Does this allow the google snippits