RSS is an acronym for a number of terms that all mean the same thing. The most commonly used term is 'really simple syndication'. RSS is a way for people to get live web feeds sent directly to their computers, so that they always have the latest blog posts, news stories, articles or other content from the websites they frequent...without having to visit the actual website.
RSS feeds are read using RSS readers or aggregators. This software can be installed on a computer or mobile device, or accessed online. When you subscribe to an RSS feed, your aggregator will check it regularly for updated content, download that content, and assemble it, along with the content from your other subscribed feeds, all in one place for easy access.
What Is RSS Good For?
If you're a webmaster, you should be using RSS to promote your website and drive more traffic. To do this, you will need an RSS feed of your own to syndicate your content.
RSS is an XML (Xtreme Markup Language) based format, but you don't have to know how to code in order to create your feed. There are many simple, free tools you can use to create your feed. Search for 'RSS builder' and you'll find a ton of them. Once you have created your feed, validate it to make sure it is working properly. Again, there are many free online tools to do this, and a quick search for 'RSS validator' will turn up loads.
When you create your feed, you will be given code to place on your site. Then you'll need an easy way for people to subscribe to your feed. You've probably seen the familiar orange button on other websites...that button links to the feed, and allows readers to subscribe with one click. Then, you need to promote your feed by submitting it to major RSS directories, such as Syndic8.com. You should also place a bit of code on your website that lets spiders know about your feed. You can usually get this code in the same place that you created your RSS feed.
If you do not update your web content often, you can still use RSS to drive traffic. Simply find RSS feeds from related websites, and display them on your website. Having dynamic, frequently updated content will help keep your site indexed and interesting to the search engines, and will encourage more visitors to come to your site.
Bird and Co Creative are a Worcestershire based graphic and web design company, creating innovative marketing solutions for small businesses. If your business requires a website, visit http://www.birdandcocreative.co.uk for further information and to view our portfolio of work.
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