Really Simple Syndication or RSS is a useful tool for easily retaining updated information on your favorite websites without having to visit them. RSS is based on a XML code that periodically scans the content of a specific website in search for new information. It then sends the information as a feed. More specifically, a RSS feed.
Well, it allows your viewers to read your content without having to visit your site. They accomplish this by subscribing to your feed via an Aggregator. An aggregator is able to pull your feed and display it in front of your visitor. Think of it as a software application that is either web-based or run locally on your computer. Once the user opens his/her aggregator of choice, your content is automatically pulled and displayed. How awesome is that?
This fact alone will enhance the visibility of your site. Here’s a quick example: Every month your website broadcasts a new product that you’re promoting. Let’s say there’s a sale involved. How will your visitor know without having to visit your site? There’s no way to accomplish this without a RSS feed. If you supply a RSS feed, they can just subscribe to your content using their aggregator. In turn, it will instantly provide them a link to the features on your site.
Another reason why having a RSS feed is important is that allows you to get indexed in the search engines a lot quicker. Yes, you guessed it. You can subscribe to your own feed using their own web-based tools like Google Reader and your My Yahoo page.
In the end, a RSS feed is just another tool. You have to use it in order to benefit from it.
Technorati Tags: rss blog, rss website, rss feed
