Eight Steps to Web Success

What is RSS? Really Simple Syndication is the name for the letters. But what does that really mean? Basically, it is a way to distribute your news or let people know when you have new content on your site.

RSS is more pull technology instead of push technology. With Email addresses you send out information. But RSS allows you to create an XML file with titles, descriptions and date of last update and then make it available to software that reads it. People have to come to your site to get your XML file. You don't send it to them. There are RSS Readers available such as, Pluck, that allow your internet browser to poll an RSSFeed to see if there is any updated content and then it delivers the content to your desktop.

So what does this mean to a web business person? It is another opportunity for you to give your message to potential customers. A person may be reluctant to give you his or her email address. Now they can control the information they get from you, getting it when and where they want.

I have created my RSS feed XML file, now what? Make people aware you are providing this service. Some people use orange buttons that say "RSS" or "XML" and others just provide a link to their XML file. Put the link on your web site, every page would be good and your customers that are interested in the service just click on the link and pick it up with their RSS reader.

You can also contact the RSS feed directories to catalog your RSS feed, which may draw additional traffic to your site.