RSS Feeds

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By Leigh A. Zaykoski


Marketing for Small Businesses

RSS stands for "Rich Site Summary," but a more simple definition would be a content format that allows other Web users to read that content on other sites. If you publish content on your Web site, you can include an RSS file that will allow others to use that content on their sites. This is a form of syndication, and it's becoming increasingly more popular. Knowing how RSS can help you market your business can help you to use this technology to bring more traffic toy our Web site and increase your sales conversions. If this happens, RSS will help you to have a more profitable business.

RSS is a Simple Way to Syndicate Content

When Web site owners want to share their content, they often get blocked by junk mail or spam filters. This means they cannot share their content with those who may enjoy reading it because it is blocked. RSS allows Web site owners to syndicate their content so that anyone with the ability to use RSS can access it and use it on the Web. The development of RSS means your marketing message will get across more successfully than if you were relying on e-mail marketing alone.

RSS is a Powerful & Versatile Communication Channel

RSS is for more than just blogs. Web site owners can syndicate almost any kind of content including audio clips, video clips, podcasts, articles, press releases, and marketing information. Because those subscribing to your RSS feed will be exposed to your news and information more frequently, you may generate an increased level of interest in your business and your Web site. If this happens, your Web traffic will increase and you'll see a higher level of sales. Many small business marketers are using RSS to accomplish this and have seen many successful results.

RSS Helps Build Relationships with Customers

RSS is a marketing tool that helps you to build relationships with your customers. Most people buy from people or companies they know and trust, so building relationships with customers and prospects alike is important. Using RSS to syndicate your content means that those who subscribe to your feed will receive your press releases, articles, and other marketing information on a regular basis. If you provide these users with valuable information, they'll grow to trust your company and look forward to receiving communications from you. While you can include releases about special promotions or articles that directly promote your products and services, it's always a good idea to include information that your users can use without any advertisement of your products and services. This will generate more good will on the part of your prospects and customers and may help you improve sales.

Once you have RSS set up on your Web site, it is simple for your users to subscribe to your feed. If you need help getting RSS working, talk to your Web designer or technical support personnel. They'll be able to help you get started and you'll be on your way to better marketing and relationship-building.

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Comments

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Kathy  says:
15 months ago

I thought it stood for Really Simply Syndication?

Leigh A. Zaykoski  says:
15 months ago

Thanks for your comment! It depends on which version of RSS you are referring to. The original versions were known as "Rich Site Summary" and "RDF Site Summary." Really Simple Syndication is version 2 of RSS.

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