Importance of RSS Feeds
The importance of RSS Feeds is that you want to show versatility by offering both that and a newsletter if you have one.
Real Simple Syndication (RSS) is to let your readers know that you have updated your site. It doesn’t matter if you have 1 subscriber or 20,000 like some sites. The number of readers doesn’t ever have to be disclosed. I prefer it since it is an alternative to a newsletter. I didn’t have time to run a website and a newsletter so I have opted for utilizing the RSS feed.
How do I use RSS?
Well, I subscribe to some of my favorite sites by using a RSS live bookmark feed. This is very similar to a tool bar since I don’t have them directly in my bookmarks folder, but, you can have them there. I prefer not to so I don’t forget to comment on a friends site, or check to see if someone has updated. This can happen if they get lost in the mountain of bookmarks I collect.
For websites, I recommend either allowing people to sign up for email alerts, or having the email sign-up form readily available on your site. Pajama Mommy has it enabled so that if you click on the link you can subscribe via email. I have a few people who use that. I had a newsletter briefly for Pajama Mommy however updating this site Is a task all of its own. Trying to remember to create a newsletter well that is just torture for me. I have everyone’s email still in there but I have to find someone to run the newsletter since I just do not have the time.
But make sure you aren’t skipping over your RSS feed. By using tools like feedburner, you can count how many people are subscribing. However, if you don’t care about the numbers just make sure your RSS feed is in an easily viewable place and you offer full readership. This is very important. I prefer to get them in full so I am updated. This may lose you clicks but you will gain a lot of love from the readers.
On another tip, WordPress is an amazing program which allows you to edit the number of feeds people can read through their live bookmark. I have mine set on 20, so I don’t over whelm people will small monitors. This has been working great since I still get a lot of clicks to older posts. Remember to edit this since I believe the normal is 5-10 but if you want old posts getting some love make sure you edit your RSS feed. Don’t just leave it hanging. It is an important tool I see a lot of new bloggers leaving behind.
rss feeds are a great way to scan all your favorite blogs in a couple of minutes rather than trying to visit them all individually. My biggest problem is limiting my numbers because they can quickly grow when you learn how convenient they can be.
I think the next thing I need to install is an auto responder or email opt in for my readers.
Nice tip.. nice explanation.. I started a new blog, and through your post, I was enlightened on the importance of rss feed. Thanks!
Ruth I am so glad you received some help from this post! You have a good start on your blog! You might want to buckle down and pick a niche.. unless its just a personal blog and you want to write about anything your heart desires!