RSS (Really Simple Syndication) for beginners

Introduction

RSS = Rich Site Summary. RSS is a special format based on XML, which was first used to unite headers with web content. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually. Webmaster create an RSS feed file containing descriptions and headlines of specific information. RSS as introduced by Netscape Inc. In 1999 then later abandoned in 2002 stood for 'Rich Site Summary'. RSS is becoming increasing popular. Moreover, Really Simple Syndication is a easy and free way to promote web-site. RSS content can be read using software called an 'RSS reader'.

What is RSS reader

Think of an RSS reader as just a web browser for RSS content. Now, there are a lot of such programs, both commercial and free. For beginners, web-based aggregators are recommended since they are usually user-friendly. Newsfeed aggreagators are set up to periodically check for new episodes in the RSS feeds you are subscribed to, commonly once every week. Many people read several thousand RSS files.

Free RSS readers:

Yeahreader

NewsCrawler

NewsCrawler

Yeahreader

How to create an RSS feed

If you want to create an RSS feed, you can use special online services or desktop applications. Since any RSS feed is a specially formatted XML file, it can be edited with any XML creator. Many software products can make RSS channels in the WYSIWYG mode. If you just wish to make a single RSS channel and do not need to update or edit the feed you can use an online RSS creation tool. There are several tools for making RSS widely available on the Internet.

RSS feed creation software:

1. RSS creator by Extralabs.

2. Webvigour RSS feed creator.

3. RSS builder (Free).

When your RSS channel is published, the RSS feed has to be promoted. Right way in promoting your newsfeed is submiting it to FeedDirectories. The next websites allowing you to submit RSS channels:

- YeahReader RSS directory.

- Daypop.

- FeedSter.

- Syndic8.

- Unclefeed.

- RSS Network.

- Daypop.

- Unclefeed.

As you know, submitting your RSS channels is very important for feed popularity and your website SEO.

RSS tips

1. After you created an RSS channel, do not forget to add a parser - it is a script that will convert RSS into HTML. Try Feed2Html or RSS2HTML.

2. Unique content increases the rating of your RSS in SE.

3. You should link to the RSS channel from the tag of the HTML page.

Article by Mathew Petrenko

About the Author: Elena Dmitrieva - author of a series of articles and reviews related to RSS, podcasting, programming and marketing (see the createrss tutorial and Extralabs RSS Creator).