Wednesday, May 12, 2010

RSS - Web - XML - Feeds - Syndication!

In yesterdays article we covered some rather basic information on RSS feeds. Today we want to take it to the next level and discuss in greater detail some of the other advantages of using RSS feeds for the users as well as the web site owner.

The question is often ask, "Just what is an RSS feed anyway?" There are several terms you will encounter online which are all considered as feeds. Feeds can be referred to as RSS feeds, web feeds, XML feeds and syndicated content, just to name a few. These feeds are normally updated by new content being published from a website.

Feeds can be used to distribute new content regarding news, weather, joke of the day, pictures, audio, videos and some forms of digital content. Podcasting is a form of feed which delivers audio content that can be listened to on a your computer or MP3 player.

To determine whether or not a website offers feeds, IE (Internet Explorer) will search for any feeds. If there are feeds available, the feed button will be displayed and you will hear a sound as the icon changes color. Orange is the most common color used for the RSS feed icon. If you would like more info on RSS feeds, their functions and benefits, you should go to your favorite search engine and do some extensive research. It will certainly be worth your time and efforts.

Once you've found the feed buttons, you can click on the button and view feeds at your convenience. Once you subscribe to the feed, you will automatically have new content available regarding that web site with a simple click of the feed icon. No spam emails or high pressure sales tactics will be used, just new information about the product or service of interest. You may unsubscribe at any time without a lot of hassle or pesky emails trying to get you to re-subscribe. Your email address is safe when you use feeds.

Subscribing to any feed is simple, safe and secure. With a click of the mouse you can add a feed to your favorites bar. Using feeds is one of the safest methods of acquiring knowledge and keeping up to date, about virtually any product or service on the internet. Your personal information used when subscribing to a feed is always secure and will not be used for any other purpose.

The content of the feed can be the same content as you will find in a website. The format might be a little different, but who cares about the format, as long as you're getting the information you desire. IE automatically checks a website and downloads new information that has been added to the web site since you last visited the site. This is in real time and even though you reviewed the feeds yesterday, any new content will appear immediately. You can control the time intervals that IE will update your feeds with some simple tweeks in your system.

One great feature is the price of subscribing to a feed! It's free....absolutely no cost for you to keep informed about any topic of interest. What else can you think of, that is so powerful and you can participate in, and cost you nothing? What a concept!

You can view the feeds you've subscribed to at your convenience. To view a feed, go to my favorites, click the favorite's button, and then click feeds. It's that simple to subscribe to, or to review your feeds.

As we pointed out earlier, RSS is the acronym for Really Simple Syndication. This term is used to describe the overall technology that is used for creating feeds. There are different formats used in feeds; the most common are referred to as RSS and Atom which you will see on most sites. There are several different versions of these formats, however, don't be over concerned about the technical aspects related to feeds and enjoy the simplicity of their use.

If you're a website owner or webmaster, it's extremely important to understand feeds and implement this type of marketing tool into your online strategies. By doing some research on your favorite search engine, you will find a ton of information, from the basic information to the most advanced. Don't over complicate this process. Google offers some excellent information that will help you to better understand what feeds is all about and help get you started in the proper use of RSS feeds.

The eBiz Solutions Team is standing by to assist you in your marketing endeavors. Call today for your free 30 minute consultation.

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Larry L Miller SEM/SEO Consulting

Private Line: 321-594-5504
Skype: larrylmiller121

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