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Website Automation - The Key To Online Success!
by Kaviraj Kodai
 Really Simple Syndication (RSS)
Really Simple Syndication or RSS feeds are a way for websites to keep users up to date and informed. RSS feeds provide current news and information via a feed from the website. RSS feeds can be coded onto a website and users can get the feeds through a news aggregator. An RSS feed looks like a list of files. These files are articles from the RSS feeds a person is subscribed to. The RSS feed displays current and up to the minute information from the website where it is coming from.
There are a few different formats of RSS. A website owner should try to choose one that is popular and that will ensure their users will be able to access their feeds. Currently the best RSS formats are UserLand or RSS-DEV Working Group. Both provide different versions and can be simple or more complex as needed. They are both user friendly and easy to set up for the webmaster.
RSS feeds are used by large and small companies. They are used as a way to keep customers informed of important information and happenings within the company. So many people using the internet are familiar with RSS feeds and use them on a regular basis, that it is one of the greatest opportunities to stay in contact with customers. The large companies know this and small businesses need to start taking advantage of it.
Understanding RSS Aggregators
An aggregator, sometimes called a news aggregator or feed reader is the tool a user needs to be able to receive and read RSS feeds. Without an aggregator the RSS feed will be impossible to read. It will look like programming code. The aggregator will read the code, display the feeds and make reading the feeds easy. Using an aggregator allows a person to receive feeds from many different websites so they have them all in one place without having to check each individual website. The user has to access or download the aggregator in order to read the RSS feeds.
There are different types of aggregators a user can use. Online aggregators are offered for free. They are usually provided by internet service providers. A benefit of this type of aggregator is that they can be used from anywhere the user accesses the internet. They are not tied to the users computer.
There are also aggregators which are downloaded and appear as part of the web browser. Lastly, there are portal aggregators that run on search engines and some other types of websites that are not user specific, meaning the user does not actually subscribe to the feeds. Every website has the option of displaying their RSS feed on their own website using this technology.
Benefits Of RSS Feeds
As it relates to website automation, RSS feeds are great as an automation tool. They allow webmasters to provide customers with live updates. They are much different than email lists, in that users subscribe to the feeds and get the information when they want, instead of being handed the information when the webmaster wants. They can reach multiple users with only a minimal amount of work on the webmasters end.
Additionally, by providing RSS feeds a webmaster increases the chances of repeat business. This is because the RSS feed provides a direct link back to their website, so if the user did not bookmark the website they can still easily find it. The RSS feeds are presented to the customer every day, any time that they wish to access them. They provide an ideal opportunity to stay connected and draw customers in to buy.
RSS feeds beat other means of delivering information because they are easy for the customer to use and provide current and accurate information continuously. RSS feeds keep customers and businesses connected.
Adding An RSS Feed To A Website
Webmasters can add RSS feeds to their website by inserting the proper coding and linking to the files they would like in their feed. Customers connect to the feeds by clicking on the RSS feed symbol on the businesses website. This symbol usually says ‘RSS feed’ and is most often orange in color. Sometimes an RSS feed is displayed as an orange button with the letters ‘XML’. XML is the formatting used in RSS feeds.
After adding an RSS feed it is important that the webmaster keeps it current and filled with content. Customer that have subscribed to the feed are looking for new information on a regular basis. The webmaster may publish articles or simply send out announcements on specials and sales. Whatever information they choose to publish has to be kept up to date or the customers will likely unsubscribe.
Maintaining An RSS Feed
As mentioned, keeping the RSS feed content current is important. Additionally, a webmaster will want to monitor their feed to ensure customers are subscribing. They should put the RSS feed in a prominent place on their website to ensure that customers know it is available. They should also make it enticing to the customer so they have a reason to subscribe. This could be done by saying special sales will be offered via the RSS feed, for example.
It is also important for the webmaster to make sure the feeds are working properly at all times. They can subscribe to their own feed and check it regularly to make sure that the content is updating and the feeds are working correctly. They may also wish to check any links included to make sure they are working correctly. This is really important so the webmaster can ensure he is getting the most benefit from the RSS feed.
RSS feeds provide a fast way to connect with customers. They allow a webmaster to keep customers up to date on what is happening with the business. RSS feeds provide the benefit of giving the business ‘face time’ with the customer so they are familiar with the customer, thus increasing the chance that the customer will keep doing business with the company.
RSS feeds are often considered a form of advertising because they are always keeping the connection between customers and a business. In the next section the topic of ad tracking will be discussed. Ad tracking is a way for a business to make sure they are reaching potential customers and that their advertising efforts are effective.
<< Customer Support Systems | Ad Tracking Systems >>
Table of Contents
No part of this material may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the express permission in writing from the author.
Published by eBizAC.com
Copyright © 2012 by NetProSoft/Kaviraj Kodai. All Rights Reserved. |
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