Real simple syndication & Rich Text Summary

RSS... And The 10 Most Powerful Reasons Why You Should Be Using It

RSS (Real Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary) is widely becoming a very powerful marketing tool on the NET and for Internet marketers around the world, the question is...

... "Are you using RSS to syndicate your content?" When I first stumbled across RSS syndication while surfing the net, it peeked my curiosity to the point where I couldn't help myself, but, to look into this new form of site promotion further.

What I found out about this new technology will absolutely change the way you keep in touch with your subscribers and/or readers, in many ways, for years to come. Just to keep up with the times I recently built a webpage for my website specifically to promote my RSS feed in order to take on new subscribers, and... most important of all, to put this new technology to the test.

Here's what my webpage looks like if you decide to build your own dedicated webpage for your RSS feed. I highly recommend you do, but, that's just me. If you do decide to build one, make sure you give your subscribers and/or readers options. http://www.internetwondersezine.com/rss_feed.html

Now, for those of you who aren't quite up to speed on what RSS is, here's a quick definition for you: RSS is an acronym for "Really Simple Syndication" or "Rich Site Summary", and the XML extension is the format used for distributing your news headlines via the Web, which is known as Syndication.

Syndication is where the true power of RSS is unleashed, getting your message across the web in an Instant to your subscribers and/or readers. That's the basics of RSS (Real Simple Syndication). Now, for the rest of this article I want to focus on the "10 MOST Powerful Reasons WHY You Should Be Using It". So, with that said, let's go to reason #1.

Reason #1. RSS Streamlines communication. RSS streamlines communication between the publishers and readers making it easier for the subscriber to receive your content.

Reason #2. Readers can Opt-In to feeds. RSS gives the subscriber the ability to Opt-In to the feeds they are interested in and the ability to Opt-Out, if they wish, through their RSS reader just like an auto-responder.

Reason #3. You don't have to maintain an RSS feed. This is a great time saver for the busy marketer because RSS is a great communication supplement that doesn't burden the publisher with having to maintain a "List" or having to follow strict privacy rules.

Reason #4. You have the ability to Syndicate your content. This is where the true power of RSS comes into play because RSS gives you the ability to Syndicate your content to your subscribers and website owners in an instant giving your content the exposure it deserves.

Reason #5. Broadcasts your Sales and Specials. RSS gives you the ability to broadcast your Sales message and Specials to a wider audience in less time it would take to set-up an email broadcast.

Reason #6. No filters to worry about. This is the next best feature to RSS feeds because you don't have to worry about your message being passed through some email filter. By using RSS, your message gets delivered to 100% of your subscribers. This is a very powerful feature.

Reason #7. No more "Spam" complaints. This is yet another great benefit to RSS because you don't have to worry about "Spam" complaints or "Privacy Policies" - again because they have to add your feed to their reader, not the other way around with email.

Reason #8. You get Instant credibility. By publishing your own RSS feed, you're establishing yourself as an expert in the eyes of your readers and as someone who knows his/her industry which will build "Trust".

Reason #9. Multiple ways to read your feed. RSS is very versatile because it allows you to view the feed in many different media platforms. Some examples are, Browser Based readers, Software Based readers, and the ability to view feeds on different operating systems like windows and mac.

Reason #10. Free and Easy site promotion. I like to save the best for last because RSS is a great way to get free traffic to your website without the need of spending money on advertising. This benefit alone will save you hundreds, if not thousands, in yearly expenses to advertise your online business. Well... are those enough reasons for you to get started with RSS? I certainly hope so because they sure get me excited everytime I read through them.

Just imagine for a minute your same message you worked so hard on that you were going to send via email getting to 100% of your subscribers instantly -- On-Demand -- via your own RSS feed without ever having to worry about email filters. Your response rates would Double, if not, Triple, meaning more $$Profits$$ in your pocket with less work. Internet technology at its Best.

As I mentioned early in my article, the best way to take advantage of RSS... Starting Today! ... is to set-up your own dedicated RSS webpage on your website. If you don't have time to set-up your own webpage I recommend you set-up an account with Blogger.com -- and then head over to FeedBurner.com -- and set-up an account there. FeedBurner.com will auto-generate you a RSS subscription page with whatever RSS feed URL you choose.

Well... there you have it, "RSS... And The 10 MOST Powerful Reasons Why You Should Be Using It" and more. In conclusion, publishers using RSS as a communication vehicle for there business are able to create keyword-rich, themed content, establishing Trust, Credibility, and ongoing communication with current and prospective subscribers and/or customers.

By Cory Threlfall (c) 2005 The IWE, LLC. About The Author
Want to find out more about BLOGS and RSS? Search CBmall -- Or if you want to get More 'Insider' marketing Secrets, subscribe to Cory Threlfall's ezine called... The Internet Wonders eZine -- or you can visit his BLOG at BlogSpot.com.