What you need to know about Really Simple Syndication(RSS)

by: mathewpetrenko
Total views: 32 | Word Count: 419

What is RSS

RSS means Really Simple Syndication. RSS is a special format based on XML, which was first used to unite headers with web content. In fact, RSS feeds are XML files containing data according to the RSS specification, and usually located on a website. Once info about each item is in RSS format, an RSS-aware tool can check the channel for changes and react to the changes in an appropriate way. RSS as introduced by Netscape Inc. In 1999 then later abandoned in 2002 stood for 'Rich Site Summary'. RSS formats are specified using Extensible Markup Language, a generic specification for the creation of data formats. Moreover, Really Simple Syndication is a free and easy way to promote website. As soon as an RSS feed appears in the Internet, any connected computer can access it.

RSS readers and aggregators

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

List of RSS aggregators:

FeedReader

FeedReader

Abilon

FeedReader

RSS Creator

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 publish a single channel and do not need to update or edit the feed you can use an online RSS creation tool. There are several tools for creating RSS feeds widely available on the Web.

List of RSS feed creation tools:

1. RSS creator 2. 0.

2. Web-vigour RSS feeds creator.

3. RSS builder.

When your feed is created, the RSS feed has to be promoted. Right way in promoting your newsfeed is submiting it to FeedDirectories. The following websites allowing you to add RSS channels:

- BlogDex.

- Unclefeed.

- Unclefeed.

- Unclefeed.

- Daypop.

- RSS Network.

- Blog Links.

- Unclefeed.

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

Free 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. Use RSS2HTML.

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

3. You can link to the RSS feed from the tag of the HTML webpage.

About the Author

Elena Dmitrieva - author of a series of articles and reviews related to podcasting, RSS, marketing and programming (see the rss creation tutorial and RSS feeds creator).