RSS - Really Simple Syndication
Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is basically a way of publishing information on a website so it can be used by other web sites or programs. There are two ways a small business can use RSS to market their business. Both methods are powerful and both should be used. (and very few small businesses are taking advantage of both methods)
What is Syndication?
Anyone who has ever opened a newspaper has seen syndicated content. Newspapers don't write all of the information they print; they buy the rights to print news articles, columns, or comic strips. Televisions do the same thing with TV shows like "Oprah", "Jeopardy", and reruns of "Everybody Loves Raymond".So how can a small business take advantage of RSS - Really Simple Syndication? By syndicating their content and by showing syndicated content from other web sites.
Why should your web site syndicate content?
Once your have a web site up and running, you're going to want as many people as possible to know about your site. And, once they know about your site, you want them to come back frequently.
Syndicating your website content will help promote your site and get return visitors.
Promoting your site through RSS
- There are many search engines on the internet dedicated to only sites that syndicate their content. If you don't syndicate, you can't get listed. As you probably guessing, there's less competition on these search engines and it's easier to get a high ranking.
- Web sites that complement your business can display your web site info on their site. This means that their visitors become your visitors.
Getting return visitors through RSS
- Chances are that your customers won't check your web site daily to see if you've added anything. (it'd be nice, but not likely in the real world) Publishing an RSS Feed lets your visitors add your web site to places like My Yahoo. So, information from your web site will appear right next to their online TV Guide, Stock Market information, etc.
- RSS Feeds generally display up-to-date information so it's easy for visitors to see when you're added or updated content on your web site.
- Since RSS Feeds usually display a headline and maybe a summary of the info, your visitors will need to visit your web site to get the full story.
Why should you display RSS content from other web sites?
Just like newspapers don't write all of their columns, you don't have to either. It's easy to find content that complements your business and display it on your web site.
For instance, pretend you sell landscaping supplies to home owners. Do you think it would be helpful to your customers if you displayed the top selling "Do It Yourself Landscaping" books from Amazon.com on your web site? Of course it'd be helpful and your business would benefit in multiple ways:
- You'd become a "one-stop-shop" for your customers. They would come to your web site when looking for landscaping information.
- You'd be giving your customers ideas... And, when the customer decides to install a waterfall in their backyard, you'll be there to sell them the equipment and supplies.
- The top selling book list would change constantly. Search Engines love websites that constantly update their content and it could help your web site rank higher in Google, Yahoo, and other search engines.
- You'd make a percentage of each book bought through your site. Probably not something to live off of, but would you turn down a few extra dollars?
This is a just a small example of why you should be displaying RSS feeds on your web site.
Summing up RSS
Using RSS - Really Simple Syndication might sound complicated, but it's not. Once your web site is set up, you won't need think about it again. It's on auto-pilot and it'll just magically work without any effort on your part. How's that for a cool way to promote, market and grow your business?