WordPress Really Simple Syndication

A new client came to me recently inquiring about things she could do to get her website found, improve traffic, and more easily distribute here content to a wider audience. It quickly became obvious she did not know anything about Really Simple Syndication (RSS), or her website's "feed".

The WordPress "feed" feature, especially using Really Simple Syndication (Atom is also available), is a powerful tool for distributing your website content. By allowing site visitors to subscribe to automatic updates, it simplifies the process of delivering new blog posts, articles, and other website content to readers.

An RSS feed can be accessed by simply appending /feed/ to the end of a WordPress site's URL (e.g., https://stephenbhenry.com/feed/), which can then be read using various feed readers like Feedly, NewsBlur, or integrated into email services and even web browsers.

How to Use the Really Simple Syndication Feed

Visitors subscribe to a site's Really Simple Syndication feed through a feed reader or email subscription tool. Feed readers compile content from multiple sources into one platform, allowing readers to view updates to multiple websites easily in one place. To subscribe, users often only need the site’s feed URL or may click an RSS icon on the website, if you provide one, to automatically subscribe.

Benefits for Both Receiver and Site Owner

For subscribers (receivers), RSS feeds provide a clutter-free way to stay updated without checking the site manually. It is ideal for those who follow multiple blogs or websites and want content delivered in a convenient, centralized manner. They can consume content on their own schedule, offline if needed, and without being overwhelmed by ads or pop-ups.

For the site owner (content creator), RSS feeds help increase the visibility and reach of their content. As the audience subscribes, they can more easily distribute new posts, increasing the likelihood of returning traffic. RSS can also foster loyalty among readers who want regular, uninterrupted access to content, helping to build a dedicated readership base.

Incorporating RSS into a Marketing Plan

For marketers, Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds can be a strategic tool for growing an audience. By encouraging readers to subscribe, marketers can maintain consistent engagement, ensuring content is seen regularly.

Pairing an RSS feed with email marketing tools allows for automated newsletters that push out new blog posts or updates, driving traffic back to the site. Additionally, promoting the RSS feed through social media, blogs, and direct calls to action can broaden the subscriber base.

Your RSS Feed: An Overview

RSS is particularly useful for bloggers, influencers, and coaches who generate regular content. It can enhance SEO by increasing inbound links as readers share content across platforms. When integrated into a marketing plan, the RSS feed can serve as a silent engine, consistently driving traffic and engagement with little effort once subscribers are on board.

Appendex 1 - Web Browser Really Simple Syndication Feed Readers

There are several browser extensions available that allow you to read Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds directly online without the need for a separate feed reader. These extensions display feed updates in your web browser, making it easy to stay updated with content from your favorite websites.

Here are a few popular ones:

Feedbro (for Chrome and Firefox)

Feedbro is a powerful RSS feed reader that integrates seamlessly into both Chrome and Firefox. It supports RSS, Atom, and RDF feeds and allows you to read and manage your feeds directly from the browser, complete with filtering and folder options for organization.

Feeder (for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge)

Feeder offers a clean interface for reading RSS and Atom feeds. You can configure it to get notifications in your browser when new content is available, making it a handy tool for keeping up with multiple sites at once.

RSS Feed Reader by Inoreader (for Chrome)

Inoreader offers both an extension and a full-featured RSS service. The browser extension allows you to quickly subscribe to RSS feeds and receive updates. It's useful if you want to combine online reading with a more powerful reader.

Slick RSS (for Chrome)

Slick RSS is a simple and lightweight extension that brings RSS feed updates directly to your browser toolbar. It’s highly customizable and suitable for users who want a minimalist tool.

Brief (for Firefox)

Brief is a Firefox add-on designed for those who want a straightforward feed reader within the browser. It allows you to keep up with new articles and easily manage your subscriptions.

These extensions let you read RSS feeds directly within your web browser, providing an easy and efficient way to stay updated with the latest content from websites without having to leave the browsing environment.

Appendix 2 - Really Simple Syndication Curation WordPress Plugins

There are several WordPress plugins available that allow site owners to display both their own RSS feed and feeds from other websites directly on their site. These plugins are useful for sharing updates or curating content from both internal and external sources.

Here are a few popular ones:

1. WP RSS Aggregator

WP RSS Aggregator is a popular plugin that allows you to import, merge, and display multiple RSS feeds on your WordPress site. You can customize how the feeds are displayed, including adding excerpts, thumbnails, and links. It is often used for curating content from other websites or displaying updates from external blogs or news sites.

Features:

• Supports unlimited feeds
• Display feeds via shortcodes or widgets
• Option to filter or blacklist certain content
• Can import YouTube videos and social media feeds

2. RSSImport

RSSImport is a simple and lightweight plugin for displaying RSS feeds on your WordPress site. You can integrate feeds into your posts, pages, or sidebars using shortcodes or widgets. This plugin is good for users who want something straightforward without too many advanced options.

Features:

• Displays RSS feeds using PHP, shortcodes, or widgets
• Can limit the number of displayed items
• Simple, no-frills solution for displaying external feeds

3. Feedzy RSS Feeds

Feedzy is a powerful RSS aggregator that allows you to display RSS feeds from multiple sources on your website. It is particularly useful for content curation, as it can pull in and auto-update feeds from other sites. You can also categorize feeds and style them to match your site's design.

Features:

• Customizable feed display (list or grid)
• Shortcodes for easy embedding
• Feed-to-post functionality, converting feed items into actual posts
• Image and affiliate link integration for monetization

4. RSS with Images

RSS with Images is a plugin designed to enhance RSS feeds by allowing users to add featured images to each feed item. It is useful for visual websites that want to ensure that their RSS feeds display thumbnails or preview images along with the feed content.

Features:

• Adds featured images to RSS feeds
• Works with most themes and feed readers
• Can be integrated with external feeds

5. Super RSS Reader

Super RSS Reader is a widget-based plugin that allows you to display feeds in a colorful and customizable format. It is ideal for sidebars and can display content from both your site and external sources in a visually appealing way.

Features:

• Displays multiple feeds in a widget
• Customizable color options
• Allows for RSS feed scrolling and tabs for different sources

Incorporating Really Simple Syndication into Your Marketing Plan

Displaying Really Simple Syndication feeds on your website can enhance user engagement by offering fresh, relevant content regularly. By curating RSS feeds from industry leaders, relevant blogs, or news sources, you can keep your site dynamic, making visitors more likely to return.

For your own Really Simple Syndication feed, showcasing it prominently encourages visitors to subscribe and stay updated. Feeds from partner sites or industry news can also add authority and credibility to your site.

If you are creating a content-heavy site or looking to include content from various sources, integrating these plugins into your website is an easy way to do so while improving SEO and user retention.

• Questions about Really Simple Syndication (or other website issues)? Contact Steve today!

• See what Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, has to say about Really Simple Syndication (RSS), CLICK HERE.

 

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