Introduction:

Mobile devices have changed the way we interact with online content, and they have vastly accelerated how fast we are able to access information while on the go, and the ways in which we can read that information.

However, displaying your content on your website, blog or online campaign can be complicated. Webpages have to be seamlessly designed for multiple platforms, and much of the data that we want to convey to our audience and other readers can get lost in translation.

That’s why RSS Feeds are changing the way companies, brands and projects are increasing readership of their content on their websites. RSS Feeds are becoming essential for many different forms of journalism and entertainment – because you cannot always determine whether or not your content will look the same way on iPhone, and iPad, and the desktop computer.

Plus, RSS Feeds are much less taxing on devices, and strip out ads and other visual information that does not have to be there – which means your audience will only be receiving the exact message you want them to.

It’s no secret RSS Feeds can help you leverage your message. But, the real question is, how do you make a RSS Feed?

Here are six simple steps to help you create an engaging and effective RSS Feed – right now.

List:

ONE: Pick Your RSS Program

Here is some good news. The world has already caught on to how good RSS Feeds can be. Because of this, many different programmers and software developers have come up with RSS Feed programs that are free, easy-to-use, reliable, and feature-heavy. A great recommendation is to pick a web-based RSS Feed service that can automatically create an update feeds based on native content you place on your site for a nominal fee, or you can use your own program that you install on your internal drive, and follow the steps below.

You can use anything from RapidFeeds to FeedForAll, Feedity, and the industry standard RSS Builder.

TWO: Start Creating Your Feed

Creating a RSS Feed is a lot like adding a page to a blog or adding a website page to your website. You are going to want to input a basic set of metadata that will allow your RSS Feed program to categorize and organize everything within the RSS Feed. Include the feed title, a one sentence description of what your feed topic is going to be about, and the URL of your website. This last one is very important, because it will help you direct more traffic back to your website.

THREE: Use Select Images to Engage Your Audience

While RSS Feeds are typically simpler and more stripped-down, always remember that visual content will help your audience members engage with your message on a higher level. That’s why adding an image to your RSS Feed is so important. First, upload your images choice your website, and then link that file to your RSS Feed.

FOUR: Start Loading Content – And Create an XML File

The main take away here is to be concise. Each RSS Feed post should have a few things in addition to the title, description, and URL link that we have discussed. You’re going to want to add extra metadata like the publishing date, author information, and short descriptions akin to your main RSS Feed description. For the post itself, try to hit between 10 to 15 pieces of content. This number has proven to perform very well. Once you’ve populated all this information, use your RSS Feed creator program to save the feed as an XML file. This is a raw data format that will serve as a conduit for your audience members to use to subscribe to the RSS Feed.

FIVE: Three…Two…One…Publish!

Once you have your XML file created, you are ready to go. You can place this file through your website designer program wherever you want on your website – from the homepage, to a dedicated RSS Feed link page that people can bookmark, and more. Many RSS Feed creator programs will allow you to activate a feature that automatically updates your RSS Feed whenever you edit or publish a new post.

SIX: Set Your RSS Feed Up for High Traffic

Remember when we discussed that RSS Feeds have been rapidly and widely adopted all across the Internet? There are a variety of sites and sources that collect all RSS Feeds. Submit yours to these aggregators by searching RSS Feed Directories in Google. Within these directories, you can locate subdirectories that match the interests of your content, and place your RSS Feed XML file.

Conclusion:

RSS Feeds are changing the way people engage with their audience, customers, and future customers. Platform-proof your content, and grow your reach using an XML file by leveraging your brand, website and more with an RSS Feed, today!