RSS Vitality

Increase readership via RSS subscriptions

by: Gilbert Purtee

1998:
While surfing the internet, I would find something I liked, add it to my favorites with the intentions of returning at a later time. Upon my return, I would wait for the page to load, discover that the content had not been updated for months and delete it from my favorites.  This took too much time.

2008:
When I visit a site or blog for the first time and I find the content enjoyable, useful or just fun, I immediately look for a link to subscribe to the RSS feed. If the option is there, I also sign-up for the RSS e-mail subscription.

If these RSS options are not there, I move on and the site just lost me as a return reader.
If you would like more readers and return visitors, get that link for your RSS subscription out front, on top and easy to find.

FeedBurner allows maximum control over your RSS feed and supplies each user with many great options. They can help you with all your RSS subscription needs, and it is free.

RSS Pros
1. Subscriber Control - you choose what you want to receive
2. Privacy - no need to release private information in order to subscribe (in most cases)
3. Scan able - easy to scan, saving time
4. No Filtering Issues - nothing is lost to spam filters
5. Reach - syndication expands a companies reach
Email Pros
1. One on One - designed for personalization
2. Compatibility - everyone can send and receive email