RSS icon
How many times have you seen this icon on the right side of the URL bar? I have seen the icon before but never really thought much about it. This icon means users can receive updates from websites through web-feeds or channels. This is called RSS (Really Simple Syndication) and these documents can be very useful tool for all users involved. Many bloggers rave about the benefits of this program, that uses XML documents; a standardized XML file format allows the information to be published once and viewed by many different programs. Marketing firms and customers alike can enjoy mutual benefits, marketers can advertise to people who are interested in these new feed updates because you have to sign up for these services (to receive updates for a specified website). While customers will be able to receive new updates from their favorite sites and have them located into one place.
RSS is a simple software that delivers news updates to one place from multiple sites, it simplifies having to go to each separate website to look for any updates. Signing up for RSS feeds is made simple with just 3-easy steps; from signing up for a free account to receive feeds to which sites to look for that will send feeds.
My favorite website NHL.com has the option to sign up for RSS feeds, they have updates for NHL.com Top Headlines and NHL.com Feature Stories. These feeds are used to update users on scores, injuries, game reports, and related stories. My favorite team, Vancouver Canucks, offers instant news updates through RSS feeds. This can be used not just for news updates but promotions on merchandise and special ticket sales. Since users opt in to receive these feeds it makes advertising products and services that relate to the site. The great thing about using these web-based updates is the ease to view them which can be done on laptops, PC’s, and cell phones.
RSS feeds can be very useful tool in promoting and connecting with users who opt in to receive these updates. The video below breaks down RSS in plain English so we can all understand how to use RSS feeds and their advantages.
