What is RSS?

RSS is a simple means of distributing links to your website content that you want to syndicate or in other words make available for other people to use. RSS is the acronym used for either "Rich Site Summary" or "Really Simply Syndication" and describes the technology used for the creation of feeds.

An RSS feed is generally an xml file that describes your website contents. When you update your content, you also update your RSS feed. There are software applications available that generate RSS feeds, but dependant on the size and complexity of your site and if you have an understanding of HTML and XML, you may wish to make your own files. Many Content Management System (CMS) packages and common Blogging tools will automatically generate RSS files.

When a visitor syndicates to your feed, their RSS feed reader or aggregator automatically checks and downloads any updated content for them to read. Depending on the quality of your material, RSS can be an excellent and cost effective method of bringing in some extra traffic and increasing visibility and awareness of your website.

This article can be found at: www.getontheinternet.net/webmaster-tips/rss-primer/index.shtml

[Updated - 30 March 2007]

Copyright © 2007 David Kaye – All rights reserved.
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