Really Simple Syndication (RSS) has been around for about ten years and it is used to syndicate data that is published on a Web site. Today, many Web sites are built with RSS marketing in mind. Most blogging platforms also routinely publish an RSS feed, which Web browsers and news readers will recognize. (You’ll often see a rectangular RSS symbol on the far right of the location bar or a square, orange symbol, when the browser locates an active RSS feed.)

When you activate RSS feeds for your web content, you provide an easy way for visitors to determine when your content has changed. It’s an active invitation to revisit a Web site. Each time you publish new content, the RSS feed automatically updates visitors who subscribe to your feed. They will know instantly that you’ve put new material on your site.

One of the prime benefits of RSS for the reader is that they can organize the blogs they want to read inside a browser or news reader. Each time the blog content is updated, the reader is notified. He or she doesn’t have to remember to visit the blog, because the blog automatically issues an invitation to come back.

One of the prime benefits for the blogger is that once someone subscribes to your blog, they will return again and again. It provides you with ample opportunity to develop a relationship with that reader. You’ve got his or her attention. As long as you generate quality material, your reader will return. Regular readers are also more likely to recommend your blog to other readers, based on your content.

RSS can also automate email and IM contact with your readers. Your RSS feed can let them know instantly that new content is waiting for them using the tools they most prefer to use.

RSS marketing can really invigorate your Web marketing strategy and cement your relationships with your visitors. If you’re not using RSS marketing in conjunction with your blog and Web site, you’re missing out on some excellent relationship opportunities.

Photo Credit: Svilen Milev