Guide to RSS for Small Business

Determine the content you wish to syndicate

RSS is a quick and easy way to distribute or "push" your content to subscribers. Your feeds could include product news, announcements, press releases or new blog posts.

I recommend: Mnot.net offers an RSS tutorial and suggestions for RSS content.

Create and publish your feed

Your Web site's content management system or your blog publishing software may already have a built-in option to generate an RSS feed. Otherwise, there are several feed providers you can use.

I recommend: FeedForAll is an inexpensive and user-friendly RSS feed creation tool. Others include Simplefeed and PRESSfeed.

Publicize/promote your feed

Include a "subscribe" or RSS button to your site or blog. Be sure to register your feed with various RSS directories.

I recommend: You can download the ubiquitous "RSS" button at FeedForAll. Submit the feed to RSS directories and search engines with KSoft's RSS Submit software. Review a large RSS directory at the RSS Specifications site.

Use tools to optimize your RSS feeds

Use RSS feed validators to determine if your feed is valid, meaning it has been translated to code so it works properly. You don't need to know code, you simply enter the address of your feed and the "validator" does the rest.

I recommend: Validate your feed with RSS Validator or Feed Validator. Lockergnome features tips and techniques.

Track your feed

Need to know how many people are subscribing to your RSS feed? Measurement and analytical tools are available from several resources.

I recommend: SyndicateIQ offers management and measurement of syndicated content. Nooked can also track results of an RSS campaign.