What is RSS and Why Is It So Simple?

December 9th, 2007

RSS, it’s so easy that SIMPLE is its middle name. RSS is short for Real Simple Syndication. Syndication means to supply for simultaneous publication. In the print world things like newspaper columns get syndicated because it is an easy way to distribute news. On the internet, RSS is a perfect way to distribute any type of content that is frequently updated such as news, blog entries, podcasts, articles, or job listings, lost & found items, personals, and headlines.

It gives internet users the ability to quickly scan the sites that interest you without being bombarded by unwanted email or newsletters.

There’s tons and tons of information on the internet. RSS is an automated way to keep current with your favorite website.

What Is an RSS Reader?
RSS is usually called a feed or web channel. You read the feed through software called an RSS Reader. RSS Readers are a dime a dozen. Actually, they are free – so is the content that you get from them. Using your RSS Reader you subscribe to a feed. There are a few ways to subscribe to a feed: you can enter the feed’s link into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon in a browser that initiates the subscription process. On a regular basis the reader checks your subscribed feeds for new content, downloading any updates that it finds.

How Does RSS work?
From a high-level technical perspective, an RSS file is written in a simple (get it? simple) language that is called XML. Think of it like HTML’s simple cousin from the country. Information is put in the file and the recipients of your RSS receive that information through an RSS reader.

Now, for the BIG Question: How RSS Benefit Your Website?

Convenient
Instead of looking at 20 different websites, you can get an update on 20 different websites at a single glance. You don’t need to wait for a single page to load!
Customizable - With a click of a mouse you can add or replace RSS feeds to your reader. In most cases it is faster than signing up for a newsletter.
Dynamic - When your website has new content, users know it instantly.
Anti-Spam - Since users opt-in to receive RSS feeds, you bypass spam filters, firewalls, and avoid spreading viruses.
Unobtrusive - Allows users to see some of your website’s content without needing to visit your site.
Fresh - When you add an RSS feed to your site you provide fresh content without lifting a finger.
SEO - Search engines favor websites that have new content on a continuous basis. When you add an RSS feed you provide that new content on your site.