More than ten years old, Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary (RSS) has managed to catch the fancy of various net users only recently. Everybody is realizing the far-fetching advantages that may accrue by using RSS.  So much so that a nominal section of net users have neglected their browsers in favor of the RSS feeds.

To define RSS, it is a web language format that was designed to help syndicate content across different sources. An XML-based group of web feed formats, RSS feeds provide headlines and summaries of information in a compact and standardized manner. Since the email filters and new legislation have rendered email marketing ineffective and the craze for latest and frequently updated information is ever growing, RSS feeds are witnessing spiraling popularity, especially among the web marketers.

How can RSS help in web marketing?

Complement Newsletter: RSS may be taken similar to issuing a newsletter by a website. The only difference is that unlike the newsletter, RSS feed relieves the webmasters from the hassles of email filters, maintaining contact lists, removing bounced addresses, finding new subscribers or altering the content to save the site from being blacklisted. Combining subscription of newsletter with RSS feeds will ensure that the subscribers get the latest information, in case an email filter blocks the newsletter.

Increase web traffic: A frequently updated feed is a reliable tool to secure increased web traffic.  It has been observed that submitting URL to RSS feeds fetches continued rise in traffic. The automatic syndication of the latest information to the subscribers retains their interest and offers new and valuable content to many other websites, translating into more exposure for your website. All you need to know is how to set up the feed properly and how to accurately utilize the keywords for better results.

Better SERP rankings:  RSS feeds are a quick and economical means to get listed across search engines with higher ranking. With RSS feeds you can gain tremendous exposure, and easy distribution of inbound links across the web.

With a number of Dedicated RSS directories, RSS feeds must be indexed in the directories so as to prepare the website for future growth.

Every time you update your website, the feed reader distributes the changes to all subscribers. While checking the link for latest news, the subscriber may end up visiting your site again and again. This in turn means increased web traffic to the website and assistance in higher ranking across search engines. The subscribers read the headlines they want to read, view the summary, and click through to your site to read the rest of the news, either in a new window, or without having to leave the application they are in. Each time you update with newer headlines, you invite the audience back home.

Recycling older articles, product reviews, site suggestions and archived newsletters may help to keep the feed populated, as well as, cater relevant news to the audience at large.

You can use and understand the RSS feeds with absolute ease. Not using RSS feed in spite of numerous free tools online is nothing less than lazy and crazy.