Tuesday, March 17, 2009

RSS Feeds - 6 Mistakes to Avoid to Gain More Subscribers to Your Feed

By Tamara S Johnson

What is RSS?

RSS is defined on the internet as: RSS (Rich Site Summary), which is a format for delivering regularly changing web content. Many news-related sites, weblogs and other online publishers syndicate their content as an RSS Feed to individuals who are interested in receiving their content on a regular basis. RSS simply solves a problem for people who regularly use the web. An RSS feed allows you to easily stay informed by retrieving the latest content from the sites you are interested in. You save time by not needing to visit each site individually. You ensure your privacy, by not needing to join each site's email newsletter.

So you have an RSS feed?

Now how do you get subscribers to your feed. If you avoid these 6 common mistakes, you will have a flow of RSS subscribers:

6. You do not write guest posts:

If you provide valuable content to other blogs through guest posts, then you will avoid a common mistake made by a lot of bloggers seeking subscribers. By being a guest poster, you will generate more traffic and brand awareness . Don't forget guest blogging on some of the more popular blogs in your niche, this simple method will help attract subscribers from their blog to feed.

5. You do not publish new posts frequently and consistently:

Don't make the mistake of not posting enough content. Make it a routine to post content several times a week, or twice per day. Stick to this routine and be consistent. Post as frequently as possible. By using these methods, you will communicate to the visitors that your blog is active, and that subscribing to the RSS feed would be worthwhile and productive.

4. You don't use an email subscription form:

By using a simple email subscription form, you will convert your subscribers better than a simple "Subscribe via email" link. This is because most internet users are more familiar with seeing these types of forms around, and typing their email address there is quite routine for them. The top of your sidebar would be a great spot to place your email subscription form.

3. Don't Ask for the subscribe:

The easiest way to gain subscribers is to simply "ASK"! To avoid this common mistake, use your social networks, your blog posts, forums, email lists, family and friends and simply ask that they subscribe to your blog. Don't make the mistake of not asking.

2. Your Content Sucks! Write valuable content:

You will only gain subscribers to your RSS feed if there is some value that you can provide for them. This value may include solving a problem, providing a valuable resource, or simply keeping them up to date on current events in your niche, but it must be of some value to your subscriber.

1. Not having a clear focus on your blog:

Visitors will come to your blog and subscribe to your RSS feed because you have established yourself as an authority in a niche market. The moment you step out of that niche and lose the focus of the content they desire, you will lose a subscriber. To avoid this mistake, keep your content consistent with the theme of your blog.

For more great tips and hints on how to get more subscribers to you RSS feed by avoiding common mistakes, you are invited to visit our blog at http://www.thefreelancesquad.com/blog. The Freelance Squad offers affordable outsourcing services to include web design, logos, article writing and more. When you need a helping hand, feel free to contact us at thefreelancesquad.com or http://www.twitter.com/freelancesquad

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