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Why Software Developers Should Use RSS Feeds
Software developers can benefit by offering
RSS feeds as another way of communicating with
customers and potential customers. RSS is a very
flexible communication medium, and the benefits
to developers who use RSS feeds can be significant...
RSS Benefits To MicroISVs
1. Web Traffic
An RSS feed can increase web traffic. All developers
want more web traffic, and generally speaking,
increased web traffic will normally result in
increased sales.
2. Increases Communication
RSS feeds give developers another way to communicate
with potential customers. Communication builds
brand loyalty and gives marketers another promotional
channel.
3. List Management
With RSS feeds, there are no headaches commonly
associated with email list management. Subscribers
can opt-in and opt-out with little effect on the
overall feed management.
4. Extends Reach
RSS feeds are often syndicated on other websites,
which further extends a developer's reach. The
extended reach will often penetrate into markets
where the developer previously had little contact.
By syndicating content, developer's can reach
a much wider audience.
5. Marketing Channel
RSS feeds are an inexpensive marketing channel.
There is very little overhead associated with
setting up and maintaining an RSS feed. RSS feeds
can be a very effective marketing channel.
6. Captive Audience
RSS feeds tend to attract a captive audience,
because subscribers opt-in to only the RSS feeds
they wish to view. As a result, the subscribers
tend to be a captive and interested audience.
7. Time Sensitive
RSS feeds are the perfect solution for time-sensitive
information. For example, an RSS feed can provide
information on the latest product news and updates
in a timely manner.
8. Guaranteed Delivery
RSS feeds do not need to contend with spam filters
or obsolete email addresses. Marketers can be
assured that the RSS feed subscribers will see
their message.
9. Automated Delivery
RSS feeds can automate the delivery of content.
Using scripts, RSS feed items can be published
and scheduled to appear at specific times, effectively
automating the communication process.
10. Increases Links
Content syndication increases the number of inbound
links, and this will often have a positive impact
on the search engine rankings of web pages.
11. Competitive Advantage
Chances are, even if you are not offering RSS
feeds, your competitors probably are, or will...
and that gives them a competitive advantage over
you. On the other hand, being first to provide
an RSS feed can turn that around so that you
might have the competitive advantage over other
MicroISVs.
RSS Benefits to Consumers
1. Opt-In -- RSS feeds allow consumers
to opt-in at their choice. Subscribers choose
what information they wish to receive, and they
are able to gain access to most feeds without
providing any personal information. If they are
unhappy with the content of a feed, they simply
unsubscribe. This allows feed subscribers to be
in complete control over the flow of information
that they receive.
2. Privacy Issues Circumvented -- In most
cases, RSS feed subscriptions are anonymous, so
RSS feeds do not have any of the privacy concerns
that are commonly associated with other communication
mediums.
3. Saves Time -- RSS feeds save time
for subscribers, as they can learn about the latest
information without having to visit multiple websites.
Consider adding RSS feeds as a new communication
channel for your company.
Additional Resources for RSS:
RSS
Specifications
RSS
Tools
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to Capture The Long Tail of Search
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an Effective Upsell
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Developer
101
Why Software Developers Should Use RSS Feeds