Buzz
If you're looking to increase your website traffic or enhance your site with an audio program (like a podcast), having an RSS feed is essential. An RSS feed keeps users updated with your latest articles or events, driving more traffic to your site. Whether you're using a dedicated program or coding it yourself, setting up an RSS feed is quick and easy. Check out the guide below for step-by-step instructions.
Steps
Using an RSS Generator Software
Find an RSS Generator Tool. There are several options when it comes to RSS services. You can pay for a web service that automatically creates and updates your RSS feed, or you can download software to manually update it. Some popular programs include:
- RSS Builder – A free, open-source tool that lets users create RSS files and upload them to a website. It also automatically manages your RSS feed, so you don’t have to upload the file each time.
- Feedity and Rapidfeeds – These two web services let you manage multiple RSS feeds with automatic updates. No need to manually update each time you want to add content. Feedity generates the RSS file for you, and you don’t need to enter each item individually.
- FeedForAll – This paid program allows users to create RSS feeds and upload them to websites. It also provides specialized tools for creating podcast feeds for iTunes.
- RSS.app – This site helps users generate RSS feeds from any website or social media platform. RSS.app also allows you to import feeds into any RSS Reader software.
Creating the RSS Feed. Once you’ve selected a service, you can start building your first RSS feed. The process may vary depending on the program, but the core steps are generally similar. All RSS feeds require the following metadata:
- Create a title for the RSS feed, which should match the title of your website or podcast.
- Enter the URL for your website. This URL will help users navigate back to your homepage.
- Provide a description for the RSS feed. This should summarize the content of the feed in one or two sentences.
Adding Images to the RSS Feed. You can add a representative image for your RSS feed. The image file needs to be uploaded to your website to be included in the feed. Although optional, adding an image is highly recommended, especially for podcasts.
Adding Content to the RSS Feed. Once you've entered the podcast details, you can start adding the content. Begin by entering the title of the article, blog post, podcast episode, etc. Then, provide the direct URL to the content and the publication date. With Feedity, once you input the website URL, the content will be automatically published.
- Each item should be described briefly and clearly. This is the content that users will see on the RSS reader before deciding to click on it.
- GUID is a unique identifier for your content. You can insert a URL into this field at any time. If two pieces of content share the same URL, they will need separate GUIDs.
- You can also add the author's information and comments.
- Add a new entry for each piece of content you wish to publish.
Generating the XML File. After entering all the content into the feed, you need to export it as an XML file. This XML file will allow users to subscribe to your RSS feed.
Publishing the Feed. Upload the XML file you just created to your website and integrate it into the homepage. Alternatively, some sites will generate a URL for the RSS feed, which you can embed on your website.
- With RSS Builder, you can enter your website’s FTP details to have the feed updated automatically whenever you make changes. To do this, click the FTP button in the toolbar, select New Site, and enter the FTP information. Once you're ready to update the XML file on the site, click the Publish Feed button.
Submit your RSS feed. There are numerous platforms where you can submit your RSS feed. These websites aggregate posts on similar topics and can significantly increase your traffic. Look for RSS feed directories that align with your audience, and submit your XML file's URL there.
- If your feed is a podcast, you can submit it to iTunes, allowing iTunes users to discover and subscribe through the app. Podcasts need to be approved before they appear in search results.
Create your own RSS feed.
Compile a content list. Use a word processor to create a simple list of about 10-15 recent items (it can be more or fewer depending on your preference). Afterward, copy the URLs into the list, add titles, brief descriptions, and publication dates.
Create an XML file using Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac). Before you start entering content, you'll need to include the RSS header. Add the following code at the top of your text file:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>Title of your RSS feed</title> <link>http://www.website.com/</link> <description>Description of your feed. Write about 1-2 sentences.</description>
Start entering content. Each piece of content will be separated by the - tag below the title. Copy the following code for each entry you want to create, replacing it with your actual content.
<item> <title>Title of the content</title> <link>Direct URL to the content</link> <guid>Unique ID for the content. Paste the URL again</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:17:32 GMT (Note: the date must be entered in this format)</pubDate> <description>Description of the content.</description> </item>
Close the tags at the end of the feed source. Once you've entered all your items, remember to close the and tags before saving the file. Below is an example of a sample feed source with three items:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>My Cool Blog</title> <link>http://www.yourwebsite.com/</link> <description>My latest cool articles</description> <item> <title>Article 3</title> <link>example.com/3</link> <guid>example.com/3</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 27 Nov 2013 13:20:00 GMT</pubDate> <description>My newest article.</description> </item> <item> <title>Article 2</title> <link>example.com/2</link> <guid>example.com/2</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2013 12:15:12 GMT</pubDate> <description>My second article.</description> </item> <item> <title>Article 1</title> <link>example.com/1</link> <guid> example.com/1</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:10:45 GMT</pubDate> <description>My first article.</description> </item> </channel> </rss>
Save the file. After creating the feed, save it as an XML file. Click on File, then select Save As. In the file type menu, choose All Files. Change the file extension from .TXT to .XML, and name the file after the feed's title. Ensure there are no spaces in the file name.
Publish the feed. Now that your XML file is ready, you can upload it to your website. Use an FTP program or cPanel to transfer the XML file to your website's root directory. Be sure to create a link to the XML file so others can subscribe to it.
Distribute the feed. Once the feed is uploaded, you can begin sharing the link across various Feed Directories. Look for directories relevant to your feed's topic. Regularly distributing your feed will significantly boost traffic to your website.
- If you're listing music programs, you can submit your feed to iTunes. This way, iTunes users can find your feed through the iTunes Store. Make sure to check online for instructions on how to submit your XML file to iTunes. The file will undergo review before appearing in search results.
Update the feed. If you manually create and maintain your RSS feed, you'll need to update it whenever new content is ready to be published. Open the latest version of the XML file in a text editor and add the new content at the top of the list using the provided code. Afterward, save the file and re-upload it to your website.
- Try to keep your feed concise. This will help shorten the page load time for readers. When you add new content, consider removing the last item. If you prefer to add new entries at the top of the list, you can quickly remove the last entry to keep the feed short and manageable.
Warning
- It's essential to carefully review the tags when using Dreamweaver or similar web design programs. Sometimes Dreamweaver may remove continuous tags. All tags must be appropriate and placed correctly for the RSS feed to be valid.
