If you want to be a blogger, one of the things you need to learn and know how to use are RSS feeds. In this video, I’ll show you how to use RSS feeds to keep up-to-date with your favorite blogs.
We’ll discuss how to sign up for a feed and be notified of a blog’s updates using 3 methods:
- Email Subscriptions
- Firefox’s Live Bookmarks
- Google FeedReader (here’s the Firefox Add-on mentioned in the video)
If you need to set up your very own feed using FeedBurner, be sure to see my other video: A Complete Guide to Setting Up FeedBurner on WordPress.
You can read more about what RSS is by reading this tutorial here by Molly Piper.
Questions? Ask away.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Thanks John
Comprehensive as usual.
Didn’t realise how much there was to knopw abour RSS. If this is the simple syndication, I wouldn’t like to see the difficult one LOL.
I’ve not set up feedburner yet but as soon as I get the time….
This video with the “how to set up…” one are a complete course, appreciate your taking the time.
February 6th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Thanks Keith. I know, it’s still a bit challenging and even though it’s put in simple terms. It’s really not all that simple if you don’t know much about it, is it?
February 7th, 2010 at 2:44 am
John
I like to break things like this into two parts when I’m looking at new things:
1 What is it and why should I use it?
2 How do you implement it technically?
For RSS – this video covers the first bit and your “how to set up….” covers the second bit.
When I first started looking at CSS it appeared very complicated but once I realised what it was and the advantages it gave… I got involved with the technical aspects and actually enjoyed it – sad!
Problem with RSS is that it appears that it will only be set up and used by other bloggers, not the average Joe who Googles for something,such as “best blog hosting in the world” and finds one of your articles LOL.
Not complaining that only other bloggers will use it but do you see that as a drawback to RSS?
February 7th, 2010 at 4:19 am
Hi John,
Keith mentioned in a comment my ears should be burning as you were talking about me on this vidoe. And you are.
I just watched your video. Where were you when I started blogging? I can’t tell you how many times I beat my head against the wall trying to figure out RSS, subscribing, etc… Your video is awesome!
Great job, John and thank you for your kind words.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:04 am
@Keith – It does seem like a tool really meant for blogs. I’m sure if you know what you’re doing (and a little creativity) it could be made to work like a newsletter. But I don’t see RSS as it stands to be used for much more than blogs. Google might consider a “paid” version of RSS but for regular websites. Just a though.
@Barbara – Umm… when you started blogging I believe I was writing a business plan and researching what a blog was (and was just about to start my own). No problem about the mention, and I love the new look on your site.
July 12th, 2010 at 7:13 am
What really should I do to get my web site to the top of google do I need to hire an seo organization or can I do it myself thanks for the help
January 17th, 2011 at 1:41 am
Yeahh.. Thank for your info about RSS.. Iam Enjoy it
Erica ^_^
February 24th, 2011 at 12:31 am
I wonder if somebody can aid me. I am looking for any guidance in optimizing a Google Places web page. I have a customer and will need to get them being ranked in Google local search. Anyone have any guidelines or advice. Thanks for the very good information.