What is an RSS Feed?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. In short, it’s a super-convenient way to collect information that you read frequently, all in one place.
An RSS reader is what someone uses to view your RSS feeds. A visitor to your blog can subscribe to your RSS feed and it to their favorite reader. Then every time you make a new post on your blog it will show up on the user’s reader. Most people who use readers don’t have time to travel to their favorite sites everyday to view what is going on. So they will use a reader – it’s kind of like reading the morning paper. When you subscribe to a site’s RSS feed, all of your favorite sites will show up in the reader and post the latest content.
Check out this short video that explains all about how an RSS feed works:
How to subcribe to an RSS feed:
Most websites and blogs use a widely recognizable icon that indicates an RSS feed. It usually resembles a little orange icon, similar to the one on the top right corner of this page. It is often placed in top right or bottom of a blog or site, but could feasibly be anywhere on the page. Click on the icon, and you’ll be asked what reader you want to subscribe with. I use Google Reader, like they mentioned in the video. It’s user-friendly and it’s free.
Once you’ve subscribed to the feed, you’ll see all the posts from that site and other sites that you’ve subscribed to. They’ll all be waiting there for you to read at your leisure.
Now go subscribe to some feeds, (including the Best Website Tips feed!) and happy reading! 
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
RSS is one of the smartest technologies out there that was never apopted by the mainstream. It just seems to be bloggers and techies who use it which is a massive shame as it really does make the whole experience of finding content a lot easier. Twitter seems to have taken over to a large extent and I for one have started using it instead of RSS. Good job on explaining RSS though because most people don;t have a clue what it is and are too scared to ask
Thanks for visiting! I’m always amazed at how few people know how to use RSS. It’s such a great tool.
Hi Lisa;
I just happened to come across your blog. I have actually just started mine a week ago but I want to tell you that I read through the articles and was really pleasantly surprised with the clarity. I am not just saying this. I am doing a lot of reading about internet marketing and find almost all of it written for the other advanced marketers. You have made your articles simple to read and pleasant. Your integration with pictures and videos work well. I want to see if you have other atricles or even products that you offer. Thank you for what really seems to be genuine on your part and I look forward to reading some more. The content has taught me which I really appreciate. It takes a skill to write so clearly.
Phil
Hi Phil – Thanks for your kind words. I’m delighted that you found the content here interesting and helpful. I try to make things simple and easy to understand. You asked about other articles/products – I’m in the process of developing a new blog that will deal primarily with Wordpress and Social Media. I’ll announce that here when it’s ready for visitors, and hope that you stop by there too.