RSS

To the uninitiated RSS is the buzzword but what is it?
RSS is a family of web feed formats, specified in XML (Extensible Mark-up Language) and used for Web syndication. RSS is used by (among other things) news websites, weblogs and podcasting.
· Really Simple Syndication

Web feeds provide web content or summaries of web content together with links to the full versions of the content, and other metadata. (Literally data that describes other data)

RSS, in particular, delivers this information as an XML file called an RSS feed, webfeed, RSS stream, or RSS channel. In addition to facilitating syndication, web feeds allow a website's frequent readers to track updates on the site using an aggregator. (A type of software that retrieves syndicated Web content )
It can be a format for syndicating news and the content of news-like sites, including major news sites like Wired, news-oriented community sites, and personal weblogs.

But it's not just for news. Pretty much anything that can be broken down into small items and can be syndicated via RSS, anything that has any kind of content makes an interesting RSS feed. Once information about each item is in RSS format, an RSS-aware program can check the feed for changes and react to the changes in an appropriate way.

RSS-aware programs, called news aggregators are popular in the weblogging community. Many weblogs make content available in RSS. A news aggregator can help you keep up with all your favourite weblogs by checking their RSS feeds

How can I receive RSS feeds?

There are several ways of receiving RSS feeds, but the technology is moving forwards and adapting very quickly. The main method is to download a program called a 'News Reader'. You can then set up this program to receive RSS information from whatever websites you wish that offer it, and browse headlines and story summaries that link through to the full story on the website.
There are several News Reader programs available for all platforms, many of which are free. See a list on google.

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Alternatively, some newer web browsers offer similar functionality already built-in which will detect whether the website you are viewing offers an RSS feed and will then let you create a constantly-updated list of links in your 'bookmarks' menu.

The Firefox browser (Windows, Mac OSX, Linux) will let you do this, and will alert you to an RSS-enabled page by displaying an icon in the bottom-right corner of the window . Apple's Safari browser (Mac OSX only) offers an even fuller service, and other browsers will probably follow.

There are also some websites that let you customise a list of RSS feeds too.
On this link to the site www.rsscatalogue.com you can instantly download a ready built RSS feed with the click of a button. This offers you a supply of RSS feeds with different outputs, the selection is vast and growing daily.

source: http://www.readbud.com

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Use Pictures On Your Blog To Boost Traffic Starting Now!

Studies show that readers are often much more interested in blogs that offer pictures. Blogs that use pictures are shown to be accessed more often than plain text blogs. If you are looking for an interesting way to boost traffic to your site, you might want to think about including pictures. Adding pictures to your blog is typically not a hard task. Most blogging programs will have areas in which you can quickly and easily add pictures. Keep in mind that if you are involved in a program such as Google Adsense, pictures won't always correspond as well for your ads as text will however. Overall pictures provide readers with a better understanding of what you are trying to convey over your blog. If you are wondering why pictures boost traffic, consider these explanations.

Scanability


One surefire way to boost traffic on your blog is to create a blog with a high level of scanability. When your blog can be easily scanned for content, viewers are more likely to want to visit your blog again. Experts say that it takes almost 25% more energy for the eyes and brain to read words on a computer in contrast with reading them on paper. Therefore, although readers may not know it, they are likely to read much less on their computer screen. This is because it takes longer to read the words and uses up more energy.

Sixty percent of the people who read your blog will not read it word for word. They will simply scan through it looking for your main points. They almost always read the headlines and also look at the pictures. Pictures always help make your blog more easily scanned because they offer a break for the eyes and the brain. The eyes and brain will look at the picture in a different manner than they look at words on a blog. Offering the eyes and brain a "break" will allow your blog to be scanned easily. In turn, when it can be scanned easily, the readers will keep coming!

Keeping the Interest

One thing that bloggers tend to do is go on and on about one thing endlessly. It is important to limit each post to a small amount of words because if you don't, your reader will get bored. To avoid losing a reader's interest you can shorten posts and bring your main point to the forefront. You can also add pictures to your blog. Adding pictures is the perfect way to keep the interest of your readers. If you are talking about a lovely plant you have grown in your yard or an unusual looking dog you just adopted, consider adding a picture of it to your blog.

You would be surprised at how much more traffic you can bring to your site. People will be able to connect more with you about the subject you are posting about. They will be able to laugh with you at pictures you find funny and admire those that you treasure. You will be maintaining a "friendship" through your pictures with your readers.

If you want to add pictures to your blog, you might want to consider investing in a digital camera, if you don't already have one. This will make putting the pictures onto your computer a much easier task to begin with. After you master this task, read the "help" information on your blogging software to understand how you need to add the pictures to your blog. Pay special attention to any size requirements or suggestions. Some blogs will only allow a specific amount of space for graphics, so you will need to be aware of that amount.

Adding pictures to your blog is a great way to allow your blog to be easily scanned and to keep the interest of your readers. When you do use pictures you will see your improvements easily. Your readers will return to see what you have to say and new visitors will be interested and entertained. By connecting with those who read your blog via pictures, you will be building lasting relationships with your readers. Just be careful about what types of pictures you add. You should not post someone on your blog without their permission so if you are posting a photo of someone you know, be sure to ask them first.

Taken from readbud.com

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Top Ten Ways To Get Tons Of Traffic

Look, its obvious isn't? Without a ton of traffic to your site you aren't going to get any sales or any leads.

Over at WebmasterFX.com, the number one question I receive from my clients is "How do I get more traffic to my site?" I'm about to let you know some easy ways to get visitors flocking to your site starting today. Lets look at some obvious but often overlooked tips:

1. Get a Killer Domain Name.

People will never forgeta catchy domain name. Be sure to choose a short and easy to remember domain name that is appropriate to your business and has a nice ring to it. Remember the domain name is your online brand.

2. Upload Fresh and useful content.

These days people are banner blind. They want more than ads. Give them information they can't find anywhere else, and give it to them for free. Give them the content they want and need. If you do don't know what it is, Ask them.

3. Get yor site seen by the Search Engines.

Search engines bring more than 75% of traffic to most web sites. You can submit your site all day long but the best way to get seen is to get links on quality relevant sites. The search engines will find you within days. You can seek out both one way links from other sites and also reciprocal link exchanges with other webmasters. Just stay away from those nasty link farms!

4. Pay For Top Spots.

The quickest way to get website traffic without trying too hard is to pay for it. These advertisements would be posted on prime locations or banners of websites.

Banners are cheap and are great for branding, thogh don't expect a ton of click throughs. Popular websites like leading newspapers and search engines would provide immediate recognition and visibility to their customers. If you have the cash, spend it. Many don't or won't.

5. Form a Community.

Start a message board, email group, or even a chat forum. Actively participate in these groups by posting answers to other people's questions. Be visible and always include your signature at the end of your postings. The best thing about these types of sites is that people come back again and again. Check your hosting account to see if you have free forum software included. I bet you do.

6. Start Your Own Mailing List.

It is the best way to keep in touch with your prospects and your customers. Build a relationship with your list. Your email list can make your site a success again and again. The best customer is an existing customer.

7. Start an E-Zine for Your Website.

An E-zine is an extension of your site, but this will highlight new information and features of your site. People will be reminded of your website as they read each issue.

If they find they issue interesting or worth sharing, they can easily and instantly pass this on to the people within their network. Give them a freebie for signing up.

8. Submit Articles.

Write your own article just like this one and submit it to e-zines, websites and magazines that accept article submissions. Be sure to include your business and contact information and website address in the resource box.

9. Exchange Ads with other Website.

Create ads that will promote your business and website. Submit this to e-zines or other websites in exchange for free ad space in your own electronic publication. Your presence on other sites is very important in getting the increased traffic that you want. This is usually facilitated with either simple links or flashy banners.

10. Always Update Your Website.

Your website should always be up and running and full of fresh content. It is to your advantage if you maintain your website with new articles and updated features. If your visitors always find what they want and need, they will definitely be coming back again. Additionally, search engine spiders love a site with changing content!

Now go back to the top and read through this list again. You may think you know this information already, but I wonder how many of you have actually taken action on it. Also don't be discouraged if you don't see amazing result straight away. I guarantee working on these strategies a little bit each day will bring some serious traffic in the weeks and months ahead.

Source: Readbud.com

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