What’s a Feed?
A feed is a way to share content on other websites. It enables your articles and blogs to be published on other sites. It’s basically a code that lets them post your articles and blogs. In essence, XML, RSS, Atom, etc., are all ways of accessing a feed.
A feed is great because everybody wins. The author gains exposure, the reader finds out about something they’re interested in, and the online seller gets a never-ending supply of content.
What Can a Feed Do for My Online Business?
Feeds are useful in a number of different ways.
Feeds are delivered directly to your subscribers, so you don’t have to worry about spam filters kicking you out. Since they’re 100% opt-in, readers can subscribe and unsubscribe at will.
One of the best ways to differentiate your site is to give readers interesting material—educate them on stuff related to the product you’re selling. If you sell preschool toys, chances are you don’t want to study child development and write numerous articles on the subject-so find someone else who’s already done that and make their feed available to your customers. Keep your visitors coming back with constantly updated, relevant content.
The software now available can convert feeds into live links that search engines can see (check out CyberWS.com). In the past, search engines could not read feeds, but the software is now available to convert them into live links they can see. Search engines love fresh, dynamic content, so feeds are ideal. Not only do your customers receive the information they’re looking for, but the search engines like your site and rank it higher. They provide relevant information that updates automatically.
For affiliate marketers, they’re a great alternative to banners. In addition to giving your customers valuable information, if they click through and purchase something, you’ll get credit. And unlike banners, they do not look like you’re spamming your audience.
You will gain new potential customers by setting up a feed for everything you write, as other sites will pick it up and use it as free advertising for you.
In addition to the feeds, there are several search engines that specialize in feeds, such as Plazoo.com. According to Johnston, feeds are the future of the internet for entrepreneurs. If people don’t master them, they’ll get left behind.
