Opportunities for optimizing online social networking are available at every click of the mouse and RSS is leading the way toward social marketing supremacy. RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication” and refers to text-based information distributed by web sites, blogs, etc. to interested parties. There are several really simple reasons to jump on the RSS bandwagon and hang on:
Really Simple Reason 1: Control.
With subscriptions to RSS feeds, the subscriber (or customer) is in control of what type of content is received. Content control has the following advantages for both the customer and for your social marketing plan:
*Two words: Free and easy. Exactly what every social marketer is looking for: the perfect way to expand established contacts with as little effort and expense on the part of the customer. Free and easy are two characteristics that everyone is willing to pass on.
*Bye-bye bookmarks. Bookmarks are no longer needed to find your site since the site comes to the subscriber. As long as the subscriber accesses his or her relative reader, you will have a front row seat in the subscriber’s virtual viewer.
*A place for everything and everything in one place. With an RSS reader, all feeds are collected and organized within the reader. Therefore, as your feeds become a staple in the customer’s daily diet, your social marketing strategies have the potential to become an influence on not only the customer but also the customer’s network of contacts.
With RSS feeds, subscriptions to your site content updates are strictly voluntary and elicited by those who really want them. You know that any updates you provide are being delivered to those who have made a concerted and conscious effort to receive them.
Really Simple Reason 2: Consistency.
One of the greatest features of the RSS feed as it relates to any small marketing plan is the availability of consistency for both subscriber and Internet marketer.
*Seek, and ye shall find. RSS feeds are automatically updated by the readers. Searches are continuously being made by the reader to ensure the most up-to-date content is being delivered.
*It goes without saying. As a shrewd Internet marketing strategist, you do not want to hope your audience regularly checks in with your site or bookmarks your site. With RSS feeds, you can communicate your message through text without the need for sending mass emails.
Really Simple Reason 3: Content.
As an integral component of small business marketing, RSS feeds are the backbone of social marketing strategies. RSS feeds are to social networking today what the Forward button was to email just nanoseconds ago. It is the content of the RSS feed that is the heart and soul of the social marketing plan.
*All for one and one for all. With an RSS feed, you can target a specific audience rather than a broad group of general passers-by.
*Anything goes. The great thing about RSS feeds is that updates can come in any form. Whether an announcement, a quick tip, or a weekly newsletter, subscribers are looking for an easy way to receive content from you to stay abreast of the latest happenings from you and your organization.
*All’s well that sends well. How could RSS feeds not be considered the greatest invention since, well, the last greatest invention? RSS feeds are read on the subscriber’s schedule, they are managed by the subscriber, and they are relayed to the subscriber without the need for an email address. What’s not to like?
Using RSS feeds to support your Internet marketing is likely the most logical step in increasing customer awareness and interest in your site and your business. RSS feeds are a logical addition to any successful social marketing plan. As a small business marketer, it is essential that you establish and nurture your online relationships with customers. With RSS feeds, you can make certain the information you send is of quality, is helpful, and is a reflection of you as the site owner. Injecting a personal flavor into your RSS feeds will help build trust with your Internet marketing contacts.
