RSS Feeds

Help! What is RSS?

I’m going to explain this in the only way I know how – in the really simple way (how I understand it).

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication.

In a nutshell RSS makes it possible to read all the updates on a blog (web log, like an online diary) or website without having to visit each individually.

You do this using a feed reader (there are lots of different kinds) – the updates from a blog or website using rss are called a ‘feed’, think of it like it is feeding you information, or content.

I use Google Reader to read my feed. If you want to set up an account just search in google and sign upfor an account, it’s free.

Once you have your account you need to add sites. If you find a site you like (ie small business mum) you can add the feed by clicking the purple RSS button.

If you think that RSS doesn’t sound like your cup of tea many websites offer updates by email, this means that every time new information appears on the blog or website you will receive an email. This is fine if you only have one or two, beyond that it is easier to sign up to google reader or similar.

Subscribe to Small Business Mum’s blog to see how RSS works.