5 Simple Steps to Get More RSS Subscribers

5 Simple Steps to Get More RSS Subscribers

1. Prominant placement of a big RSS icon

Do not hide your subscription icon somewhere below the fold of your website. Place your RSS icon at the top of your website (e.g. in the header). Another important aspect, besides the placement, is the icon itself. Use a big icon, which blends perfectly in your design, and thus is good visible.

2. Give RSS subscribers a gift

Persuade your reader with a nice gift, which offcourse is only available to a subscriber of the RSS feed. If you are a blogger who uses WordPress you can make use of the feedvertising plugin or the RSS footer to display a link.

3. Explain what RSS is

Not every reader is technical and knows what RSS is. Create a simple page, where you explain what RSS is, and for instance add the video ‘RSS in plain English’, some links to good RSS readers and help the non tech-savvy reader in a step-by-step tutorial how he or she can subscribe to your feed.

4. Promote your RSS link on other sites

Do you make use of social media sites or use of forums? If yes, than make sure that display a link to your RSS link in your profile or in your signature. You have to make it clear though that the user is subcribing to your feed though. If you do not you can upset the reader and he or she will immediately unsubcribe because of your phishing tactic.

5. Include the possibility to receive updates by mail

A functionality in Feedburner is to offer RSS through mail. Some users do not want another program on their computer, but do however use mail. In your Feedburner account you can copy a piece of code, which you can copy and paste onto your website.