As a blogger, you get readers from several sources. One of the largest I think is via “feed.” Now there are a few sorts of feeds: RSS, ATOM, and I think a few more. The most common I run across is RSS. The way these work is they deliver a real time “feed” of the stuff you put on your blog minus the theme hoopla. For example my recent post on my personal blog is about 100 words and yet bringing it up as a web page includes the text in the sidebar along with all the images and graphics. The RSS feed will only show the 100 words. I like reading feeds because I can get through much more content in less time.
How do you do it?
Well, there are a few ways. There are 2 basic elements you need to place an RSS button on your blog: an image and the rss feed address. Of course, you’ll need access to your sidebar or other region to place the code. Most blog platforms offer this in a readily accessible way. Bear in mind there are a ton of RSS buttons out there. I recommend searching delicious for some. Without any further ado, here’s a sample rss code you can replace with your own 2 elements and put on your blog. Best of luck!
<a href="http://www.dynamitelessonplan.com/feed/"> <img title="Subscribe via feed" src=" http://www.damienriley.com/images/feed-icon-28x28.png" border="0"> </a>
4 Comments
I am really not into such things. I don’t have one in my blog… and is lazy placing one, LOL!
Trust me when I say that most bloggers do not read actual blogs, they read feeds. If a reader likes you enough to extract your feed they will. Otherwise, you have a better chance at getting a long term rss reader if you have a button. I notice you are on blogspot. It is fairly easy to put an rss button on through their interface. Let me know if I can help :) Otherwise, I won’t judge you if you don’t want a button.
Hi Damien! Google Reader was my favorite before I started using Flock, which has an integrated feed reader on the left sidebar. I know I should get a cuter feed button for my site, but so far I haven’t. Thanks for the tips.
What’s up Heather. At least you have a button up. I think it’s a courtesy to the reader and as you know it’s so easy to do. I go standard with mine but once in a while I try something “cutesy.”