How To Update Your Members By Using Rss Feed

In this article, we're going to discuss a very low key and non intrusive way of using RSS feeds

. RSS feeds (also known as "Really Simple Syndication"), is a way to publish content. You may have seen the orange icons with the radio waves during your web visits. Those are links for RSS feeds. RSS feeds are used by people who want the latest content, but don't feel like visiting each site to check for updates.

With a RSS reader, a reader can visit one site (or use one program) and view the latest content from a wide variety of sites. Basically, this is an easy way to find out the latest information happening on the sites you love in one place.

Here's how it works for your membership site. If a reader subscribed to your feed, a notice of new content would appear within moments in their feed. They would see the title of your post and some teaser text before the "MORE" tag (the "More" tag can be found on the formatting bar when you create a post). They click on the title or text and they arrive at your Wordpress blog to read the latest you have to offer.

Now, keep in mind that there are some differences between RSS readers. Some may display everything (assuming you wanted everything to show). Others can show only so many characters. While others just show the basics such as title only. Since you probably have protected content, you'll need to take a few considerations to make sure your members have access to your content. We'll also discuss the ever so important way to keep non-members out!

First, giving your members a link is as easy as telling them to click the "RSS Feed" link at the login widget. http://screencast.com/t/NjJiYTMy This link is unique for each member. The link is also protected. They could pass it to friends, and the friend could still see the title and teaser text like in the screenshot below. http://screencast.com/t/NWMyNWMxY But if they aren't logged in or are not a member, they'll see this: http://screencast.com/t/ZThjYTdkMzAt Therefore the link is basically useless to non-members. If you don't use the "MORE" tag, it's possible for non-members to see all your content. Therefore, use of the "MORE" tag is recommended.

So, there you have it. A nice way to keep your members updated and your content protect. But what if you don't see the RSS feed? That's easy to fix! You probably have "Hide RSS Link" checked in your logon widget. To show the RSS link, click Appearance - Widgets - Sidebar (choose the one where you have your login widget). http://screencast.com/t/OTJjYmRlY So there you go. The RSS feed should show up now when your members log on.

What if you have non-protected content and want to publish it in a RSS feed? Simple, you just provide a link on your blog to your feed. The correct URL depends on the settings you have in your blog. Some common examples are listed below. Just replace "example.com" with the name of your domain. You'll know if it's the correct RSS URL if you see a list of content in your browser window. http://example.com/wp-rss.php http://example.com/wp-rss2.php http://example.com/wp-rdf.php http://example.com/wp-atom.php Just find the correct one and put the link on your site. If you have an orange RSS icon on your blog, go ahead and link it to that image. If not, put one up! It's the universal sign for RSS feeds and most visitors will recognize it. The image will be have "RSS" incorporated into the image and/or look very similar to the image above. Even though that feed is given out to non-members, it should be fine for your regular members to use it as well. Members will have access to all content, including content specifically for their membership level and non-member content. Non-members will will only have access to non-member content.

Now you have a RSS feed!

I advise you to promote this link just as you would with your other social networking links. It's a great way for members to keep connected with you.

by: Stu McLaren

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