RSS: Feeding Your Donors
You visit many sites on the Internet to obtain the latest information on topics that interest you, whether it’s stocks, news, blog entries, sports coverage, etc. However, visiting multiple sites is time-consuming and often causes forgetfulness. This is where RSS comes in.
RSS is an Internet application that stands for "Really Simple Syndication." It lets you know when your favourite websites or blogs have been updated by sending a list of headlines, summaries, and links to your desktop, mail program or internet browser.
In this Article:
Step 1: Subscribe – Get Familiar with RSS
When you are websites and see the RSS symbol – or simply “RSS” – you can click on it and subscribe to the RSS feed for that site. Once you have subscribed, you will receive updates directly to your desktop, mail organizer or browser, depending on how you have chosen to organize your RSS subscriptions.
When you go to one of your favourite websites and subscribe to it via RSS, the RSS feed alerts you whenever there is new information on that site. For instance, if you have 20 websites you like to keep up-to-date with, using an RSS reader allows you to receive updates from each site in one place.
Still don’t get it? Common Craft has an excellent video that describes RSS called RSS in Plain English.
What are the advantages?
RSS feeds have many benefits for subscribers:
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They provide up-to-date news and postings on relevant information
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They save time because subscribers do not need to visit many sites to access information
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They filter information to one location
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They provide users with privacy, as they don’t have to join an e-newsletter
There are a couple of disadvantages for first-time users, such as confusion and choosing which RSS Reader is best for you. It takes a lot of trial and error, but it is well worth it in the end. Plus, this article is here to help you!
1. Choose an RSS Reader
If you are unfamiliar with RSS, the best thing to do is subscribe! This will give you a familiarity with the RSS process, and may entice you to add RSS feeds to your blog or website at a later time.
The first thing you need is an RSS Aggregator or RSS Reader. These are programs that enable your computer to subscribe to RSS feeds and put the updates all in one spot so you can read them. There are many programs to choose from, but the first question you should ask is: "Do I want to have my RSS Reader in my Internet browser, my email, or do I want to have it on my desktop?"
We suggest just choosing one Reader at first. You can choose from WebBrowser Readers, Mail Readers, or third Party readers. Web browser readers are built into your Internet browser, Mail Readers are built into your computer’s desktop and electronic mail system, and third party readers are available as stand-alone programs. The following table lists some of the more popular Readers for PC and MAC:
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Browser
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Mail
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Third Party
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2. Click on the RSS Sign
Once you choose an RSS Reader, the rest is easy. When you are on the Internet and see an “RSS” title or the RSS image next to an area that is of interest to you, click on this RSS sign and you will be asked if you want to subscribe. Subscribe to the feed by clicking subscribe and following the instructions.
3. Open your Reader & View your Feeds
Now that you have subscribed, you will receive regular updates from the feed in summarized text with a link to the full information. Just click on your RSS Reader to check on your most recent feeds. Try it out! Subscribe to the CanadaHelps GivingPages RSS feed.
- Only use one type of RSS Reader. They all do the same thing - it’s just a matter of whether you prefer it in a browser, in your mail program, or on your desktop.
- Subscribe to information that is related to your charity’s cause. This keeps you informed about what’s out there. For instance, if I want to stay informed on the Canadian Revenue Agency’s charities and giving news, I can go to the CRA’s media page and click on the RSS link.
Step 2: Feeding Your Donors
Charities can use RSS feeds on their websites or blogs for a variety of reasons: inform donors and members of current issues, advertise donation opportunities, and link users to other information that may be of interest. It’s about providing an easy way to keep your supporters informed and engaged in your cause. It’s also a great way to keep on top of what else is happening in relation to your cause. For example: what is the latest research being done by a major institution, what are similar organizations in other countries doing, what events are happening that I should know about?
RSS feeds have many benefits for creators:
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They provide marketing and fundraising opportunities to an interested audience
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Information can be accessed without it being blocked or labeled as spam, which happens with many email filters
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They allow for a wide selection of public relations channels; an RSS feed can be delivered as basic text to a desktop, a cellular phone message, a voice mail, email, etc.
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Feeds allow you to easily send information to a captive group of supporters who have chosen to get updates from you
For creators, RSS feeds can pose problems, mostly technologically related:
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If you want to add an RSS feed to your website or blog, you have to understand how to embed it into your code. This requires some time and research or the help of your web manager.
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Some donors may not be familiar with RSS because it’s still quite new. In order to use RSS feeds, users have to first understand what RSS Aggregator and Feed Readers are (see STEP 1).
Creating RSS feeds can be a complicated process for those not familiar with XTML and web design. The quickest and most effective way to create RSS feeds for your website is to use software, such as FeedForAll for PC or Mac. Get in touch with your website administrator and ask for assistance.
Blogs are an important tool for charities because they often come up at the top of Google searches. This is because they are constantly being updated. Thus, putting an RSS feed on your charity blog is a great way to capture a wide audience and keep them in the loop.
Use a blog that already has RSS capabilities built in. Wordpress and Blogger, which are two of the most prominent blogging sites on the Internet, both have built-in RSS feeds. If you already have a blog and it doesn’t have pre-existing RSS, then download an RSS managing program, such as “FeedBurner.”
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Subscribe to a number of feeds before you launch this feature on your own site/blog. Get familiar with the way they work, and what information you receive.
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Take the time to learn what information your supporters would like to be updated about. You should be asking for feedback, especially when you first launch your feed and invite subscribers.
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Don’t worry about adding RSS to your blog or website until you get comfortable with how it works. Once you are ready to add an RSS Feed, there are many sites that offer tips.
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Pay attention to how some of your favorite sites are using RSS. Research RSS best practices and tips - there is a wealth of information.
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Really Simple Strategies Keeping Track Of Your Organization And Issues Online (MyCharityConnects Conference workshop)
