How to Select the Right Syndication Method for My Content

Content syndication is truly a broad area. Many consider syndication simply putting an RSS feed or two on their Web site and nothing more. But content syndication is much more than that. Anytime your content is reproduced anywhere, it is considered syndicated. For example, writing articles about your Web site and submitting them to article directories is a great form of syndication because, in turn, other web sites will reproduce that content and provide you with another link back to your Web site. One article submitted to many directories can literally end up on thousands of Web sites after several months. Social bookmarking is also another hot option. Promoting your Web site in public on their social bookmarking pages is a quiet way of saying that they love your Web site. In return, other surfers will see their pages and visit your Web site. Once again, a little syndication can go a long way. So how do you choose the right methods for you and your Web site? By taking a brief look at your goals and your content, it can easily be shaped into an easy to execute promotion plan.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Consider your competition. These days it's almost impossible to own a Web site that doesn't have a competitor. For most topics, there are literally millions of Web sites trying to lure those surfers to them instead of to you. Use this to your advantage. Review the Web sites that are similar in topic to yours, but larger in user base and overall site traffic. With some crafty search engine use, you can quickly find out what methods they are using to syndicate their content. You can use this information to develop your own plan of attack.
   
2. Realistically review your time commitment to content syndication. Make a long-term syndication plan. Sit down with pen and paper and take a hard look at that time frame. Ask yourself exactly what you are willing to put into it, when, and how much? Do not overestimate in this area. If anything, underestimate it because of life's little mishaps. Sometimes you won't get to do as much on a given day as on other days due to extraneous situations. Once you do make a plan, try your very best to stick to it religiously.
   
3. List all of the methods that you feel might be advantageous to your Web site's growth. Then refine your list to fit the other criteria previously mentioned. For example, if you do not have very much time at all, then article promotion may not be the best method for you. Once again, consider your Web site, its content, and your ability to dedicate a finite amount of time and energy to the process. This will also help you narrow down your list of syndication methods.

Tips & Warnings

• Overall, there are far too many different syndication methods available to be mentioned in this one article. So do your homework, review your options, and consider your commitment. With those three considerations, you will be able to define an effective syndication plan for your Web site and its content.