How to Create a Newsletter From a Feed

RSS is an easy way to keep a newsletter timely and topical.

RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication." The name is a true and accurate description of the ease and simplicity that RSS provides in publishing content for online newsletters. Using an RSS feed allows webmasters and publishers to create a newsletter for electronic distribution within minutes. You can select RSS sources for news, articles and content to make it seem like you have an entire editorial staff at work to keep your newsletter timely and topical.

Instructions

1. Select a title for your newsletter. Use words within the title that relate to the topic, industry or readers you wish to target, such as "The At-Home Fix" for a newsletter about DYI home repairs or "The Gardener's Life" for a newsletter targeting people who love to garden, or "The Shoe Diva" for a newsletter about shoe styles to target women.

2. Decide on a format for your newsletter. Choose between publishing the newsletter as a blog or Email newsletter. .

3. Go to RSS.com and install an RSS newsreader so you can receive news feeds from sources you select and at times you personally select. Follow instructions to install the newsfeed free on Windows98/NT/Me/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008 and Windows 7. Look for messages and news headlines to pop-up in your system tray at the times you specify.

4. Research online newsletters that publish content that might be similar to what you are considering. Analyze the sites to find ways to make your newsletter different in terms of the content you provide and the readers you can target.

5. Subscribe to newsfeeds from reputable and authoritative sites to build content for your newsletter. Review the RSS news feeds you receive for a week or so to make sure that they consistently provide content that will appeal to your target audience, the products or services you sell, the industry you are in or the topic that your newsletter covers.

6. Create feeds from the sources you select for your newsletter format (blog-style newsletter or Email newsletter) by using a software program. Compare programs offered by companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Feed Burner, Feed for All, ZDNet and CNET.Select a program to download that has easy-to-follow wizards, instructions or video tutorials so you can get up-and running quickly.

7. Parse through the feeds you receive from the news sites and source you subscribe to for your newsletter. Select feed stories to publish on your newsletter. Follow the instructions for the software program you are using to link the feed to your newsletter.

8. Consider different options for using the feed, such as writing a "teaser" headline or paragraph to attract attention, or writing original articles based on an idea or "hot" topic you learn about from the feeds you receive. Remember that if you redirect your audience to the source so they can read an entire article, they will be leaving your blog your Email newsletter and may not return.

9. Follow RSS etiquette when reprinting articles, information and using photographs by quoting the source, author, date of publication and the photographer (if you are using a photograph from a feed). Do not plagiarize content you receive from feeds.

10. Include RSS logo graphics on your blog or Email newsletter to build traffic and a following. Use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to encourage your readers to share a link to your newsletter.

Tips & Warnings

• Review the analytic reports you receive about your sites traffic. Compare the number of readers who click on stories and topics from the each RSS feed you use. Use this information to determine which feeds to continue using and which ones you might consider replacing.

• Continually monitor the Internet for new RSS feed sources to keep your content fresh, current and authoritative.

References

• RSS Specifications: Benefits to RSS Feeds
• RSS Reader: What Is RSS Reader?
• Feed for All; Create RSS, Make RSS Feeds; Sharon Housley
• Word Press Beginner: Create a Free Email Newsletter Service Using WordPress
• Syndic8: RSS Feeds
• Marshable; Create An Email Newsletter From Your RSS Feed With MailChimp; Adam Ostrow, October 27, 2008