Resources for finding RSS feeds for syndication: RSS Network - http://www.rss-network.com RSS Locator - http://www.rss-locator.com

LINK DIRECTORY While this takes a little more time, compiling a collection of niche websites on related topics can significantly enhance value of a portal. Topic-specific directories and search engines can achieve high search engine rankings with larger engines like Google and MSN, and can easily be optimized for a collection of search terms. The process can even be automated if you have programming experience.

Sample Link Directory - http://www.investing-partners.com

TOPIC SPECIFIFC FORUM The most successful forums are those that are highly focused and niche-oriented. Establishing a community of individuals with common interests will result in return visitors. Managing a forum is not overly complex and there are free forum scripts available that will provide forum structure. Many of forums have scripts available that will allow for search engines to spider contents and forum posts. As content flourishes, site will increase in value.

Free Forum Scripts: http://www.phpbb.com

More on topic-specific portals or information radars can be found in Robin Good's book 'Newsmastering'. http://www.masternewmedia.org/reports/newsmasterstoolkit/

A site that is focused on a relatively narrow range of goods and services will find that there is less competition. Topic-centric websites that provide a gateway to niche information related to a particular industry, sector, topic or market segment are becoming increasingly valuable and popular. Compiling resource using free resources will minimize capital investment. Regardless of whether you are marketing a product, service or advertising, narrowing topic focus will attract a targeted audience who genuinely are interested in website topic, allowing you to monetize portal, and minimize expense.

About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for NotePage http://www.notepage.net a wireless text messaging software company.

The best way to do this is to create a separate page on your site describing newsfeeds you offer and information about RSS in general.

Some things you should cover on this page include:

• A quick overview of how RSS works
• Why subscribing to your feed will help them
• Where to obtain a feed reader
• How to subscribe to your feed using a feed reader
• How to display your feed on their site

CNet and New York Times provide good examples of RSS landing pages:

http://www.cnet.com/4520-6022_1-5115040-1.html?tag=cnetfd.ft

http://www.nytimes.com/services/xml/rss/

4. Create a Branded RSS News Reader

If your website offers many diverse newsfeeds, consider creating a custom news reader that is branded with your company logo and preloaded with your newsfeeds. This saves beginning user time and hassle of figuring out how to get a feed reader and subscribe to your feeds.

Some companies that offer RSS newsreader branding include NewsGator (http:// www.newsgator.com/custom.aspx), Deskshare (http://www.deskshare.com/ awrc.aspx), and CustomReader (http://www.customreader.com).

By following tips mentioned in this article, you will receive an immediate boost in your RSS subscribers, and in turn, drive more traffic to your website.