7. ) Link popularity. Increase link popularity by submitting RSS feed, blog or podcast to appropriate directories. The following directories allow submissions of specific kinds of RSS feeds. Be sure to follow guidelines of each site and choose categories wisely.

Submit Podcasts - http://www.podcasting-tools.com/submit-podcasts.htm Submit RSS feeds - http://www.rss-specifications.com/rss-submission.htm Submit Blogs - http://www.blog-connection.com/submit-blogs.htm

8.) RSS feed descriptions. RSS feed descriptions are generally summaries or introductions to other content. Often, feed creators will provide additional information on an HTML site, enticing reader to click through for full information if it is a topic that is of interest to them. Provide enough teaser copy that reader can easily discern if contents are something that is important to them.

9.) Subscribe to feeds. This might seem obvious, but a surprisingly large number of publishers do not subscribe to their own feed. This is a great way to visualize what your customers see, and experiment with formatting and integrating HTML into feeds.

10.) Image ads. Add your corporate logo to your RSS feed. Create a brand and enforce that brand by including image in RSS feed. The image will enhance your corporate identity and dress up look of your feed by adding your corporate logo.

11.) Alphabetical rank. Many feed readers list feeds alphabetically in reader. Feed channels that begin with A will naturally appear in top of feed list in most feed readers. If you wish to appear in top of list of feeds that a reader has subscribed to, keep this tip in mind.

12.) Meaningful Links Each item in your feed should contain a unique URL associated with it. This will direct users to associated information. Many find using target URLs with "#" symbol in link to identify specific content useful.

Most marketers have a love-hate relationship with search engines. Search engines have abilitiy to make even most confident webmaster feel powerless . Let's face it - all of us have felt wrath of search engine powers-that-be at one time or another, and while it may be difficult to know what line was crossed or how we fell out of favor, following some basic guidelines will be helpful in optomizing feeds for search engines.

- Beware added taxes, fees, shipping, and handling costs. Sure, you may have found a great price, but make sure you're still getting one when all is said and done. Buying out of state or province could save you in taxes, but it might cost you in shipping. Check it out first.

- Allow for adequate delivery time, especially if you're buying a gift or purchasing around holidays.

Look for a secure website when purchasing:

- Secure sites will have a URL that starts with "https" instead of "http". This means your confidential information (like your credit card number) will be protected with a security certificate.  

- Look for a little yellow lock on status bar at bottom of your web browser. Double-click it to get information about certificate that is protecting site.

Be prepared: - Keep a record of your purchase. Get an order number, confirmation number, or receipt and keep it handy, even after you receive item. Treat it same as an in-store purchase.

- If you run into a problem, don't give up. Contact online merchant. Most reputable companies will want to make sure you are a happy customer.