Do Marketers Really Need RSS?

The recent Forrester Research study, which claims only 2% online households North America use RSS, took internet marketing world by storm. Does this data really mean that marketers can still afford ignore this channel?

Soon after Forrrester study became public, I received a press enquiery asking whether marketers should be interested RSS now that so few online adults use it.

Is this correct question ask? Let's take a look at bigger picture ?

1. THE FORRESTER STUDY VALIDITY

The Forrester study just one those available cannot be considered only relevant study, although was conducted a sample 68,000 households.

Jupiter Research estimates RSS penetration at 12% American online population, while latest report from PEW shows that 9% American online population has a good idea what RSS is. An October 2004 PEW study actually estimated RSS penetration at 5%.

It also important understand that Forrester data does not include those that might not even be aware they are using RSS, especially through services such My.Yahoo, which actually most popular RSS reader.

Also, at same time, Forrester Vice President Henry Harteveldt says that »RSS critical any organization that wants reach out people under age 30«.

2. THE FUTURE GROWTH OF RSS

Regardless numbers we put our faith in, future growth RSS without question. Microsoft just recently announced full RSS support next edition their Internet Explorer browser full RSS integration next edition their operating system, Windows Vista.

Once RSS becomes easily available most internet users out-of-the-box becomes widely spread bookmarks, its adoption will grow at an incredible rate. Microsoft has now made sure this fact will happen.

Consequently, time marketers not only become interested RSS but also master now. Those that test discover best possible ways using RSS marketing will be ahead their competition once everyone starts using RSS.

Furthermore, since RSS implementation can actually be free any charge, there's no reason not start providing your content RSS feeds now.

3. GOOGLE SHOWS THE WAY

Microsoft Yahoo! aren't only big players show support RSS. Google recently launched RSS advertising part their Google AdSense program, giving publishers reason start their own RSS feeds generate direct revenues.

Those that depend Google AdSense part or all their online revenues actually need provide RSS feeds, or stand lose some those revenues due their visitors switching sites feeds from their competitors.

Face it, today many users are already starting request publishers provide them with RSS subscribe their content. This trend will only continue, with many users selecting RSS their primary channel receiving reading online content.

4. THE QUESTIONABLE RELIABILITY OF E-MAIL

All marketers today are experiencing e-mail delivery problems, constantly wondering whether their messages are getting through or not. Simply put, e-mail can no longer be relied on.

For one, offering your content via RSS a supplement e-mail will help you make certain that at least a portion your visitors, those that decide RSS option, will be receiving all your content without any doubt.

Lockergnome.com decided start pushing RSS instead e-mail some time ago, a result saw that their RSS feeds are outperforming e-mail when comes clickthrough rates about 500%. Also an interesting fact, they today have 5 times more RSS subscribers than e-mail subscribers.

And two, your most important content updates, RSS really becoming a must, especially if you need be contact with your existing customers, partners other key audiences. If you want be 100% certain that your messages reach your audience, RSS way go.

5. OTHER BENEFITS OF RSS

But all above don't even touch all reasons why marketers should start using RSS today ?

a) RSS will help you generate additional traffic reach new audiences. Considering low cost RSS implementation, this reason enough get started with RSS today.

b) RSS helps you easily get your content published other sites, thus generating you more credibility visitors.

c) As a publisher you can use RSS display content from other sources, thus making your site more relevant interesting your existing visitors.

And list goes on.

RSS may not be mainstream yet, but provides enough advantages even today make a must-choice marketers.

Copyright 2005 Rok Hrastnik

Find out immediately how you can power your online business with RSS integrate all your marketing. Request free 28-page Business Case RSS report, with easy-to-follow instructions, examples advice how get most out RSS shortest possible time. Get free download here: http://rssdiary.marketingstudies.net/case/index.html?src=sa15