• Member Login

NC Blogger Network

North Carolina's premier blogger community

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Home
  • About
    • Leadership Team
  • Join
    • Members
  • Collaborate
  • Blog
    • Blogging for Beginners
    • Blogging Resources
  • Podcast
    • Listen Live
    • On iTunes
    • On Google Play
  • Say Hello
  • Calendar

Should I Truncate My Blog’s RSS Feed?

January 26, 2015 by Allison Barrett Carter 3 Comments

Should I Truncate My Blog’s RSS Feed?

There are a lot of details that bloggers need to think about.  And one of those should be how easy it is for readers to access your information. For example, think hard about whether or not to truncate your RSS feeds.

We don’t address this topic enough in the Internet chatter about effective practices in blogging so there isn’t much on this to share elsewhere on the Internet.  But at the end of the day you will want to read this post, and thread, by Kim Werker.

Pageviews vs. Influence

There are people who are worried about numbers (although it may be the wrong numbers) who strongly believe that you must truncate your RSS feed in order to get readers to come to your website.  You need their physical click on your site, their count as “1″ in your page views so that sponsors and advertisers will pay you for your blog real estate in the future.  The thinking here goes that as a blogger you will want your page views to be through the roof and only then will you make money from your blog.

While on the surface this makes sense, it is shooting yourself in the foot during Mile One of a long-distance race.

Yes, companies and businesses care about your page views when they contact you about advertising. But they care even more about your reach and influence – they want engagement.  (Members, log in to your Educational Resources Portal to get Beth Anne’s slides on what metrics brands really care about.)

They want to see how your content carries, how many people listen to you on Twitter and Facebook and Pinterest, and they want to see you as an ambassador with their content.  They are really interested in seeing how effectively you can get your message out.

And when you make people work too hard to read your information, they won’t read it.  If they don’t read it, they REALLY won’t share it.

As a business, you can not afford to truncate your feed! Subscribers want to build a relationship with you, long term.  If an audience member has decided to be loyal enough to you and your content to go ahead and subscribe to get your news delivered, sing “hallelujah” and make it as easy for them to digest your information as you can.

Feed Readers Make Things Convenient

Consider this: most readers who are subscribing to RSS feeds are doing so because they want to use an RSS reader and see all their content in one place.  Personally, I use Feedly.  I like that in the morning I can get my coffee, open my tablet, and immediately read any and all the articles I want to from the blogs I subscribe to.

But if you deliver the morning coffee reader only two sentences of your content, the reader is probably skipping right over you.  Subscribers don’t “click to read” in the smorgasbord of blog consumption at their fingertips.  So your posts pile up, unread.

Additionally, if you only give someone two sentences because you want them to click through to your website (so you can have that “1″ page hit) then it better be a darn perfect two sentences.  You have to be a phenomenal teaser writer to get someone to want to leave the program they are in and spend the time loading a separate tab and window to read your content.  By only giving two to three sentences you have just lowered, substantially, the odds that the average blog reader will read your content at all.  Think about how many missed opportunities you have created for yourself because you want “1.”

Drawing Them In

Alternatively, if you “allow” subscribers to read your entire post within their selected reader the opportunities for social sharing on your posts are huge. While your two sentences might not have enticed readers to click or made them grasp immediately how great your content is, if they are able to read it right away, drawn in by all your beautiful pictures, great words, and fascinating information they are vastly more inclined to Pin it, Tweet it, Like it, Share it, and Comment.

When your stuff goes social, you win.  Once tweeted/pinned/shared you could see huge numbers in retweets/repins/and re-shares.  THIS is what you want.  Not just one more page hit.  You want growth. That growth and social sharing is what will get you the sponsors and advertisers (and, incidentally, new subscribers).

Protecting Your Content

I have heard a few bloggers state that they truncate their RSS feeds so they don’t lose control of their content and can protect their content from being stolen. The honest truth is that anybody can easily steal anything from your blog. This is just fact. Just because you don’t deliver a full article via RSS doesn’t mean you are immune to piracy.  (Tip: you can help yourself by watermarking all your pictures.)

So, bloggers & businesses that blog, take a moment to think hard about whether or not you want to truncate your RSS feed. Whatever you do, we want to make sure that you are making your fascinating, wonderful content as accessible, and easy to share, to subscribers as possible.


Allison Barrett Carter

Allison is a freelance writer and published author. She chronicles her journey to live the best life she can on her website.
View all posts

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: Blogging Tips

« 6 Tips for Winter Gardening in Charlotte
Why Consistent Branding is Important »

Comments

  1. Jaime says

    January 26, 2015 at 8:52 AM

    I set up my feed ages ago. I went into WordPress this morning and set my posts to show entire posts versus the summary. (Now I wait and see if the changes go through….because I cannot for the life of me remember where I originally set that up!) 😉

    Reply
    • Allison Barrett Carter says

      January 26, 2015 at 11:07 AM

      That’s great, Jaime! This is definitely one of those details that is tiny and, like you said, so many of us set it up so long ago! I follow you in my Feedly so I’ll look for you. 😉

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What Interests You?

Archived Articles

What Bloggers Are Saying

  • Lê Anh minh on Better Ways to Use Your Bio
  • Hannah Flack on Create Stunning Videos without Fancy Equipment
  • Lê Anh minh on Better Ways to Use Your Bio
  • Rahul Roy on Wedding Invitations for the Modern Bride
  • Sea on Using Consistent Hashtags for Your Business

Join Us on Facebook

Join Us on Facebook

Grab These Freebies

Powered by Creative Market

Connect with Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Members Only

  • Become a Member
No one has escaped the challenges that 2020 has of No one has escaped the challenges that 2020 has offered⁣
⁣
The question is: Are you going to let 2020 define you? Or are you going to create your own narrative?⁣
⁣
✨{𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄}✨ 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞⁣
[3 Part Masterclass Series Oct. 22-24]⁣
⁣
I  know you. The over achiever.  The planner. The one who doesn't appreciate failure, changes, or surprises. You desire to have things under control -- and 2020 was NOT in our control.⁣
⁣
Because over the past 7 years of living life as a coach, I wanted to control everything. Yet - things happened that I couldn't control. And my mindset was tested daily.⁣
⁣
❗️Getting fired 3 times!⁣
❗️Almost getting evicted.⁣
❗️Having collections & IRS calling me daily.⁣
❗️Having to shut down my first business.⁣
⁣
𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴, 𝘐'𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘦𝘵, 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦, 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦. ⁣
⁣
𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥.⁣
⁣
We are now wrapping up the year of 2020:⁣
✏️Do you have a sense of certainty on your direction?⁣
✏️Do you feel solid in your confidence to make it though?⁣
✏️Do you feel like 2020 is happening TO you, or FOR you?⁣
✏️Do you experience anxiety, and want to move into joy and gratitude?⁣
⁣
If these questions resonate with you, you've come to the right place. In this 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞, (starting on Oct. 22) I will teach you...how to have clarity, confidence, and certainty [plus much more!]⁣
⁣
✨𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐬 𝐎𝐜𝐭. 𝟐𝟐-𝐎𝐜𝐭. 𝟐𝟒.⁣
DM me for deets :) ⁣
⁣
#confidenceissexy⁣
#2020ismybitch⁣
⁣
📷: @tmelvinphotography Repost from @camykennedy
Don’t mind me, I’m just calling up my friends Don’t mind me, I’m just calling up my friends to see if they want to come out to the polls with me. Everything's better with friends right?
.
Did you know research shows that reminding 3 friends to vote can significantly increase voter turnout? So stop scrolling on the gram’ and start texting or calling some friends – lets make sure we show up and show out at the polls this election!
.
@unconventionalsouthernbelle, @tiffanyturnermoon, @mermaidkisses_n_narwhaldreams want to take our relationship to the next level + vote together? North Carolina needs us! 
.
Check out votemaskormail.org/act (link in bio) for tips and information so you can be prepared and informed to vote and make sure your voice is heard! Repost from @shabbychiccheap #MaskorMail
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#Shabbychiccheap #Pollposal #CultureSurge #VoteEarly #VoteReady #VoteYourFuture #WhenWeAllVote #OwnYourVote #AndStillIVote #SquadUp #SquadUptoVote #fashionatthepolls #whowhatwear #votinginstyle 
#forthepeople #downtownraleigh #raleighinfluencer #influenceforgood #discoverunder12k #2020Election #momswhovote #earlyvote #voteforchange #voteforthebabies #voteforyourlife #ownyourvote #blackgirlsvote
✨HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED/ ON TRACK ✨ 1 plan ou ✨HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED/ ON TRACK ✨

1  plan out your workouts for the week — so you have a plan it helps keep you accountable. I look at my schedule for the week and figure out what classes I can take.

2  MEAL PREP — if you live a busy life, it is so important to think ahead and plan your meals out in advance so you aren’t tempted to eat out/unhealthy foods. 

3  DONT BE AFRAID TO TRY SOMETHING NEW — this is so important, if you find what you love it will be the best part of your day. 

I am by no means a fitness expert, these are just a few tips that have helped me along the way. 

Xo, cat. ⚡️

Repost from @catherine_keller
Crisp #Fall air and sunshine. Nothing better this Crisp #Fall air and sunshine. Nothing better this time of year. This iconic church stands in New Bern and has plenty of quiet spots on its beautiful grounds for reflection. It also has a playground for the kids. It’s currently decorated for Fall and Halloween with lots of spots for beautiful photos. 🍁
.
.
.
#church #falldecor #falldecorating #ecnc #enc #coastalcarolina #mycrysyalcoast #newbernnc #dayngrtravels #ncbloggers #ncblogger #ncbn  #travelblogger #newbern #newbernnow #crystalcoast #crystalcoasters #fall #halloween #halloweendecor #northcarolina #IGersnc #ncigers #photospot #smalltownusa #smalltown #smalltownlife #smalltowncharm
We’re always up for a visit to New Bern! The wea We’re always up for a visit to New Bern! The weather’s been great and they town is decorated for Fall. Plenty of cute photo opportunities for Instagram. In fact, if we could sneak away today, we would. Hmmmm, where could we co-work in New Bern? Would you sneak away if you could? 💗
.
.
.
.
#NCBlogger #NCBloggers #BlogNetwork #BlogCommunity #BloggerCommunity #NCBloggerNetwork #Blogger #BloggerLife #BlogLife #SouthernBlogger #BloggerMom #NC #NorthCarolina #LiveAuthentic #BlogSociety #TravelBlogger #ContentCreation #NCBN #NCIGERS #NewBern #NewBernNC #newbernnow
View
Fall! We love it. Had a wonderful visit to New Ber Fall! We love it. Had a wonderful visit to New Bern recently. Have you even been? What’s your favorite spot? So many great restaurants and shops. 💗
.
.
.
.
#NCBlogger #NCBloggers #BlogNetwork #BlogCommunity #BloggerCommunity #NCBloggerNetwork  #Blogger #BloggerLife #BlogLife  #SouthernBlogger  #BloggerMom #NC #NorthCarolina #LiveAuthentic #BlogSociety #TravelBlogger #ContentCreation #NCBN #NCIGERS #NewBern #NewBernNC #newbernnow
Yes!! #Repost @iammrsboyd ・・・ WE ARE BLACK W Yes!! #Repost @iammrsboyd
・・・
WE ARE BLACK WOMEN.....we build...we don’t tear down other BLACK WOMEN! We have felt the pain of being torn down and we have decided that we will be deliberate about building others! 
All too often, we find it easier to criticize each other instead of building each other up! With all of the negativity going around, let’s spread something positive! Upload one picture of yourself.....ONLY you. Then tag as many sisters to do the same. Let’s build ourselves up instead of tearing ourselves down 💕COPY and PASTE💕

Thanks for tagging me @themamamogul and @ashley.dominique ! #ncblogger #amplifymelanatedvoices
#Repost @stylecommodity ・・・ It’s not my jo #Repost @stylecommodity
・・・
It’s not my job to educate you about racism, I’m tired and exhausted. I’m a young Black educated woman who is aware of my privilege which hasn’t stopped me from experiencing Racism, so are many of my Black educated young Black sisters and brothers. I’m not looking for a pity party but CHANGE. So I’m going to use my energy on sharing ways to uplift our community. When a Black woman speaks up don’t tell her she’s aggressive while my White pairs are addressed as confident. Posting a black square as solidarity is nice but Brands- Pay Black Creators and stop asking us to work for exposure or products when we use our resources, time, money and energy to create the same content. We shouldn’t have to work twice as hard to be heard, visible and taken care off. We deserve to be treated equally. I shouldn’t have to ask to see people who like me on your Instagram feed, travel campaigns or campaigns in general. We shouldn’t have to ask for this things, it’s the bare minimum. I’m appreciative of the brands who have done this all along. We can create change together🤎 #amplifymelatedvoices #supportBlackWomen #SupportblackCreators #Payblackcreators
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms

© 2021 NC Blogger Network · A Division of DayngrZone Media Built with Genesis Framework