Web 2.0 Content Services, RSS, Social Networks and Marketing

With the web constantly evolving and increasingly competitive, we find that the most successful marketers are those tapping into the momentum of emerging Web technologies to capture and engage end-users in a way that will convert traffic into sales. Successful marketers drive sales by delivering the right content to the right audience at the right time using RSS and Web Services.

RSS Feeds: RSS is a "family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated digital content." In essence, RSS feeds are a distribution method that allows end-users to subscribe to a content feed from a Web site and receive updates made to the site in real time. The benefit to the end-user is that updated and relevant content is delivered directly to their feed reader of choice, saving them the time and effort of searching for the content they want to see. The benefit to a publisher using RSS feeds is the ability to reach their end-users by delivering content directly to them the minute it is available. Publishers who use RSS feeds have a competitive advantage because their content is viewed by the end-user as a means of directing their online shopping efforts.

RSS feeds can be used to deliver general content, or they can be customized according to the consumer's needs. For example, a coupon and deal publisher who offers an RSS feed of the most current coupons and deals from apparel advertisers can deliver highly relevant content to their end-users who frequently shop for apparel. They capture the users' attention before they buy, ultimately helping to direct their online shopping efforts, and even influencing unplanned purchases through the notification of new deals or coupons. Because RSS feeds are customizable and can deliver highly relevant, easily accessible automated content, they are highly effective in converting traffic to sales.

Web Services allows marketers to access third party data and deliver it via their own Application Programming Interface (API.) like India City Pages.

Online Users Engagement: Technology play to the desire of today's online users to influence and control the content they view on the Internet. End-users are no longer the passive consumers of content; increasingly, they expect that their behavior will affect what they see online. Publishers who tap into emerging technologies can use direct feedback from consumers to target their promotional efforts and ultimately enable users to participate in their online experience. User generated content (UGC) is the best way to know the audience and understand what they are looking for.

Forums: Forums revolve around a community of people sharing content with each other. Forums give end-users control, whether it is the ability to search for specific content or post relevant content. Having these elements engages the end-user and gives them a role in contributing to the content. Publishers can utilize forums to their advantage by placing sticky threads