I have seen the question asked many times on SEO forums. How do I create my own RSS feeds for my site? The best way is to have a programmer create a script that automatically generates the feed for you on a periodic basis. This may involve pulling information from a database and updating the feed page. However, this method may not be available to everyone, so let's discuss some other ways you can accomplish the goal without the use of a custom script.
The first way is to simply open up Notepad or your favorite text editor and write the code yourself and then ftp it up to your server. This requires that you learn and understand the RSS format and this method can be cumbersome and tedious. However, if you choose to write the code yourself, a good place to start learning how is at this rss tutorial.
The next method is to use an online RSS scraper tool, such as this one. However, the scraper tools will probably generate a less than ideal feed, grabbing more or less info than you actually wanted. Depending upon your site, however, it might fit your needs just fine.
Another option is to use an online generator that essentially just lets you fill out a blank form, where you type in the various bits and pieces needed (such as title, description, etc.) for each feed item. The generator then automatically creates the RSS code for you. This is a good way to get exactly what you want in your feed, but it may be too time consuming if you have lots of information to include. A good free generator can be found at www.yellowwheel.com/RSSFeedGenerator/Default.asp if this type of service works for you.
Finally, you can download a desktop generator like the online one I just mentioned that works in a similar manner. In other words, you still have the ability to fill out forms, and then have the program create the code for you. But these programs often include extra features that go beyond the online generators functions. For example, Tristana has several nice additional features. You can have it scan existing web pages and it creates the initial feed for you, similar to what the RSS scrapers do. However, you then have the ability to edit each item to add more information, or delete items you don't really want in the feed, etc. So, although you will probably need to tweak the items somewhat, much of the initial work is done for you, which saves a good bit of time. The program also lets you preview and publish the feed easily.
There are probably a myriad of other ways and other tools that will help you generate your own RSS feeds, but these are the ones I am most familiar with. So if you are looking for a way to create a feed from your news and announcements, new products, new articles, etc., and need to handle it manually, one of these methods might work for you.
