Did you know that one of the most popular RSS reader applications, Google Reader, was shut down on July 1, 2013? Google cited a declining number of users as the reason that the application became yet another project to hit their chopping block. What people might not realize about RSS is that it can be used in multiple ways, and for many purposes. Here are three ways that people and websites make RSS feeds work for them.

1. News Feeds for Websites

For websites that want to keep their readers engaged, RSS feeds are often the way to do it, especially because they occupy readers with a format they are accustomed to, thanks to social media sites like Twitter and Facebook that use real time unified displays similar to that of traditional RSS feeds. You can either add news feed to websites that constantly updates with posts from other related sites, or you can use it as a way to funnel clicks back into your own website and its latest content.

2. Keep Track of Specific Updates

Want to know when new pug puppies are listed on Craigslist? Or when a new teaching assistant job opening pop up on LinkedIn? Uniquely tailored news feeds for websites might be a good option for keeping track of these updates without having to zigzag through a bunch of sites and spend a ton of time looking for them every day. For sites where being one of the first viewers can often be the difference in getting the item or the job, RSS feeds can be incredibly useful.

3. The Traditional Use

Maybe you have been reading this list and wondering where the information is for people who simply want to follow the news feeds for websites they like receiving updates from. This part is easy. First, you need some sort of RSS reader application. Popular sites for this include the Old Reader, Digg Reader, and Feedly Reader, although there are many more to choose from. Then, you just need to click on the RSS subscribe button that appears on your favorite site. It will be an orange and white icon. Or, find the RSS feeds you want to follow via an RSS feed search.

How do you use RSS news feed for websites? Let us know in the comments!