Since the launch of Automation-Wizard.com, I’ve wanted to link my websites together similar to how the recent posts work but from another site.
Like most things, we come up with the idea and proceed to execute it. The problem was, as in many cases, that I wasn’t sure what to actually search for. The word Feed came to mind and it got me to thinking about RSS Feeds. This was something I’ve seen for years, but never utilized or even really knew what it was for. My conception was that it was basically for Podcasts.
What is an RSS Feed?
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary. It can be used along with software to create your own aggregated feed from various sites. In my opinion, it seems like a leftover from the old-school internet. Think of it as a playlist with the most recent info from your favorite sites.
Check out the long version here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS
RSS Feeds and WordPress
If you’re using WordPress to run your site, it automatically generates Feeds for you. In short, just add /feed to the end of your website’s domain. For example: http://example.com/feed/
Here’s a more detailed article from the WordPress website: https://wordpress.org/support/article/wordpress-feeds/
With this in mind, let’s set one up on a site.
Plugin or not to Plugin?
It’s possible to do this without a plugin, however, I chose to use the plugin Feedzy. I prefer the formatting better with this versus the standard widget. As you’ll see there are many options to play with to get what you want. The rest of this tutorial will be using the Feedzy plugin.
Download the Feedzy Plugin
Time to get to work. On your WordPress menu, go to Plugins and click add new at the top of the page. Search for Feedzy. Install it and then activate it.
Connect your RSS Feed to Feedzy
Now open up the Feedzy plugin. Click Add Category. Give your feed a nickname and drop the url in the bottom box.
Add your RSS Feed to a Webpage
I’m using the Elementor page builder, so your results may vary here. I’ve placed my feed in a sidebar. Click the Widget icon and type in Feedzy. Grab the Widget and drag it into the area you’d like to place it.
Add your RSS Feed URL to the Feedzy Widget
Next, you need to give your feed a title. Something like “Latest from Blah Blah” will do just fine. Put your feed address into the Feed Source field.
Other Settings
Here are the settings that I’m using. If it is not pictured, then it is set to default. Play around with the settings until you get what you want.
Conclusion
This should get you up and running. If you’re having trouble with your feed, you can check out Feedburner and input your URL. If it is working there it should be working on your site.
I spent hours trying to get my featured images to show up in my feed at first. As it turns out, they were working just fine. Elementor for some reason wouldn’t show the image in the preview mode. I guess that goes to show that you need to check your site in a non-preview window while you’re working on format changes.
That wraps it up for this tutorial. Thanks for Reading! Leave a comment below and sign up for more tutorials! Here’s a related topic you may find helpful.
