Many users wonder if they can use content syndication to get backlinks or share content. Content syndication is a feature in WordPress that uses RSS feeds to share content easily. It allows users to subscribe to your site and lets other sites automatically share your content. This guide explains content syndication and how to do it properly in WordPress.
What Is Content Syndication, and Why Use It?
Content syndication means making your content available for others to republish and share. For example, if you have a blog, others can republish your articles on their platforms. If you curate content from other blogs, you can fetch and publish their syndicated content.
Benefits for Bloggers:
- Wider Audience: Syndication helps promote your content on different platforms and reach new audiences.
- Build Partnerships: You can negotiate terms with other platforms to promote your brand.
- SEO and Backlinks: More websites linking to your content improve SEO. However, backlinks from low-reputation sites may not be beneficial.
- Increased Social Reach: Curators often promote shared content on social media, which can help you gain followers.
Benefits for Curators:
- Build Authority: Sharing quality content on a specific topic helps build authority and credibility.
- Save Time: Curating content saves time compared to creating original content.
- Networking: Requesting permission to share content can build partnerships and network within your industry.
How Does Content Syndication Work in WordPress?
WordPress supports syndication using RSS (Really Simple Syndication). An RSS feed publishes your latest content in an XML document, which can be accessed by adding /feed/ to your site’s URL. Users can subscribe to RSS feeds using apps like Feedly, and other sites can use these feeds to update their content.
Sharing Syndicated Content as a Publisher/Blogger
1. Only Syndicate Summaries Instead of Full Content
Share only a summary of your content in the RSS feed to ensure users visit your site for the full article. In WordPress, go to Settings » Reading and select ‘Excerpt’ under ‘For each post in a feed, include.’
2. Add a Link Back to Your Original Article in RSS Feed
Use the All in One SEO plugin to add a link back to your original article in the RSS feed. This ensures you get proper credit and helps prevent content scrapers from outranking you.
3. Properly Use Canonical URLs
Canonical URLs help search engines understand which URL to prioritize when multiple URLs point to the same content. WordPress automatically adds canonical URL tags, but you can use All in One SEO to set canonical URLs for specific posts or pages.
4. Create and Submit RSS Sitemap
An RSS sitemap helps search engines index your content quickly. Use the All in One SEO plugin to enable and submit your RSS sitemap to Google Search Console.
5. Track Your Website Analytics
Use MonsterInsights to track your website analytics and monitor traffic sources. This helps you identify traffic drops and take action. Install and activate MonsterInsights, and follow the setup process to view traffic reports in your WordPress dashboard.
Sharing Syndicated Content as a Curator
1. Finding Syndicated Content
Curate content from a variety of sources to provide unique perspectives and avoid content duplication penalties.
2. Ask Permission to Share
Always seek permission from original publishers to share their content. This builds relationships and ensures ethical content sharing.
3. Use Auto-blogging Software
Use tools like Feedzy to fetch and publish RSS feeds automatically. Ensure you paraphrase content ethically and legally to avoid copyright issues.
4. Make It Easy to Request Content Removal
Add a contact form to your website to make it easy for content creators to request the removal of their content. Use WPForms to create a “Request content removal” form and embed it on your site.
Content syndication can help you reach a wider audience and build authority. By following these steps, you can effectively share and curate content in WordPress while maintaining ethical practices
