Why Readers Unsubscribe from RSS Feeds
Darren at Problogger surveyed his readership, about why they unsubscribe from RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds. From 104 comments, he found a number of recurring themes. He has come up with a list of 34 reasons why bloggers unsubscribe. This is timely for me, as I am just starting to think about how to attract readers to actually subscribe in the first place.
How to Lose 50% of Your RSS Subscription Base in One Fell Swoop
I am new to RSS and had the princely number of 2 subscriptions. Actually, I was quite flattered that 2 people would want my blog in their inbox. But then disaster struck! One of my readers unsubscribed. In one quick flick of the button, I just lost 50% of my subscription base. 
Why did they unsubscribe? Was my scintillating writing not delivering? Was I posting too frequently? Not frequently enough? Was the information off topic? Or maybe, this blog was just not a good fit for that particular reader. Perhaps they just didn’t have time. Who knows? But Darren’s insights have give me new hope.
34 Reasons Why People Unsubscribe from RSS feeds
I’ve listed the top 10 here. See the full list, post and reader comments at Problogger.
1. Too many posts (the post levels are too overwhelming) - 37
2. Infrequent Posting (or the blog is effectively dead) - 29
3. Partial Excerpts Feeds - 25
4. Blog Changes Focus (too much off topic posting) - 23
5. Too many posts that I see elsewhere (Redundant, Repeated or Recycled News) - 19
6. Uninteresting Content - 16
7. Irrelevant Content - 13
8. The Blogger’s Ego - Too much self promotion - 11
9. Low Quality Content - 11
10. Too many posts that are too long - 10
Where To From Here? - How to Choose the Best RSS Reader
Engtech takes this one step further and offers some insights and solutions. His take on the too many posts/infrequent posts dilemma points to the need for “a consistent posting rhythm”. He also explains that the type of RSS reader you choose impacts on the type of interaction the reader has with RSS feeds, and gives examples. It even has some easy to follow diagrams, so non tech people have a chance to follow it as well. Thanks Engtech.
Subscribe to the Grow Your Writing Business RSS Feed
If you’d like to go ahead and subscribe to the Grow Your Writing Business RSS feed, you now know you have the power to instantly double my subscription base, with the mere click of a button The RSS link is in the right column, under my photo.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
On the basis of what I’m reading around the net about information overload, as a trial, I’ve decided to post every two or three days rather than daily, although there will be exceptions, if I have a lot to say or if something is especially current. What do you think?
I know I visit some blogs daily, and others I catch up on past posts, every few days or on a weekly basis. What do you think about how frequently bloggers should post?
What has been your experience with RSS feeds? Do you have any tips for those of us starting on the RSS adventure?
Thanks for these interesting reasons about RSS. I have to keep those in mind.
As a blogger, I post whenever I feel like it. I don’t feel pressured or anything. I would love to post daily although sometimes there are days when I don’t have time to open my computer. I enjoy reading blogs that post at least twice or thrice a week. I’m always excited to read new posts from fellow bloggers.
I usually keep track of new posts using Technorati but I have to admit they are not usually reliable so I visit favorite blogs whenever possible.
BTW, I also wanted to let you know that I tagged you on my blog (Tagged :: 7 Songs). Hope you can visit to play along. No hurry. Whenever you have some free time.
Take care!
Yvonne, I subscribe to your blog through Internet Explorer. I don’t think the blogger has any way of knowing who subscribes through their browser, do they? I like subscribing to feeds through my browser because everything is in one place - right alongside my favorites. I just skim down the list and click on ones that have updates. I often go to the blog itself - as I did now to comment, but I can tell quickly whether I want to read the post or not. Since I subscribe to more than 100 blogs, I don’t read every post on all of them. Some I read every word, but many I only read periodically, though I always read the headline and usually a few sentences to see if the topic is relevant for me. I try to post on my own blog twice a week, but vary that slightly depending on what’s happening. For example, one of my clients just won a prestigious award so I posted that right away. When I wrote a 14-part series on self-publishing, I posted several at a time but scheduled them to appear several days apart to keep from changing my posting schedule.
This is an interesting post. I think that the answer as to why readers unsubscribe varies depending on your audience. I’ve found that some of my longer posts are my most popular, BUT my audience is primarily writers who probably are willing to read a little more.
As soon as I figure out how I want to manage my feeds, I will add you!
Sorry for the delay - my Simply Successful Secrets are now posted.
Harmony
Hi Lillie
I am honoured that you have added me to your RSS feed selections. Wow! 100 feeds. I can see why you couldn’t possibly read every post from every one of those blogs. As you say, skimming gives you an idea if it is relevant for you.
I will definitely visit your blog.
All the best, and thanks for taking the time to let me know you subscribe, and for your interesting feedback.
Yvonne
Hi Rach
Thanks for the tag. I’ll take some time to think about it, and let you know when I post. I always love to be involved in memes, as it makes me stop to reflect.
Yvonne
Hi Laura
I guess it comes back to your audience as you say. I’ve been trying to mix it up with both long posts and short posts. Your posts are always interesting.
Yvonne
Hi Harmony
Thanks for joining in the meme. I look forward to reading your post. Thanks for adding Grow Your Writing Business to your feed. I really appreciate that.
Yvonne
Thanks Yvonne. Just take your time. Have a lovely weekend!
Yvonne,
Really good information in this one. Thanks!
wgb
Hi Walter
Thanks. Pleased you found it useful. RSS is a whole new field for me. So much to learn… and so little time.
Yvonne