Add RSS Feed to Your WordPress Website: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 23/06/2025

Want to boost your website's visibility and reader engagement? Adding an RSS feed is the key! This simple yet powerful tool allows readers to subscribe and receive updates directly. This step-by-step guide walks you through easily adding an RSS feed to your WordPress site, whether you're a tech novice or a seasoned pro. Get ready to expand your reach and keep your audience connected with your latest content. Let's get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Install Plugin

    • Install and activate the 'RSS Feed Retriever' plugin on your WordPress website.
    Install and activate the 'RSS Feed Retriever' plugin on your WordPress website.
    Install Plugin

  2. Find RSS Feed URL

    • Search for the RSS feed URL of the content you want to display. For example, if you want CNN news, search for 'CNN RSS feed URL'.
    • Copy the RSS feed URL from the search results. This is usually the first link.
    Copy the RSS feed URL from the search results. This is usually the first link. Copy the RSS feed URL from the search results. This is usually the first link.
    Find RSS Feed URL

  3. Retrieve Shortcode

    • In the RSS Feed Retriever plugin settings, copy the provided shortcode.
    In the RSS Feed Retriever plugin settings, copy the provided shortcode.
    Retrieve Shortcode

  4. Add Shortcode to Website

    • Paste the shortcode into the desired location on your website (e.g., homepage).
    Paste the shortcode into the desired location on your website (e.g., homepage).
    Add Shortcode to Website

  5. Configure Shortcode

    • Replace the placeholder URL in the shortcode with the actual RSS feed URL you copied.
    • Customize the shortcode parameters (items, excerpt, read more, new window, thumbnail size, cache) as needed.
    Customize the shortcode parameters (items, excerpt, read more, new window, thumbnail size, cache) as needed. Customize the shortcode parameters (items, excerpt, read more, new window, thumbnail size, cache) as needed.
    Configure Shortcode

  6. Save Changes

    • Click 'Update' to save your changes.
    Click 'Update' to save your changes.
    Save Changes
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Tips

  • If you need help installing a WordPress plugin, there's a helpful video linked in the description.
  • Adjust the 'items' parameter to control the number of articles displayed.
  • Modify the 'excerpt' parameter to adjust the length of the article summaries.
  • Set 'read more' to true to allow users to read full articles.
  • Set 'new window' to true to open links in a new tab.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrectly formatted RSS feed URL

Reason: Using an incorrect or outdated RSS feed URL will prevent the feed from displaying properly or at all.
Solution: Double-check the URL for typos and ensure you are using the correct feed URL provided by the source.

2. Choosing the wrong plugin or method

Reason: Some plugins might be outdated, poorly coded, or not compatible with your WordPress version, leading to display issues or conflicts.
Solution: Select a well-maintained, popular plugin with good reviews and ensure it's compatible with your WordPress version.

3. Ignoring caching issues

Reason: Cached versions of your website might not reflect the changes made after adding the RSS feed, resulting in an empty or outdated feed.
Solution: Clear your browser cache and, if necessary, your WordPress caching plugins' cache.

FAQs

What is an RSS feed and why should I use one?
An RSS feed (Really Simple Syndication) is a way for your readers to subscribe to your website's content. When you publish new posts, they automatically receive updates. This improves reader engagement and helps build a loyal audience. It's a great way to increase website traffic.
How do I find my RSS feed URL?
Once you've enabled RSS feeds in WordPress (usually it's enabled by default), your feed URL is typically found at `yourwebsite.com/feed/` or `yourwebsite.com/rss/`. You can also find it by searching your website's source code (look for `<link>` tags in the `<head>` section).
What if my theme doesn't automatically generate an RSS feed?
Most WordPress themes support RSS feeds, but if yours doesn't, you can install a plugin like 'Really Simple Syndication' which will handle the feed generation for you. It's a simple and reliable way to get an RSS feed up and running.