With information constantly changing, it is essential to be able to centralize your sources and automatically receive updates that interest you. RSS feeds are the perfect solution. They are a win-win tool for both information producers and consumers, and even more so for information specialists responsible for monitoring or recurrent scans. When the websites you follow have them, you benefit directly from their added value. But what can you do when designers have not included this protocol? Let's take a look at some alternative solutions in the world of monitoring and see how they work.
Why create an RSS feed for a page that doesn't have one?
An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed is a format that allows you to automatically receive new content published on a website without having to check it manually. For effective monitoring, this is a considerable advantage: it saves time, reduces the risk of forgetting, and paves the way for centralizing information.
However, many websites do not offer this service. This means that you have to regularly check the page to see if new content has been added, which is an inefficient and, above all, time-consuming method.
How does creating a custom RSS feed work?
Tools that create RSS feeds for pages that do not have them generally use two approaches:
1. Page code analysis
The tool reads the HTML content of the web page and detects elements that change, such as new publications or recent announcements.
2. Monitoring specific elements
You define the areas of the page to be monitored: titles, links, specific sections. As soon as a change is detected, the tool updates the RSS feed.
In both cases, the result is a “handcrafted” RSS feed that can be read by any RSS reader or integrated into a monitoring platform.
9 tools for creating custom RSS feeds*
1. Feedbro
Feedbro is a browser extension that allows you to follow a variety of sources and filter results.
• Advantages: free, allows you to follow and filter not only web pages, but also content on social networks.
• Disadvantage: no archive beyond the last 20 items published in the source in question.
2. Feedfry
Feedfry detects repetitive elements in static HTML pages and offers feed versions.
• Advantages: quick to implement and easy to use.
• Disadvantages: for a page to be analyzed, it must be of reasonable size; the free version is limited; the subscription price increases in increments of 50 feeds.
3. Feedly
Feedly acts as both an aggregator and an RSS feed generator.
• Advantages: quick to learn; the free version allows you to follow up to 100 sources.
• Disadvantages: to benefit from advanced features, you must choose one of three paid subscription tiers. acts as both an aggregator and an RSS feed generator.
.4. FetchRSS
FetchRSS allows you to visually select the items you want to track on a web page (article titles, images, links), and the tool generates a corresponding RSS feed.
• Advantages: intuitive interface, quick setup.
• Disadvantages: the free version is limited; a paid subscription is required to monitor multiple pages or update feeds frequently.
5. FiveFilters
FiveFilters offers a minimalist but powerful tool: you define rules (keywords, HTML tags) to extract relevant information.
• Advantages: high precision and customization.
• Disadvantage: not very user-friendly for less tech-savvy users.
6. Fluxguard
Fluxguard uses artificial intelligence to track changes on web pages.
• Advantages: sends notifications accompanied by AI-generated summaries.
• Disadvantages: the free version only allows you to track three sites; subscription prices range from $99 to $499 per month.
7. Inoreader
In addition to being a feed aggregator, the pro version of Inoreader allows you to generate feeds for sites that do not offer them.
• Advantages: Inoreader will suggest feeds for a given web page. If you are not satisfied with these suggestions, you can configure the settings manually.
• Disadvantages: The basic pro account allows you to generate 20 feeds. You must upgrade your account to have 50 or 100 configurable feeds. Some social networks are covered; others, such as LinkedIn, are not.
8. New Sloth
New Sloth is both a feed generator and an aggregator.
• Advantages: streamlined interface; offers intelligent thematic groupings.
• Disadvantages: no free version available, only a trial period is offered.
9. RSS.app
With RSS.app, you enter the page URL, select what you want to track, and get a ready-to-use RSS feed.
• Advantage: compatible with complex web pages and social networks such as Instagram and Facebook.
• Disadvantage: some advanced integrations are only available in the paid version.
Best practices for effective monitoring with custom RSS feeds
- Limit the number of feeds you create
The more feeds you have, the more complex they can become to manage. Start by focusing on your priority sources. - Regularly check the relevance and functionality of the feed
Your needs evolve. Some sources become less relevant in response to these needs. In addition, some sites change their structure, requiring you to adjust your settings. Schedule a periodic check in your calendar. - Combine with other monitoring methods
RSS feeds are effective, but they can be supplemented with email alerts, newsletters, or programmed search strategies in document databases. - Comply with site terms of use
Some sites may restrict or prohibit the collection of information. Make sure you comply.
Our role: simplifying your access to relevant information, just in time
Cogniges' information professionals assist you in:
• Identifying strategic sources to follow in your field of activity.
• Implementing the right tools according to your needs and constraints.
• Customized management of your information monitoring project.
In other words, we support you in your monitoring project by personalizing our assistance.
Conclusion
Creating an RSS feed for a page that does not offer one is now possible thanks to a variety of tools and technologies that save you time, centralize your sources, and reduce the risk of missing important information. In addition, you can get help with this process to optimize it and get the most out of it.
* The tools mentioned in this list are provided as examples. They are not necessarily endorsed by Cogniges. At the time of publication, all tools are available online; however, we cannot guarantee their continued availability.
Learn more
RSS Feeds: Still a must for optimal monitoring
Berthelette, J. et Bélanger, C. (2024— ). Répertoire des outils numériques de veille. Communauté de pratique de veille en santé et services sociaux du Québec (CdPveille3S).