Goodbye Feedburner?

Yesterday it seemed like the conversation on my Twitter feed was all about what is going to happen to your readers who subscribe via Feedburner. On the Google Developers Blog it does mention that the Feedburner API will depreciate on October 20, 2012. Let me add in now that closing an API is not the same as closing a service. With that said, even though it will be depreciated the question still remains, will it be completely shut down? Honestly, no one knows, other than the developers of Google who seem to be of little use (they are no longer offering techinical support via forum or phone Feedburner). According to their blog, some of the soon to be depreciated API’s will be shut down, others have know date scheduled for shut down. So basically what this means (in my theory) is that you may not be able to get new subscribers via Feedburner but your current subscribers will still receive blog post notifications via email.  However, one day it might all be deleted. And then where do you stand? I’ve read several accounts where the subscribers were completely deleted recently from a bloggers Feedburner. While you could probably just use the facility that Google provides to map a CNAME to your feed I have found some alternative services for you:

1. Feedblitz- This service does have a monthly fee. Read what it would cost your per subscriber here. What I like about this option is that it will automatically export your subscriber list from Feedburner to Feedblitz. Feedblitz works with both WordPress and Blogger.

2. Nouri.sh- This service also has a monthly fee, if you have over 1000 subscribers (free for under 1000 subscribers). What Nouri.sh does is convert your monthly RSS feed into a Newsletter for your subscribers. It is customizable and easy to use.

3. RapidFeeds- I’m not very familiar with RapidFeeds. It looks like it might be an affordable option since prices varies due to the amount of feeds that you want.

4. FeedMyInbox- According to their site a monthly fee of $19 for unlimited subscribers. It does not have an import subscriber option like Feeblitz does, however they state on their site to contact them to begin the process of export/importing your subscribers.

5. MailChimp- This is a pricey option but sometimes you pay for what you get. I really like the user-friendly setup that allows you features such as creating and scheduling messages to your subscribers, social sharing, and (most importantly for a blogger) tracking your results. You can track to see who is reading, clicking, and coming back for more. Because lets face it, analytics are important if a blogger plans on making their blog full time.

And while all of these are great options. I have one more for any blog using Blogger as their platform. MOVE TO WORDPRESS! You have more freedom and more options (self-hosted). Sure, it costs money but right now it seems like it might be a cheaper option if you are already contemplating a Feedburner alternative. Google is switching up Blogger too much lately, leaving many bloggers feeling uneasy. Yes, you lose your GFC but other following options are available for your readers.

So what if you just want to wait the panic out in hopes that Feedburner won’t be shut down for your current subscribers? If you aren’t sure what you would like to do yet it’s okay- these are big decisions to make for your blog and your subscribers. I would be happy to assist you with what to do next, and how to obtain a ‘back-up’ spreadsheet of your subscribers via Feedburner. Please email me at hello@thestylehatch.com