An “RSS feed” is just a text file that a feed reader polls (goes and downloads occasionally). We have standardized ways to include feeds in the header (the link elements you are referring to).
If your feed is valid, and linked to in the header, it will work as expected for everyone.
As for linking, just link to the RSS feed and folks will process it however they have their system configured to deal with it. For instance, some folks have a local feed reader that can pick up RSS from web browsers, and that works for them. I personally have Firefox set to subscribe to feeds via NewsBlur automatically, just by clicking on a feed.