Snapchat , the social network created in 2011 by Evan Spiegel , was the pioneer in the conception of ephemeral and time-limited content that we know today as “ Stories ”. An audiovisual format that is limited in time and is characterized by its brevity in transmitting messages that last 24 hours. Are Google’s Web Stories like Snapchat’s?
This format became so popular among users that Instagram decided to implement it in 2016, followed by Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter. It has become an essential tool for millions of users looking to interact in real time with their followers and friends.
From a professional perspective, Stories have allowed public figures and companies to generate content that builds loyalty among their audiences, achieving greater engagement and real conversions.
This success has led large corporations such as Google to malaysia whatsapp data want to implement it in our web spaces, creating what is called Web Stories . Taking advantage of these tools to enhance content strategies and increase user traffic.
What are Web Stories?
They are contents in an audiovisual format similar to Instagram “stories” that allow you to add current content to a web portal and limit it in time.
Although they are comparable to their use in social networks, they have a series of characteristics that differentiate them . Finding that Web Stories have URLs , which means that they are within the domain. Facilitating their indexing and being able to be embedded through an embed or an iframe.
Furthermore, these contents can be edited once published , since they are not tools oriented towards interaction, but rather seek to capture attention and generate greater web traffic.
Web Stories also support integration with Google Ads monetization and the insertion of links that expand information to new videos, articles or products.
Google Web Stories will be displayed in a carousel layout across Google News and Google Discover pages. However, this carousel display is only available in the US, India and Brazil. The intention is clearly to bring it to Europe after testing in these countries.
How to create Google Stories?
The implementation of these tools is very simple and intuitive. First, we must install a plugin in our CMS. Google provides us with many options, and we can choose the one that best suits our needs.
In the case of WordPress, once the plugin is installed, you only have to go to the side menu on the left to start creating the Stories.
Among the editing options, the plugin offers us a multitude of variables to customize the story just the way we want. With a numerical limit of 30 pages, more than enough to plan what our audience will want to see and hear.
Additionally, Google offers development tools that allow us to ensure good performance on our web portal , verifying our URL through a test that analyzes this usability and optimization.
Tips for creating engaging Web Stories
Since they are located in URLs and indexed by Google itself, it is essential that we follow a series of tips that will help us position better and gain a real increase in visibility:
If you are posting a video, it should be the first story to be uploaded . Adapting to a vertical format (9:16).
Google Stories rewards brevity. Write a concise message that avoids large blocks of text. Use fonts that make it easy for your audience to read.
Include contrasts and colors that do not obstruct the text boxes . Separate images and titles well so that the composition is balanced.
Guide the user through a coherent narrative . A good story should always be well told.
Don't clutter up your content with unnecessary animations.
Insert links and enhance the medium. This new channel can make navigation easier for your users, leading them to what you are telling.
If you are going to narrate content through a video, use subtitles so that the message is better consolidated in the receiver's mind.
Please note that the use of third-party images provided by companies such as Unsplash, Coverr or Tenor is subject to the terms of service and use. Therefore, RMG recommends using original and own content as much as possible.