How (and Why) to Create Google Web Stories with @emapirciu #vcbuzz

Google is routinely coming up with new fun tools and features.

One of the latest ones is called Web Stories.

What are Web Stories and how we can benefit from them?

Let’s discuss!

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About Teodora Ema Pirciu

Teodora Ema Pirciu @emapirciu is Content marketer at Impressa Solutions

Teodora @emapirciu is also administrator at Business Ideas Made Clear group on Facebook.

Questions we are going to discuss

Q1 How did you become a digital marketer? Please share your career story!

I started as a freelance writer. During some writing projects, I had the opportunity to learn about digital marketing.

I realized it was what I wanted to do. So, I expanded my services. It’s been more than five years now, and I’m still learning.

Q2 What are Google’s Web Stories and how do they work?

Google’s Web Stories are a form of visual content similar to Instagram stories or Fleets.

The advantage is that you don’t lose the story after 24 hours. Once you publish it, you can access it whenever you want, so it can keep bringing traffic day after day.

It takes a while to understand how they work and to familiarize yourself with the tech details. Luckily, both the WP plugin and the third-party web stories editors are super easy to use

I like that part, too. You spend more time creating the content, but you can benefit from it in the long run. Which is great. #vcbuzz
— Teodora Ema Pirciu (@EmaPirciu) March 23, 2021

True. When I first read about them, I had difficulty finding resources to learn about how to implement them properly.
Probably, it's because Web Stories are more technical than blogs or social media stories. #vcbuzz
— Teodora Ema Pirciu (@EmaPirciu) March 23, 2021

Web Stories are visual, just like all other stories. It makes it super easy for readers to consume content. And for brands to highlight the most important information in a long-form piece of content. Plus, you can publish stories directly on your site, so you own them. #vcbuzz
— Teodora Ema Pirciu (@EmaPirciu) March 23, 2021

Sure, you can also rely on a platform to host your stories if you don't have a website. In this case, the advantage I see is the visual impact. #vcbuzz
— Teodora Ema Pirciu (@EmaPirciu) March 23, 2021

I'm not sure about this, but I think Google wanted to connect Web Stories to the Google News app. I downloaded that app at some point, but it vanished. It's still a mystery why it's no longer on my phone. #vcbuzz
— Teodora Ema Pirciu (@EmaPirciu) March 23, 2021

Q3 How can businesses benefit from Web Stories?

Web Stories are great if you want to add diversity to your website. Plus, they can increase traffic and help with SEO if you follow best practices.

From what I’ve seen, for now, mastering Web Stories is nothing like social media stories. You must have the technical knowledge to make the stories work to your benefit. You can start with going through Google’s guidelines.

This article can also be helpful if you want to learn more about Web Stories.

We should also mention the need to push the AMP solution. Web Stories are all about AMP: if you want them to work, you must comply with Google’s guidelines.

Here's what I don't understand…. once I publish a web story, where is it going to generate traffic from? Who/where will see it? #vcbuzz
— Anna Fox (@manifestcon) March 23, 2021

@manifestcon It depends. You can publish them directly on your website (WP). If you set everything correctly, Google will index your stories. #vcbuzz
— Teodora Ema Pirciu (@EmaPirciu) March 23, 2021

They have the potential to drive traffic if you set your metadata correctly and follow all of Google's guidelines regarding the size of the images. #vcbuzz
— Teodora Ema Pirciu (@EmaPirciu) March 23, 2021

Q4 Are there any examples or case studies for us to understand the concept better?

I wish I had a successful personal story to share here, but I still have to optimize my stories before I have some cool numbers to share.

Here’s how others integrate Google stories into their content marketing strategy.

Q5 What are your favorite digital marketing tools?

Just to remain close to the topic, I’ve recently discovered Canva Stories.

It’s an app you can use to create beautiful stories for your social media channels. I’m not tech-savvy, so it’s the perfect tool for me.