Google Web Stories are a powerful way to share engaging, visual-first content that grabs attention and drives traffic to your website. These stories are similar to Instagram or Facebook stories, but with one major difference—they appear in Google Search, Google Discover, and Google Images, giving them massive visibility potential. Whether you are a blogger, marketer, or business owner, learning how to create Google Web Stories can help you boost your online presence and connect with your audience in a fresh, immersive format.
What Are Google Web Stories?
Google Web Stories are visual narratives made up of a series of slides, combining images, videos, text, and animations. Each slide typically highlights a single key point, making the story easy to follow. Unlike social media stories that disappear after 24 hours, Google Web Stories are indexable and permanent, allowing them to drive long-term, organic traffic.
Why Should You Create Google Web Stories?
High Visibility – Stories can appear in Google Search, Discover, and Images.
Engagement – Visual storytelling keeps audiences engaged longer.
Traffic Growth – Well-optimized stories can generate consistent organic visitors.
Monetization Options – You can add affiliate links, ads, or CTAs.
User-Friendly Format – Quick and interactive content that mobile users love.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Google Web Stories
Choose the Right Tool
There are several tools available to create Web Stories, including:
Google’s Web Stories Plugin (WordPress) – Best for WordPress users.
MakeStories – Drag-and-drop builder with templates.
Newsroom AI – Another simple and powerful tool.
Canva – Offers pre-designed templates for easy customization.
Manual Coding (AMP Framework) – Ideal for developers who want full control.
Plan Your Story Content
Before you start designing, outline what your story will cover. Think of it as a mini blog post in visual format.
Decide the topic (e.g., Travel Guide, Recipe, Fitness Tips).
Create a storyboard with 6–15 slides.
Keep each slide focused on one idea only.
Design the Slides
When designing slides, remember that simplicity and clarity are key.
Images & Videos – Use high-quality visuals. Videos should be vertical and under 15 seconds per slide.
Text – Keep it short and readable. Google recommends fewer than 200 characters per slide.
Fonts & Colours – Choose legible fonts with high contrast against the background.
Branding – Add your logo or watermark to maintain brand recognition.
Add Interactive Elements
Google Web Stories allow you to add interactive features that increase engagement:
Polls and Quizzes – Keep users involved.
Swipe-up Links – Drive traffic to your website or landing page.
Animations – Add subtle motion for a polished look.
Optimize for SEO
SEO is what makes your Web Story discoverable on Google.
Title – Use a catchy, keyword-rich title.
Metadata – Add meta description and schema markup.
Alt Text – Describe images for accessibility and indexing.
Structured Data – Helps Google understand your content better.
Publish Your Story
Once ready, publish your story:
On WordPress, simply hit “Publish” from the plugin.
On MakeStories/Canva, export and embed the code on your site.
Ensure your story has a valid AMP format (you can test this in Google’s AMP Test Tool).
Promote Your Story
Publishing isn’t enough—you need to promote it.
Share on social media platforms.
Embed the story in your blog posts.
Include in email newsletters.
Submit to Google Discover for higher chances of appearing.
Best Practices for Google Web Stories
✔ Keep each story between 6 and 15 slides.
✔ Use vertical videos for a better user experience.
✔ Add captions for videos, as many people watch without sound.
✔ Focus on visual storytelling rather than just text.
✔ Always include a call-to-action (CTA).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overloading slides with text.
❌ Using poor-quality images or videos.
❌ Skipping SEO optimization.
❌ Forgetting to make the story mobile-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Google Web Stories are more than just another content format—they’re a new way to tell your brand’s story visually and interactively while gaining organic traffic. By following the steps above, you can create professional, engaging, and SEO-friendly stories that stand out in Google Search and Discover.
Start experimenting with Web Stories today, and you might be surprised at how quickly they boost your online reach.
