With Instagram stories so popular, it is no wonder other platforms followed suit.
Web Stories are set to make a big splash and potentially change the way we view websites.
The AMP technology was released two years ago by Google and it was recently rebranded as Web stories.
It looks to take on the same kind of format that we are used to from our favourite social media platforms.
Although it is still in the BETA stage, we wanted to take a quick look at what we can expect from Web Stories and why it might be so popular.
What are Web Stories?
It shouldn’t stray too far away from what we are used to with social media. The user will be able to compile short stories with images, text, video, and sound.
It is available as a plugin through WordPress and according to Google it will be a ‘tap-through full-screen experience’.
Although it sounds exactly like our favourite social media, there will be a few major differences.
What makes Web Stories different?
Social media stories are only up for 24 hours before they are gone from our screens forever. Web Stories, on the other hand, will be embedded onto your website.
They will also be searchable and easy to find on the web. In fact, they will have their own URL.
They are best suited for mobile devices, although they will also be available to view as a full-screen experience on a desktop too.
Web Stories features
We already spoke about the usual images and sounds you will be able to add. However, Web Stories will be completely editable and Google promises it will be easy to use.
Probably one of the most important features of a website is the Call to Action or CTA. You will be able to add them to your stories. This gives you the option of sending your audience to your website or checkout!
There is a range of other features available and as it is in beta, we expect to see more features added before the release.
Why are Web Stories important?
Web Stories promises to keep your audience on your page for longer. As they are interactive, they increase the chances of your leads staying put.
There is also a high chance that it will increase your page views as well. We know that sites should include images and that our brains process images better. So, Web Stories sounds like a great way to take your site to the next level.
Another major feature of Web Stories will be SEO. Web Stories will use visuals instead of keywords to pull in high amounts of traffic to your website. They will be searchable not just on Google Search, but on Google images and Discover.
If you are still not sure if your website is optimized for SEO then check out our FREE AUDIT.
Are Web Stories right for you?
Unfortunately, it is not a question that we can answer. This is still an up and coming trend.
The best way to answer this question is to head on over to the site and test it out for yourself. Play around with it and see what you can come up with.
How to use Web Stories
To help you get started with Web Stories we decided to include a few tips.
- Make sure that the story includes your business’s branding. This can include your logo along with your brand colours and typography.
- Tell a story. It is Web Stories after all. As with all stories, it should have a beginning, middle, and an end.
- Use visuals to enhance the user’s experience. Think about striking images and unique visuals to grab the user’s attention.
- Would you want to watch it? Replay your story and decide if it is something that you would want to watch. If it isn’t, rethink your story and adjust it or scrap it and start again.
What’s Next?
If you are ready to try it for yourself then head on over to the website now. This looks to be one of the biggest trends this year.
We recommend that you try your hand with it now to make sure you are ahead of the competition. However, if you want to get started but aren’t sure how then get in touch with us.
