To create and publish a Google Web Story, here is a practical 10-step guide, synthesized from the detailed process previously discussed:
- Storyboard Your Narrative: Begin by planning your story’s flow and content. Use Google’s storyboard script template for drafting your narrative, considering the beginning, middle, and end.
- Select a Visual Editor: Choose a visual editing tool that suits your needs. Options include Web Stories for WordPress, MakeStories, and Newsroom AI, which offer templates and easy drag-and-drop interfaces
- Gather Visual Assets: Collect or create videos, images, GIFs, and any other visual elements you plan to use. Ensure videos are vertically formatted for better mobile viewing experience
- Draft the Story: Outline the main points and visuals for each part of your story. Consider creating this draft in Google Docs, using Google’s script template for structure.
- Create Your Story: Begin building your story using the chosen editor. Use templates to quickly layout your story, adding your visual assets and text as planned in your draft
- Add Interactivity: Include interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and CTAs (Call To Action) to engage your audience further. These elements can help keep viewers interested and interacting with your content
- Test Your Story: Before publishing, thoroughly test your story for usability, interactivity, and any errors. This includes checking for AMP validity, proper indexing by Google, and responsiveness on different devices
- Publish the Story: Once you’re satisfied with the story, publish it. The process will vary depending on the tool you’re using but typically involves pressing a “Publish” button and possibly configuring some final options
- Embed or Share Your Story: After publishing, share your story’s link on social media, embed it on your website, or add it to your newsletter. This helps increase visibility and traffic to your story
- Monitor and Update: Keep an eye on your story’s performance and feedback from viewers. You might find opportunities to improve or update your story to keep it relevant and engaging over time
This guide encapsulates the essential steps for creating engaging and interactive Google Web Stories. For more specific instructions, particularly regarding the use of different visual editors, refer to their respective guides and support materials.