The image shows two individuals at a restaurant table with one of them holding a smartphone, possibly taking a photo. The scene has a prominent red "X" overlaying the image, indicating content like a webpage or image is not available or has been intentionally crossed out. The "X" gives the impression of restricted access or a deleted item.

5 Tips for Google’s Web Stories Phase-Out

How Does The Google Web Stories Update Affect Me?

Google’s recent updates have significantly altered the visibility of Web Stories across its platforms. With Web Stories no longer appearing in Google Image Search or the Discover carousel view, and with the grid view transformed into a carousel view in Google Search results, it’s crucial for content creators, SEO specialists, and webmasters to pivot their strategies.

The original text in the section was, 

“Note: The actual appearance across Google surfaces might be different.”

Google changed the line from:

“This guide explains how Web Stories can appear on Google across Search, Google Discover, and Google Images, and how to enable those appearances.”

Now it reads:

“A Web Story on Google Search

This guide explains how to make your Web Stories eligible to appear on Google Search (including Discover).”

Google also added a new section for feature availability to that help document that explains:

  • Web Stories can appear as a single result on Google Search, which is available in all regions and languages where Google Search is available.
  • Web Stories can also appear in a carousel on Google Search, which is available in the United States (in English), India (in English and Hindi), and Brazil (in Brazilian Portuguese).
  • In the Discover feed, Web Stories can appear as a single card where you can tap through the story.

What Google Search Results looked like BEFORE the Web Stories update:

And here’s What Search now looks like AFTER the Web Stories update:

A smartphone screen showing a Google search for "best cabins in Nova Scotia," presenting a map view with average nightly prices and a list of top-rated cabins without the Web Stories feature post-update.
A smartphone screen displaying a Google search result for "how to make Korean BBQ," showing a top result from "I Am A Food Blog" without the Web Stories feature post-update.

Reactions To The Update – 

What Can I Do?​

Here are five actionable steps you can take to adapt to these changes and ensure your content continues to reach its target audience effectively.

1. Optimize for Google Search and Discover​

Despite the changes, Web Stories can still appear as single results or in a carousel on Google Search, as well as single cards in the Discover feed, especially in the United States, India, and Brazil. Focus on optimizing your Web Stories for these formats by:

  • Ensuring your content is high-quality, engaging, and relevant to your audience.
  • Utilizing SEO best practices within your Web Stories, such as including relevant keywords and meta descriptions.
  • Making your stories accessible and interesting to click through, encouraging more visibility in Search and Discover feeds.

2. Enhance Your Website's Mobile Experience​

With Web Stories designed for mobile consumption, improving your site’s overall mobile experience can help retain the audience you gain through other means. Consider:

  • Implementing AMP for your entire site to improve loading times.
  • Designing your website with mobile users in mind, ensuring easy navigation and readability on small screens.
  • Creating more mobile-friendly content formats similar to Web Stories, such as short, engaging videos or interactive posts.

3. Diversify Your Content Strategy​

Relying solely on Web Stories is no longer viable. Diversify your content strategy by:

  • Exploring other content formats like blogs, infographics, podcasts, and videos to engage your audience.
  • Leveraging social media platforms where story formats are popular, such as Instagram Stories or Snapchat, to reach your audience in a similar, engaging manner.
  • Using email marketing to share your Web Stories directly with your audience, bypassing search engine changes.

4. Utilize WordPress Plugins for Web Stories​

For WordPress users, Google’s Web Stories plugin simplifies the creation and optimization process. To make the most out of it:

  • Regularly update the plugin and follow Google’s guidelines for creating compelling Web Stories.
  • Experiment with different story layouts and features offered by the plugin to create unique and engaging content.
  • Monitor the performance of your Web Stories through analytics tools provided by the plugin or integrate with Google Analytics for deeper insights.

5. Focus on Performance and Engagement Metrics​

With the emphasis on fast-loading content and engaging experiences, focus on improving your website’s core performance and engagement metrics by:

  • Conducting regular site speed tests and optimizing images, videos, and scripts to load faster.
  • Enhancing user engagement by creating interactive content that encourages users to spend more time on your site.
  • Paying close attention to Core Web Vitals, ensuring your site meets Google’s standards for loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability.

One More Thing​

Adapting to Google’s changes can seem daunting, but it also presents an opportunity to innovate and engage your audience in new ways. 

By focusing on optimizing for Google Search and Discover, enhancing your mobile experience, diversifying your content strategy, utilizing WordPress plugins effectively, and improving performance and engagement metrics, you can continue to thrive in a shifting digital landscape

Still learning Holistic Marketing and what’s needed to thrive in SEO? Click here to learn about the nuances of marketing to Gen Z or check out our post on what to look for when attempting to rank AI content.

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