Quick & Easy Google Web Stories Guide: Create, Share & Earn in 5 Minutes
In the fast-moving world of digital content, Google Web Stories have emerged as a creative and highly effective format to boost visibility, engage mobile users, and even generate income. Think of them as Instagram or Snapchat stories—but designed for your website, indexed by Google Search, featured on Google Discover, and capable of driving serious traffic.
In this 5-minute guide, you’ll learn exactly how to create eye-catching Web Stories using the Google Web Stories WordPress plugin, optimize them for SEO, and monetize your efforts.
What Exactly Are Google Web Stories?
Designed primarily for mobile users, Google Web Stories are full-screen, tappable, and visually rich content. These immersive stories combine text, images, video, and animations to create fast-loading, short-form narratives that users can quickly consume.
Unlike social media stories, these live on your own site and are indexed by Google, meaning they can appear in:
- Google Search
- Google Discover
- Google Images
That equals free organic traffic with minimal effort.
Why Should You Use Google Web Stories?
If you’re a content creator, blogger, or small business owner, here’s why Web Stories are worth your time:
✅ Mobile-First Engagement
Web Stories have high retention rates, load quickly, and look fantastic on smartphones and tablets.
Google indexes your stories, allowing them to appear on Discover cards and in search results.
✅ Eye-Catching Content Format
Perfect for storytelling, step-by-step tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks, and product features.
✅ Monetization Opportunities
Add affiliate links, show ads, or redirect traffic to your offers. Web Stories can easily become a revenue stream.
Top Use Cases for Google Web Stories
Here are some popular Web Story ideas you can start with:
- Travel itineraries or destination guides
- Recipes with step-by-step visuals
- DIY projects and how-to tutorials
- Product reviews and showcases
- Fitness routines or daily habits
- Motivational quotes or mini blogs
Step-by-Step: How to Create Google Web Stories in WordPress
Step 1: Install the Web Stories Plugin
To get started, you’ll need the official Google Web Stories plugin for WordPress.
How to install:
- Go to your WordPress dashboard
- Navigate to Plugins > Add New
- Search for “Web Stories by Google”
- Click Install, then Activate
“Web Stories” will appear in your dashboard menu after installation.
Step 2: Start Your First Web Story
Click Web Stories > Create a New Story from the sidebar. The editor opens with a clean, user-friendly interface.
Features You’ll See:
- Drag-and-drop builder
- Pre-built templates
- Access to royalty-free images and video
- Font and animation tools
Choose a template or build from scratch. Each slide (or “page”) can include text, photos, animations, video, and more.
Step 3: Add Multimedia & Customize Design
To make your Web Story pop:
- Use HD images or vertical video
- Keep text short and bold
- Use transitions between pages for visual flow
- Maintain your brand colors, fonts, and tone
💡 Tip: Add an attention-grabbing cover page with a headline and featured image. This boosts click-through rates.
Step 4: Optimize Your Story for SEO
Even though these stories are visual, SEO still matters.
Here’s how to optimize your Web Story:
- Add metadata: titles, alt tags, descriptions
- Use focus keywords naturally
- Structure content with proper H1, H2, H3 tags
- Provide internal links to your product pages or blog
- Compress media for fast loading
The plugin generates AMP-compliant pages, which ensures your content loads lightning-fast on mobile.
Bonus: Enhance Story Engagement
Use these components to make your Web Stories engaging and memorable:
- Polls and quizzes
- Clickable CTAs (calls to action)
- Swipe-up or tap-to-view links
- Countdowns or timers for events and launches
Interactive stories are more likely to be shared, bookmarked, and featured on Discover.
Monetize Your Google Web Stories
Once your Web Stories are live, here are four proven ways to earn income:
- 💸 Show Ads via Google AdSense
Monetize your stories with display ads. Enable AMP ads or integrate AdSense code into your stories to generate passive income.
Creators report earning between $200–$500/month from Web Story traffic alone.
- 🤝 Add Affiliate Links
Feature products with affiliate links (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, etc.) and earn commissions when users click or purchase.
Example: Create a “Top 5 Travel Gadgets” story and embed your affiliate links within each slide.
- 📢 Publish Sponsored Web Stories
Partner with brands to create custom sponsored stories. Either charge a fixed fee or a rate based on views and performance.
- 🚀 Drive Traffic to Your Main Site
Use Web Stories to funnel traffic to your main content—blog posts, sales pages, or email signups—boosting visibility and conversions.
Don’t Have a Website Yet?
No worries. You can still get started by launching your own blog or content site using WordPress.
Here’s a simple guide:
- Buy a domain and hosting (e.g. Bluehost or SiteGround)
- Install WordPress
- Add a professional theme
- Install the Web Stories plugin
- Start creating content!
Check out our full tutorial on how to launch a blog and earn money online for step-by-step instructions.
Quick Recap: Benefits of Using Web Stories
- 🔍 High visibility in Google Discover & Search
- 📱 Mobile-optimized storytelling
- 🎥 Rich media format that boosts user engagement
- 🧠 Easy to use with drag-and-drop plugin
- 💰 Multiple ways to monetize
Tips to Maximize Web Story Success
- To stand out and gain traction with Google:✔ Stay ConsistentPublish at least 1–2 stories a week to stay active and build a portfolio.
✔ Track Performance
Use Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor traffic, clicks, and engagement.
✔ Stay On-Trend
Keep up with the latest trends in your field and modify your stories appropriately.
✔ Reuse Blog Content
Turn old blog posts into engaging Web Stories to drive new traffic from existing content.
Google Web Stories are more than just a fun content format—they’re a powerful tool for growth, visibility, and monetization in today’s mobile-first world. With a few clicks, you can create visually stunning stories that not only capture attention but also bring in revenue.
Whether you’re a solopreneur, blogger, or business owner, Web Stories can be your secret weapon to building a successful online presence.
Ready to get started? Install the plugin, create your first story, and watch your traffic and earnings grow!