Google has updated its official Web Stories plugin for WordPress, now allowing users to embed content on webpages.
Since its launch, the Web Stories plugin has provided robust creation tools, but users were previously on their own when it came to embedding the content they created.
WordPress site owners can now create Web Stories and embed them using the same tool. The update also offers the capability to embed Web Stories from other sites.
In addition to easier embedding, the plugin update allows for the integration of Web Stories into the theme customization process, and they can now be used with the Classic Editor.
Here’s more information on how to embed Web Stories using the plugin:
Web Stories Gutenberg Block
To embed Web Stories into WordPress webpages, start by inserting a Web Stories block.
The block will provide site owners with three options for embedding Web Stories into a webpage or blog post:
- Latest Stories: Display the most recent stories, with filtering and sorting options. The list automatically updates as new stories are published.
- Selected Stories: Display a list of handpicked stories.
- Single Story: Embed a single story by providing its URL.
Site owners will then need to choose how they want their Web Stories displayed. The options include a carousel, a grid, or a list.
This new Web Stories block allows stories to be displayed anywhere blocks can be used.
The Web Stories WordPress plugin provides built-in integrations for all WordPress core default themes. Several third-party themes also offer Web Stories integration, including the Astra theme, Neve theme, and Newspack theme.
This functionality may encourage more site owners to use Web Stories, which can be an effective way to diversify sources of organic traffic.
Web Stories appear in search results and, recently, Google Discover. This gives site owners more ways for their content to be found across Google.
Consider the potential advantage of dominating the first page of search results with Web Stories alongside traditional web content.
Web Stories currently appear in Google Search and Discover in the US, India, and Brazil. Search Advocate John Mueller has mentioned that Web Stories may be expanded to more countries if more sites start using them.
For site owners who are uncertain about integrating Web Stories into their content marketing strategy, there are several comprehensive guides available. These guides cover the benefits, implementation tips, and SEO strategies for using this content format effectively.
Lastly, site owners should be aware that the quality of Web Stories matters for search result rankings. Google has explicitly warned against using Web Stories merely as teasers for other content, indicating that such stories will not be ranked in search results.
Source: Google Web Creators
