Google AMP Stories: Are remarkable in 2022?

What is Google AMP?

Google first introduced AMP, which is, Accelerated Mobile Pages, back in 2015. It provided an enhanced user experience by creating fast-loading web pages. This is for mobile viewing.

AMP is an open source framework created by a network of software developers and is free for the public to use. It is known as Google AMP because Google is a large contributor and promoter of the technology.

Google AMP from 2015 – 2022

AMP technology came about in 2015 by Google. It’s original purpose was to optimize mobile viewing for users. It also helped rank higher on SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages). Before this, Google had introduced mobile-friendly viewing in 2014. It informed users that the site they were about to visit was designed for small displays.

AMP pages were displayed on mobile search results. It appeared under the ‘Top Stories’ category. This was possible when SEO optimization was used to rank these pages on SERPs. In 2017, Google incorporated AMP technology to run ads as well.

Google introduced AMP stories and AMP emails in 2018. This was the beginning of a new visual format for fast consumption of content. In 2019, there were controversies revolving around AMP and its functions. In June 2021, Google announced that AMP’s main functionality of ranking pages higher on SERPs, was no longer valid. Both AMP and non-AMP pages could rank on Google.

Having said that, Google AMP has not disappeared. It is relevant and thriving today in the form of Google AMP Stories.

What are Google AMP Stories?

Google AMP Stories are a format of tappable, carousel content cards, similar to stories on social media platforms. It is discoverable on Google Search, Discover and Images. It helps generate traffic and increase brand visibility on the open web. These stories make use of AMP technology, which makes mobile viewing efficient. On the open web, AMP Stories are viewed in full-screen portrait mode.

In May 2020, Google decided to rebrand AMP Stories to Google Web Stories. Click the link to know everything about Google Web Stories here.

Difference between Google AMP Stories & Google Web Stories?

There isn’t much of a distinction between the two. Google has released them both with the same purpose in mind. That is, to provide audiences with immersive mobile watching experiences. AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) technology underpins both of them.

The most significant distinction between the two is who owns the Stories. The pages created using Google Web Stories are HTML, they can be hosted or linked to your website directly. D. This offers you full control over the online stories you generate. MakeStories is a tool that allows you to create and publish Web Stories on your website.

So are Google AMP Stories still relevant?

The answer is yes, in a way. Google Web Stories are powered by AMP technology and is what a brand should be focusing on. There are several reasons why one must explore Google Web Stories in 2022.

1. Reach a wider audience

Today’s content marketing landscape is fierce. Building a huge audience is one of the most important goals. When it comes to reach, there is no comparison between social media and the internet. Unlike social media, the internet can help you reach billions of people. Google Web Stories support inbound marketing activities. Web Stories appear to users who are looking for your unique product or service on Google. For example: Destinations you can visit with a Schengen Visa

2. Increase credibility

A study by comparehare.co.uk suggests that 97% of users look online for local products or services. A good internet presence makes it simple for ideal customers who are unaware of your existence to find you, whether or not they are looking for what you have to offer. By effect, when you are able to reach a wider audience, this will help build the credibility of your brand which leads to higher conversions.

3. Complete ownership

There are no limitations to how imaginative you can be when using Google Web Stories. You can design, edit and publish your Web Stories on your website. MakeStories is an easy-to-use web story editor making it possible to do so. You can even use these stories for different social media channels. If you don’t have your own website, MakeStories can host your stories on their platform. Find more information on how to publish your web stories through MakeStories here.

4. Monetize and receive 100% revenue

Visual storytelling is a fun way to communicate with your audience. It’s also a terrific way to generate income! You can keep 100% of the ad revenue generated by hosting ads on web content. Google released AdSense and Ad Manager, which include a programmatic ad solution. This aids in the tracking of your web story ads. Click here to discover more about how to monetize web stories.

5. Easy indexing

On MakeStories, Google Web Stories come with SEO benefits. If used in conjunction with your SEO plan, it will boost your company’s online visibility.

Indexing your stories is simple and requires little effort. This can help your story appear at the top of a Google search. To help them rank on Google, each Web Story has a unique URL that targets specific keywords. Click here to see where Google Web Stories appear on Google.

Conclusion

There is a difference between Google AMP and Google AMP stories. From 2018 onwards, AMP Stories got a new name i.e., Google Web Stories As a brand, you don’t need to focus on AMP technology, just Google Web Stories. Learn how to use Google Web Stories for your brand here.