How to Use a Web Story Creator? – Guide for Beginners

Step 1: Find a Web Story Creator

There are a few online SAAS products available in the market that can help create Web Stories. MakeStories is one of the end to end solutions for web story creation. You can design, optimize and publish Web Stories. Its features help both beginners and professionals. These include:

• Drag and Drop Functionality – to create beautiful stories hassle-free
• Workspace for Team Collaboration – to coordinate and produce stories with your team
• WordPress Plug-In – to produce stories directly on your WordPress website
• Fast & Secure Web Hosting – made especially for creators who do not own a website
• Story Player – to design carousels, like Instagram, that can be embedded in your website

Step 2: Outline the Story

MakeStories recommends chalking out a draft like you would create a storyboard. This helps you visualize how you want the narrative communicated to the user. Once finalized, this can aid in the speedy execution of the stories. The aim is to convey your message in a story format. Remember to structure it with an eye-catching introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Google has created a simple template to get you started which you can access here.

Step 3: Add Visual Elements

To capture your user’s attention, designing high-quality content is the key! We understand design can be daunting for beginners or non-designers.

MakeStories provides you access to its extensive media library. This includes HD images, videos, and GIFs. You can also personalize brand visuals by uploading your images and videos.

Web Stories show in a vertical, full-page format. Remember to choose images or videos that fit the canvas style as it can affect page load time. The right images use lesser bandwidth. This helps in faster loading which enhances the user experience.

Step 4: Create the Story

This is where using a Web Story creator gets exciting! MakeStories provides you with many features to make your stories attractive and interactive. This makes them efficient conversion tools.

Before you start, make sure you match the requirements listed below; else, you won’t be able to post your story.

1. The title of your Web Story should be between 10 – 40 characters
2. Create atleast 5 pages for an optimal user experience
3. The total text mentioned in your story should be 500 characters or more for easy indexing
4. Ensure your image has an Alt Text mentioned
5. All media assets used should be licensed

1. Background

It is not necessary to add an image or video in the background of your Web Story. There are several options for adding a beautiful background. Bold colors, gradients, eye-catching textures, GIFs, and even animated backgrounds are all available!

2. Templates

This is a great option for beginners who need direction in making stories. Choose any template and customize them to match your requirements and brand style.

3. Text

Add text to your stories according to typography. This helps you segregate your content into H1, H2, H3, paragraph and supporting text. There are many varied font combinations and animations to make your content appealing.

4. Layers

This feature is like professional graphic design editors like Photoshop & Illustrator. Different layers one over the other help create depth in the design layout. The tool also allows you to add a Call-To-Action (CTA) button. You can add it on any page except the first.

5. Elements

You can choose from many visual elements. These include masks, shapes, illustrations, gradients, and stickers. This helps to amplify the effect of your Web Stories.

6. Auto Animate

Use the auto animate feature to switch static images into transitioning videos.

7. Add Ons

According to a study by Outgrow, 81% of marketers believe that interactive content engages readers. By allowing users to react to your web story with a single click, you can make your content interactive. This is achievable by creating quizzes, polls or an enticing CTA. MakeStories gives you the add on option of audio as well.

Step 5: Publish the Story

Once your stories tie in together, use your web stories creator to publish them. MakeStories gives you the option to publish it on your website or export the files for social media.

You can proceed to publish your Web Story. There are important steps to complete to ensure that the Web Story appears across Google.

1. SetUp Publisher Details

These are basic details required of the website owner

2. Meta Tags & SEO

The necessary details need to be filled out in conjunction with your SEO strategy

3. Story Validation

Meet the requirements mentioned above before you start creating your web story

4. SetUp Analytics

Track your performance by mentioning the tracking IDs. Each channel will have a unique ID.

Once completed, add your domain if you have one or create your web stories only site on stories.site.

It’s that simple! As a beginner, these steps can guide you. Once you get the hang of it, with meticulous planning, you can create Google Web Stories within 5 minutes! Here’s a link to use MakeStories editor to create your first Web Story.