How to leverage web stories as a publisher: Examples

Web stories can be a terrific tool for any aspiring publisher. They can help boost content, improve online presence, and capture viewers' attention. But, just like any other tool, they can only be as effective as the person using them. So, for this article, we will take a more in-depth look at how to leverage web stories as a publisher.

What makes web stories so effective?

It is by no means uncommon that modern publishers are unaware of how useful web stories can be. Since we usually see them on major social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, a lot of people still believe that social media web stories are the only format there is. And while social media web stories are effective, it shouldn't go without notice that there is a difference between them, and what we are discussing in this article.

‍

The great thing about web stories is that you can put them almost anywhere. Your website, your posts, your articles, your app... All these are viable platforms for your web story content. Once you start using them, you'll be surprised at how easy it can be to leverage web stories as a publisher. Due to a multitude of reasons, web stories seem to be quite effective in keeping the viewer engaged. Especially when compared to other types of content.

Different ways to leverage web stories as a publisher

So, how can you as an aspiring publisher look to leverage the tremendous potential that web stories have? Well, there are a couple of ways in which you make great use of web stories. The key thing is to understand your brand and not to spread yourself too thin. Each of the methods that we will mention can be quite effective. But only if you apply them right, and create the right story for your content. It is much better to do one of these rights than to be half successful in all of them.

In-app stories

More and more publishers turn towards apps as a way to push content to readers. If you can convince your audience to install them, apps can be a terrific way to keep the viewer's attention glued to your brand. In your apps, you can not only publish content but also provide ample ways for your audience to interact with your brand. In many aspects of this, web stories can help.

Firstly, you can use them to convince your audience to install your app. It should be fairly obvious that you cannot simply host your app on an app store and hope for the best. You need to at least have a social media profile and a website that points to your app. And, fortunately, web stories can be a great way to naturally guide the viewer's attention from both social media and websites to your app. Within a web story, you can concisely explain what your app is about and why it is beneficial that the user installs them. Then, with a click of a button, they can start enjoying your content within the context of an app.

‍

‍

Secondly, you can make use of in-app stories. Keep in mind that web stories are dynamic content. As such, you can look to change them according to user behavior in your app. If a certain subject will interest the viewer, you can recommend further content with an in-app story. And, if you have extra app features to show to your viewers, you can rely on in-app stories to function as tutorials.

Social media posts

It is by no means a secret that publishers need to be well-versed in using social media posts to their advantage. In order to get any kind of sizable audience you need to understand social media platforms, the content they favor, and the trends that are active. Once you do that, you will soon realize that web stories hold great potential even among social media.

On the one hand, yes, you can create and publish story content within social media platforms themselves. Both Facebook and Instagram make doing so quite easy. But, there are certain downsides you should be aware of.

• You are limited by the platform - When compared to platforms like StorifyMe, Facebook and Instagram have fairly basic design tools. While they serve the standard user, you really ought to avoid them for more serious, brand-oriented use.
• Your content is not your own - If you read the fine print of social media platforms you will learn that whatever you host on them isn't actually yours but theirs.
• Your content stays active for 24 hours - While you can make highlights where your content is situated indefinitely, the prominent position on the platform is only active for 24 hours.

With this in mind, publishers should consider creating stories within platforms like StorifyMe, and then hosting them on their social media platforms. By doing so, they can look to promote their brand and naturally guide readers' attention.

Improving articles

Another common obstacle publishers face is how to keep the viewer engaged while reading articles. Of course, the basis of this is to write informative, entertaining articles about interesting subjects. But, you shouldn't shy away from enhancing them with extra content. We all know how visual content can aid written content, especially when it comes to explanations. And in this regard, web stories can be quite useful.

‍

‍

Keep in mind that web stories are, in their essence, a form of visual content. As such, they can serve as a neat way to enhance and enrich your articles. With a web story, you can help push a certain idea, or elaborate on it. You can even look to put people in a certain emotional state, in order to better transfer a certain message. All in all, there are tons of ways in which web stories can aid written content. And the more you play around with them, the better off you'll be.

Boosting online presence

Another way for a publisher to leverage web stories is to use them for SEO management. It shouldn't go without mentioning that Google places great value on web stories. The current leadership at Google seems to be quite fond of web stories, which is why you can learn a lot from their examples. Even if you chose not to, you should keep in mind that Google web stores can do wonders for your SEO. As a new type of content, they are on a completely different playing field from other content. So, instead of trying to overcome the SEO algorithm with keywords and blog posts, why not make your job easier? Use the fact that a relatively small number of publishers make full use of web stories, and see your SEO rating skyrocket.

Final thoughts

While there are others ways to leverage web stories as a publisher, we feel that the ones listed are sufficient enough for a start. Your job now is to start experimenting. Head on to StorifyMe and see what tools we have available. Once you get a hang of them, you will see what web stories you can create, and how they can relate to your brand. Remember, the key is to understand your content. And to be well-versed in all the functionalities that web stories offer.