Good morning, search marketers, I'll spare you from the AMP puns. You're welcome.
That doesn't mean you'll miss interesting developments out of AMP Conf, however. For example, we've learned the AMP WordPress plugin now supports Stories, giving content producers and marketers using the CMS one more tool to create visually rich, interactive content — without having to learn HTML, CSS or JavaScript. It's familiar territory to many of us, given that WordPress is one of the most-used CMSs on the web. Time will tell if that familiarity emboldens marketers to take advantage of AMP Stories.
While we're on the subject, it seems Google's solution to the AMP URL problem has been met with mixed reactions. Some are excited to finally see their domain name displayed proudly across the URL bar while still reaping the benefits of mobile optimization. Others are scrutinizing the principles behind the solution and the position Google is putting itself in, weighing out the pros and cons of a more decentralized web at the cost of disrupting long-standing conventions governing how websites are delivered.
And, in a move taken to comply with last year's European's Commission antitrust ruling, Google is relinquishing some of its dominance in mobile, presenting European Android users with browser and search app options. After users get an upcoming update, their Google Play app will show two screens with options to install the top five search and browser apps (displayed in random order). It's unlikely that these alternative apps will overtake Chrome or Google, but it may make for an interesting race for second place. If you work for one of these apps, now might be a good time to get generous with that marketing budget.
Keep reading for insights on how digital word of mouth and search are coming together, your daily Search Shorts and more.
George Nguyen,
Associate Editor
