Google Web Stories has gained considerable popularity as a visually appealing and interactive way to attract users to websites. However, as with any technology, issues can arise that prevent them from displaying or working properly. In this article, we will explore the most common Google Stories online issues, such as errors, stories not showing, and side issues, and provide troubleshooting steps to resolve them.
- Error Messages: When working with Google Web Stories, encountering error messages can be frustrating. Here are some common errors and their potential solutions:
a. “Oops! Something went wrong”: This generic error message indicates an issue with the Google Web Stories plugin or server. To troubleshoot this, try the following steps:
- Ensure you are using the latest version of the plugin.
- Deactivate and reactivate the plugin to refresh its settings.
- Check for any conflicts with other plugins or themes. Disable them one by one to identify the culprit.
- Clear your website and browser cache to rule out caching issues.
- If the problem persists, reach out to the plugin’s support team or forum for further assistance.
b. “Invalid JSON response“: This error message typically occurs when there is an error in the JSON response from the server. To resolve this, consider the following steps:
- Check your web server logs for any related error messages.
- Verify that your server meets the minimum requirements for the Google Web Stories plugin (PHP version, memory limit, etc.).
- Disable any security plugins or firewalls temporarily to rule out interference.
- If the issue persists, consult the plugin’s documentation or support resources for more specific guidance.
- Non-Displaying Stories: If your Google Web Stories are not showing up on your website, consider these troubleshooting steps:
a. Clear browser cache: Sometimes, browser cache can prevent newly created or updated stories from displaying. Clear your browser cache or open the website in an incognito/private browsing window to check if the stories appear.
b. Check visibility settings: Ensure that the stories are set to “Published” and not in draft or private mode. Also, verify that they are not scheduled for a future date and time.
c. Theme compatibility: Some themes may have conflicts with the Google Web Stories plugin, resulting in non-displaying stories. Try switching to a default WordPress theme temporarily to check if the stories show up. If they do, consider reaching out to the theme developer for assistance or explore alternative themes compatible with Google Web Stories.
- Plugin Issues: If you are experiencing issues specifically related to the Google Web Stories plugin, follow these steps to troubleshoot:
a. Plugin compatibility: Ensure that your WordPress version and other plugins are up-to-date and compatible with the current version of the Google Web Stories plugin. Incompatible versions can lead to unexpected behavior or errors.
b. Plugin conflicts: Conflicts with other plugins can cause issues with Google Web Stories. Temporarily disable all other plugins, and then re-enable them one by one until the error appears again. This will help identify if there is a conflict with another plugin.
c. Reinstall the plugin: If the plugin files have become corrupted or the installation is incomplete, try reinstalling the Google Web Stories plugin. Deactivate and delete the existing plugin, then install it again from the WordPress plugin repository.
- Troubleshooting with Health Check & Troubleshooting Plugin: To further troubleshoot without affecting your outside users, follow these steps:
- Install and activate the Health Check & Troubleshooting plugin from the WordPress plugin repository.
- Go to “Plugins” in your WordPress admin and click on “Troubleshoot” underneath “Web Stories” in the list of plugins.
- This plugin allows you to temporarily disable other plugins while testing the functionality of Google Web Stories, helping identify conflicts.
Conclusion
Google Web Stories provide an exciting way to engage users with visually captivating content. However, encountering errors, non-displaying stories, or plugin issues can hinder their effectiveness. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can address these problems and ensure your Google Web Stories are functioning correctly, delivering a delightful user experience on your website. Remember to stay up to date with plugin updates, seek support from relevant communities, and test your stories on different devices and browsers to ensure optimal performance.