SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows organisations to create robust intranet solutions tailored to their unique requirements. In this blog, we’ll explore best practices for customising SharePoint to meet your business needs.
1. Defining Objectives
Before diving into customisation, clarify your intranet’s purpose and objectives. Consider the following questions:
- What are your organisation’s communication goals?
- How will employees collaborate and access information?
- What features are essential for productivity?
2. Choosing Between Out-of-the-Box and Custom Solutions
Out-of-the-Box SharePoint:
- Quick setup with pre-built templates.
- Limited customisation options.
- Ideal for small businesses or basic needs.
Custom SharePoint Solutions:
- Tailored to your organisation’s unique requirements.
- Allows branding, custom workflows, and advanced features.
- Requires development expertise.
3. Branding and User Experience
- Apply your organisation’s colours, logo, and fonts.
- Create a consistent look and feel across the intranet.
User Experience (UX):
- Optimise navigation for easy content discovery.
- Ensure responsive design for mobile users.
4. Content Strategy
Content Types:
- Define content types (e.g., news articles, policies, forms).
- Organise content in libraries and lists.
Permissions:
- Set granular permissions based on roles.
- Control who can view, edit, or delete content.
5. Collaboration and Workflows
Document Libraries:
- Create libraries for document storage.
- Implement version control and check-in/check-out.
Workflows:
- Automate processes (e.g., approval workflows, content publishing).
- Use SharePoint Designer or Power Automate.
6. Personalisation and Search
Personalised Dashboards:
- Use web parts to display relevant content.
- Allow users to customise their homepages.
Search Functionality:
- Configure search settings for accurate results.
- Leverage metadata and tags.
7. Measuring Success
Key Metrics:
- Monitor engagement (page views, comments, likes).
- Gather feedback from users.
Continuous Improvement:
- Regularly assess and adapt based on user needs.
- Stay informed about SharePoint updates.
Customising SharePoint for business needs requires thoughtful planning, user-centric design, and ongoing evaluation. By aligning your intranet with organisational goals, you’ll create a powerful tool that enhances collaboration, productivity, and employee satisfaction.
Remember, your intranet is a dynamic platform—continuously evolve it to meet changing business needs! Book a free demo today to know more about how we can help you.
