The heartbeat of your internal communications and collaboration should be your corporate intranet. If you’re using SharePoint as your corporate intranet, congratulations! But if you’re not, we would love to help you get started!
SharePoint is a powerful tool, but here’s a critical question: When was the last time you updated your SharePoint sites?
Why Regular Updates Matter
Your SharePoint intranet is more than just a repository for documents and a platform for announcements. It’s a dynamic space that should reflect the current state and needs of your business. Regular updates are crucial for several reasons:
- Relevance and Accuracy
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- Information on your intranet needs to be current and accurate. Outdated information can lead to misunderstandings, inefficiencies, and even costly mistakes.
- User Engagement
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- Fresh content keeps your employees engaged and encourages them to use the intranet regularly. Stale content can lead to a drop in usage and missed opportunities for collaboration.
- Security
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- Regular updates ensure that your intranet is secure. Outdated software and content can become vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
- Compliance
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- Keeping your intranet updated helps ensure that you comply with legal and regulatory requirements, especially when it comes to data privacy and protection.
Signs Your SharePoint Intranet Needs an Update
Not sure if your SharePoint intranet needs a refresh? Here are some telltale signs:
- Outdated Content
- If you find old announcements, expired events, or obsolete documents, it’s time for an update.
- User Feedback
- Pay attention to feedback from your employees. If they’re finding it hard to locate information or if they’re not using the intranet, it might need some work.
- Inconsistent Branding
- Your intranet should reflect your company’s current branding. If the look and feel are outdated, it’s time for a design refresh.
- Performance Issues
- Slow load times and technical glitches can indicate that your intranet needs a technical overhaul.
- New Tools and Features
- SharePoint regularly releases new features and improvements. If you’re not leveraging these, you’re missing out on potential enhancements.
Tips for Updating Your SharePoint Intranet
- Conduct a Content Audit
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- Regularly review the content on your intranet. Remove outdated information and update key documents and pages.
- Engage with Users
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- Get feedback from your employees. What are they looking for? What’s missing? Use this feedback to guide your updates.
- Leverage New Features
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- Stay informed about new SharePoint features and tools. Integrate these into your intranet to improve functionality and user experience.
- Update Security Protocols
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- Ensure that your intranet is secure by updating software and reviewing security policies regularly.
- Revamp the Design
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- Consider a design refresh to keep your intranet visually appealing and aligned with your brand identity.
- Train Your Team
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- Provide training to ensure that your team knows how to use the intranet effectively. This can also include tips on creating and maintaining content.
Your SharePoint corporate intranet is a vital tool for your business. Keeping it updated ensures that it remains a valuable resource for your employees. Regular updates enhance engagement, security, and efficiency, helping your business thrive in the digital age. So, take a moment to review your SharePoint sites today – it might be time for an update!
