A Step-by-step Guide on Creating an Effective SharePoint Site
Introduction
SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows organizations to create and manage websites, intranets, and collaboration spaces. Whether you are looking to build a SharePoint website or an intranet for your organization, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the process and best practices for creating an effective SharePoint site.
Step 1: Planning and Requirements Gathering
Before diving into the development process, it is important to spend time planning and gathering requirements for your SharePoint site. This involves identifying the goals and objectives of your site, understanding the target audience, and determining the features and functionality required.
Step 2: SharePoint Development Agency or In-house Development
Once you have a clear understanding of your requirements, you need to decide whether to hire a SharePoint development agency or develop the site in-house. Outsourcing SharePoint development can be a cost-effective option, especially if you do not have the expertise or resources in-house. However, if you have a dedicated team of SharePoint developers, you may choose to develop the site internally.
Step 3: SharePoint On-premise vs SharePoint Online
Another important decision to make is whether to use SharePoint on-premise or SharePoint Online. SharePoint on-premise is installed and hosted on your own servers, giving you full control over the infrastructure. SharePoint Online, on the other hand, is a cloud-based solution provided by Microsoft. It offers scalability, flexibility, and automatic updates, but you have less control over the infrastructure.
Step 4: Intranet Design and Development
Once you have made the necessary decisions regarding development and hosting, it is time to start designing and developing your SharePoint site. Intranet design plays a crucial role in creating an effective SharePoint site. It should be user-friendly, visually appealing, and aligned with your organization’s branding and culture.
Step 5: Custom SharePoint Development and Managed Services
While SharePoint provides a wide range of out-of-the-box features and functionality, you may need custom development to meet specific business requirements. Custom SharePoint development allows you to extend the capabilities of SharePoint and tailor it to your organization’s unique needs. Additionally, consider managed SharePoint services to ensure the ongoing maintenance and support of your SharePoint site.
Conclusion
Creating an effective SharePoint site requires careful planning, decision-making, and development. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a SharePoint site that meets your organization’s needs and provides a seamless user experience. Whether you choose to outsource SharePoint development or develop the site in-house, remember to prioritize user-friendly design, customization, and ongoing maintenance for a successful SharePoint site.