SharePoint Development Tips for Modern Intranets

As a technology consultancy, Ultron Developments understands the importance of a well-designed intranet in today's digital workplace. A modern intranet is more than just a repository of information; it's a hub for collaboration, communication, and productivity. Microsoft SharePoint is a popular choice for building intranets, and with the right development strategy, it can be a powerful tool for driving business success. In this article, we'll share our top SharePoint development tips for creating a modern intranet that meets the needs of your organization.

Tip 1: Plan Your Information Architecture

A well-planned information architecture is the foundation of a successful SharePoint intranet. Before you start building, take the time to understand your organization's content and collaboration needs. Identify the different types of content that will be stored on the intranet, and how users will interact with it. Consider creating a content strategy that outlines the types of content, the target audience, and the channels for distribution.

Some key considerations when planning your information architecture include:

• Defining the site structure and navigation
• Identifying the different types of content and metadata
• Developing a taxonomy and tagging strategy
• Planning for search and discovery

Tip 2: Leverage Microsoft 365 Integration

One of the key benefits of using SharePoint for your intranet is its seamless integration with other Microsoft 365 tools. By leveraging these integrations, you can create a more connected and productive digital workplace. Some examples of Microsoft 365 integrations that can enhance your intranet include:

Microsoft Teams: Integrate Teams with your intranet to enable real-time collaboration and communication.

OneDrive: Use OneDrive to store and share files, and integrate it with your intranet for easy access.

Power Apps: Use Power Apps to build custom business applications that integrate with your intranet.

Power Automate: Use Power Automate to automate workflows and business processes across your organization.

Tip 3: Focus on User Experience

A modern intranet should be designed with the user in mind. A good user experience is critical for driving adoption and engagement. When designing your intranet, consider the following best practices:

Keep it simple and intuitive: Avoid clutter and make it easy for users to find what they need.

Use responsive design: Ensure that your intranet is accessible on any device, at any time.

Personalize the experience: Use SharePoint's personalization features to deliver targeted content and recommendations.

Make it engaging: Use images, videos, and other multimedia content to make your intranet more engaging and interactive.

Tip 4: Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Features

SharePoint is constantly evolving, with new features and updates being released regularly. To get the most out of your intranet, it's essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Some recent features that can enhance your intranet include:

SharePoint Framework: A new development framework that enables faster and more flexible development.

Modern Pages: A new page template that provides a more modern and responsive design.

Hub Sites: A new feature that enables you to create centralized hubs for collaboration and communication.

By staying up-to-date with the latest features and best practices, you can ensure that your intranet remains a valuable asset for your organization.

Conclusion

Building a modern intranet with SharePoint requires careful planning, design, and development. By following these tips, you can create a powerful tool that drives collaboration, communication, and productivity across your organization. At Ultron Developments, our team of experts has extensive experience in SharePoint development and can help you create a modern intranet that meets your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about our SharePoint development services and how we can help you achieve your digital workplace goals.

Get in touch with us to learn more about our SharePoint development services and how we can help you create a modern intranet that meets your unique needs.