How To Make A Sharepoint Site Look Like A Website

Are you struggling to make your SharePoint site visually appealing and user-friendly? Look no further, as this article will provide you with simple and effective tips on how to transform your SharePoint site into a professional-looking website. Say goodbye to bland and confusing sites and hello to an engaging online platform.

What Is SharePoint?

SharePoint is a web-based collaboration platform that seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office. It is primarily utilized for efficient document management and storage, but its versatility allows for the creation of interactive websites, intranet portals, and management of content, workflows, and applications.

Suggestions: Think of SharePoint as a versatile tool that can be customized to create interactive websites and intranet portals, as well as efficiently managing content. Take advantage of its customization options to personalize the appearance of your site to align with your brand or organizational requirements.

Why Use SharePoint to Create a Website?

SharePoint offers a centralized platform for website creation, fostering seamless collaboration and document management. Its integration with Microsoft 365 enhances productivity and facilitates content sharing. Additionally, SharePoint’s customizable design allows websites to reflect organizational branding. The platform’s security features also ensure data protection. SharePoint’s adaptability to various business needs makes it a versatile tool for website development.

Pro-tip: Discover the benefits of using SharePoint for website creation, including its responsive design features that ensure optimal user experience across different devices.

What Are the Steps to Make a SharePoint Site Look Like a Website?

Transforming a SharePoint site into a visually appealing and user-friendly website may seem daunting, but it can be easily achieved by following a few simple steps. In this section, we will break down the process of making a SharePoint site look like a website. From selecting the right site template to adding web parts and customizing the page layout, we will cover all the essential steps to help you achieve a professional and polished website using SharePoint.

1. Choose a Site Template

1. Review the available site templates within SharePoint.
2. Consider the purpose of your website and choose a template that aligns with your goals.
3. Look for templates that offer the desired layout, features, and functionalities.
4. Customize the selected template to match your branding and content requirements.
5. Ensure the template is responsive and provides a user-friendly experience across devices.

2. Customize the Site Theme

• Access the SharePoint site and navigate to the ‘Change the look’ option in the settings menu.
• Select ‘Themes’ to preview and apply different built-in themes.
• Customize the site theme by modifying colors, fonts, and background images to align with your brand identity and style.
• Save the customized theme for consistent application across the site.

3. Add Pages and Navigation

1. Access your SharePoint site and log in using the appropriate credentials.
2. Navigate to ‘Site Contents’ in the left menu.
3. Select either ‘Site Pages’ or ‘Site Assets’ to add new pages or manage existing ones.
4. To create a new page, click on ‘New’ and then choose either ‘Web Part Page’ or ‘Wiki Page’.
5. To manage navigation, go to ‘Site Settings’ and click on ‘Navigation’ under the ‘Look and Feel’ section.
6. Utilize the settings to customize the site navigation to fit your needs.

4. Customize the Page Layout

• Identify the page that needs layout customization.
• Access the SharePoint site with the appropriate permissions.
• Select ‘Site Contents’ and open ‘Site Pages’.
• Choose the specific page and click ‘Edit’.
• Click on ‘Format Text’ and then select ‘Edit Source’.
• Apply HTML or CSS to customize the layout.

SharePoint’s journey dates back to 2001 when Microsoft introduced it as a document management and storage system. Over time, it evolved into a robust platform for collaboration, communication, and website creation, offering diverse customization options to meet various business needs.

5. Add Web Parts and Apps

• Access the SharePoint site and click on ‘Edit’.
• Select the ‘Insert’ tab and choose the desired web part or app, such as Document Library, Picture Library, or Calendar.
• Configure the web part or app settings as needed, including display options, filters, or layouts.
• Save the changes and exit the edit mode to view the added Web Parts and Apps on the SharePoint site.

In 2001, Microsoft SharePoint was released as a document management and storage system. Over the years, it evolved into a web-based collaborative platform, offering various functions such as web content management and social networks.

6. Use SharePoint Designer for Advanced Customization

• Open SharePoint Designer and establish a connection to the SharePoint site.
• Access the site’s master page and page layouts for customization.
• Make changes to the site’s CSS, JavaScript, and HTML for more advanced design modifications.
• Utilize SharePoint Designer to create custom workflows and data views.
• Preview and test the customized elements before publishing them.

Did you know? SharePoint Designer allows for seamless integration of custom code for personalized website solutions.

What Are the Benefits of Using SharePoint to Create a Website?

SharePoint is a powerful tool for creating websites that offer a seamless user experience and robust functionality. But what makes it so beneficial for website creation? In this section, we will explore the various advantages of using SharePoint to build your website. From easy collaboration and communication to customizable design options, we will uncover the key benefits that make SharePoint a top choice for website development. So let’s dive in and discover the advantages of using SharePoint as your website building platform.

1. Easy Collaboration and Communication

• Leverage SharePoint’s document management features to easily collaborate on document creation, editing, and sharing.
• Gather valuable feedback and insights from team members through discussion boards and surveys.
• Streamline communication among team members by setting up team sites and utilizing project management tools.

2. Centralized Content Management

• Centralized Content Management in SharePoint involves organizing, storing, and managing all content from a single, integrated platform.
• Implement version control to track document revisions and manage access permissions for different user groups.
• Utilize metadata and tagging to categorize and classify content for efficient search and retrieval.
• Enable content approval workflows to maintain quality and consistency across all published material.

3. Customizable and Flexible Design

• Take advantage of customizable themes to tailor the design to perfectly match your brand’s identity.
• Utilize the flexibility of layout options to create a unique and responsive website.
• Enhance the design and functionality by employing custom CSS and JavaScript.
• Integrate third-party tools and applications for even more flexibility in your design.

4. Integration with Other Microsoft Applications

• Integrate with Microsoft Office 365: Seamlessly use applications like Word, Excel, and OneNote within SharePoint to enhance content creation and collaboration.
• Connect with Outlook: Utilize Outlook to access SharePoint documents, calendars, and tasks, streamlining communication and productivity.
• Utilize Power BI: Embed interactive reports and dashboards from Power BI, enabling data visualization and analysis directly within SharePoint.

What Are Some Examples of Websites Created with SharePoint?

While SharePoint is commonly used as an internal platform for collaboration and document management, it can also be used to create visually appealing and functional websites. In this section, we will look at some real-life examples of websites that have been successfully built using SharePoint. From intranet sites for internal communication to e-commerce websites for online shopping, SharePoint has proven to be a versatile tool for creating various types of websites. Let’s explore these examples in more detail.

1. Intranet Sites

1. Establish the Objectives: Identify the specific needs of your organization for the Intranet Sites, such as improving internal communication, document management, or knowledge sharing.
2. Design the Site Structure: Create a clear and intuitive navigation structure to enable easy access to relevant information and resources.
3. Customize Features: Tailor the Intranet Sites with features like employee directories, team collaboration spaces, and news feeds to enhance productivity.
4. Implement Security Measures: Ensure secure access to confidential data by setting user permissions and implementing data encryption protocols.

2. Corporate Websites

1. Define objectives: Determine the purpose, target audience, and key features for the corporate website.
2. Choose appropriate template: Select a SharePoint site template tailored specifically for corporate websites.
3. Customize design: Adapt the site theme, layout, and branding to align with the corporate identity.
4. Integrate features: Incorporate essential elements such as news feeds, document libraries, and collaborative tools.
5. Optimize for performance: Ensure optimal functionality and user experience across all devices.

3. E-commerce Websites

1. Ensure secure payment processing and compliance with e-commerce regulations.
2. Implement an intuitive and user-friendly interface for seamless online shopping experiences.
3. Integrate features such as product catalogs, shopping carts, and customer account management.
4. Optimize for mobile responsiveness and fast page loading to enhance user experience.
5. Leverage SharePoint’s collaboration tools for efficient team communication and content management.

For a successful e-commerce SharePoint site, it is important to prioritize user security, provide seamless navigation, and ensure mobile responsiveness while utilizing SharePoint’s collaborative features for efficient management.

4. Government Websites

• Ensure compliance with government regulations and accessibility standards for all aspects of the website.
• Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure privacy for users.
• Optimize for mobile responsiveness to cater to a diverse audience accessing the government website.
• Provide clear and concise information regarding government services and policies to users.

When creating a professional government website, it is important to prioritize transparency, accessibility, and user-friendly navigation while maintaining a consistent design and branding throughout.

What Are Some Tips for Making a SharePoint Site Look Professional?

Creating a professional-looking SharePoint site requires attention to detail and a solid understanding of design principles. In this section, we will discuss some tips and tricks for making your SharePoint site look polished and visually appealing. From using high-quality images and graphics to ensuring consistency in branding and colors, we will cover various aspects that can elevate the overall appearance of your site. We will also explore the importance of testing and optimizing your site for different devices to ensure a seamless user experience.

1. Use High-Quality Images and Graphics

• Invest in high-resolution images and graphics to ensure clarity and visual appeal.
• Utilize professional design software or hire a skilled graphic designer for custom illustrations and visuals.
• Optimize images for web use to maintain fast loading times and high quality.
• Consider the color scheme and branding to ensure cohesive integration of images and graphics.

2. Keep the Design Simple and Clean

• Utilize ample white space to avoid clutter.
• Opt for a consistent and readable font.
• Limit color palette for a cohesive look.
• Ensure easy navigation and intuitive user interface.

Did you know? Utilizing a simple and clean design can enhance user experience and engagement on websites.

3. Use Consistent Branding and Colors

• Incorporate a consistent color palette throughout the website that aligns with your brand’s identity.
• Select a set of fonts that complement each other and accurately represent your brand’s style.
• Integrate your logo and other visual elements on all pages to promote brand recognition.
• Apply uniform design elements, including buttons, icons, and headers, to maintain a cohesive look.

Did you know? Consistent branding and colors across all platforms can increase revenue by up to 23%.

4. Test and Optimize for Different Devices

• Utilize responsive design principles to ensure the site adapts to various screen sizes and devices.
• Test the website on different devices, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, to ensure compatibility and functionality.
• Optimize images and media to efficiently load on all devices without sacrificing quality.
• Implement device-specific optimizations for a seamless user experience across different platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make my SharePoint site look like a website?

Yes, you can make your SharePoint site look like a website by customizing its design and layout.

What are the steps to make a SharePoint site look like a website?

1. Start by selecting a theme for your site 2. Customize the site’s navigation and layout 3. Add images, videos, and other media 4. Use web parts to add functionality 5. Set permissions and access levels for users 6. Test and publish your site

Do I need to have coding knowledge to make a SharePoint site look like a website?

No, you do not need coding knowledge to make a SharePoint site look like a website. Most of the customization can be done through the built-in tools and features.

Can I add my own branding and logo to the SharePoint site?

Yes, you can add your own branding and logo to the SharePoint site by customizing the theme and adding a logo to the site’s header.

What are some tips for making a SharePoint site look like a professional website?

– Choose a clean and modern theme – Customize the navigation to make it user-friendly – Use high-quality images and videos – Add web parts for additional functionality – Test the site on different devices for a responsive design

Can I revert back to the default SharePoint look after customizing my site?

Yes, you can revert back to the default SharePoint look by resetting the site back to its original template. However, this will remove any customizations that you have made. It is recommended to save a backup of your site before making any major changes.