Microsoft SharePoint is a powerful platform for storing, managing and sharing information across an organisation. It can be used for everything from document management and team collaboration to building a company intranet. 

However, getting started with SharePoint can feel overwhelming if you’re new to the platform. Whether you’re using SharePoint for the first time or your organisation is planning a new SharePoint environment, these eight tips can help you get started. 

Understand how SharePoint sites work 

SharePoint sites provide dedicated spaces for teams, departments, projects or specific business functions. Before creating lots of sites, think about how your organisation works and what information each site needs to contain. A clear structure will make SharePoint easier to navigate and manage. 

Keep your document libraries organised 

SharePoint document libraries are designed to make it easier to store and manage files, but they can quickly become difficult to navigate if they’re not structured properly. 

Use sensible folder structures, consistent naming conventions and metadata where appropriate. Avoid creating unnecessary folders or duplicating the same documents across multiple locations. With SharePoint each document tracks previous versions so you don’t have to have lots of different versions of the same document. The full audit trail is available and this helps keep things tidier. 

Don’t overlook permissions 

One of the most important SharePoint tips for beginners is to understand who can access your content. 

Think carefully about which users and groups need access to each site or library. Avoid creating complicated individual permissions wherever possible, as this can make the environment harder to manage. 

Make use of SharePoint search 

SharePoint includes search functionality to help users find documents, sites, people and other information. Good document naming, metadata and content organisation can make search much more effective. Consider what terminology employees are likely to use when looking for information. 

Use SharePoint with Microsoft 365 

SharePoint isn’t designed to work in isolation. It integrates with Microsoft 365 and can work alongside tools such as Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, Power Automate and Power BI. Understanding how these services connect can help you create a more joined-up digital workplace. 

Think about governance early 

It’s easy to focus on building SharePoint sites and forget about how they will be managed in the future. Establish some basic governance from the beginning, including who can create sites, who owns content, how permissions are managed and when information should be archived or removed. 

Don’t migrate everything 

If you’re moving from shared drives or an existing document management system, resist the temptation to move every file into SharePoint. Review your existing content first and identify what is still relevant. Removing duplicate, outdated and unnecessary files can help you start with a cleaner environment. 

Get users involved 

SharePoint is ultimately a tool for your employees, so their needs should influence how it is designed. Ask users what information they need, how they currently work and what problems they experience. Testing your SharePoint environment with a small group before a wider rollout can also help identify improvements. 

Getting started with SharePoint 

SharePoint can support a wide range of business requirements, but getting the foundations right is important. A clear site structure, sensible permissions, good content management and effective governance can make the platform easier to use and maintain. 

If you’re new to SharePoint or considering implementing it across your organisation, Bridgeall can help with SharePoint consultancy, implementation, migration and ongoing support. 

Want to get more from SharePoint? Get in touch with Bridgeall to discuss your requirements.