Microsoft SharePoint is a powerful platform that allows you to build modern, flexible, and secure intranet sites for your organization. If you’re new to SharePoint and want to create a simple yet functional intranet in under an hour, this guide will walk you through the key steps—from site creation to design and content publishing.
You don’t need coding skills or advanced IT knowledge. All you need is a Microsoft 365 business subscription with SharePoint Online included.
What is a SharePoint intranet?
A SharePoint intranet is a central hub where employees can access internal news, documents, announcements, links, and tools. It can serve as:
- A home page for the company
- A document center for policies, templates, and procedures
- A collaboration space for departments and teams
- A resource library with guides, forms, or onboarding material
Step 1: Choose the right site type
Go to https://sharepoint.com or open the SharePoint app from Microsoft 365.
Click Create site. You’ll be asked to choose between:
- Team site – connected to a Microsoft 365 Group, ideal for team collaboration
- Communication site – perfect for a public-facing internal portal or home page
For an intranet homepage, select Communication site.
Step 2: Set the basics
Name your site (e.g. “Company Hub” or “Intranet Home”)
Add a short description
Choose the default language
Select a site design (Topic, Showcase, or Blank)
Click Finish
Your new SharePoint site will now be created and ready to customize.
Step 3: Customize the homepage layout
Click the Edit button in the top-right corner of the page
Now you can use web parts to build your page:
- Hero – display key links or promotions in a modern banner
- News – publish internal announcements or blog-style posts
- Quick links – add links to HR documents, Teams channels, or apps
- Document library – embed shared files directly on the page
- People – show team members or contacts
- Events – highlight upcoming company events or holidays
Use drag-and-drop and column layouts to arrange the content to your liking.
Click Republish once you’re done editing.
Step 4: Add and manage pages
In addition to the homepage, you can create additional pages:
- Click the New > Page button
- Use templates like blank, basic text, or visual layouts
- Add content using the same web parts
- Publish and link pages to your navigation menu
This is useful for creating sections like:
- HR portal
- IT support
- Department overviews
- Onboarding guides
Step 5: Organize navigation
Edit the top navigation menu to help users find pages easily.
Click Edit > Add link
Choose between linking to internal pages or external URLs
Use dropdowns to group related pages
Consistent navigation makes the site easy to use, even for first-time visitors.
Step 6: Adjust permissions and access
By default, the person who created the site is the owner.
Click Settings > Site permissions
Add members (read-only) or owners (full control)
Choose whether the site is visible to the entire company or only to select users
This is especially important if the intranet will house sensitive documents.
Step 7: Launch and share
Once you’re happy with the layout and content:
- Click Share site
- Invite users or distribute the intranet link via Teams or email
- Consider adding the site as a tab in Microsoft Teams for easier access
Optional: Enhance with branding
Go to Settings > Change the look to adjust:
- Theme colors
- Header style and logo
- Site layout
You can align the intranet with your company’s visual identity in just a few clicks.
Final thoughts
In just one hour, you can launch a modern SharePoint intranet that keeps your team informed and connected. Start small, focus on essential content, and expand as needed. SharePoint’s modular approach means you can add new sections, automate workflows, or integrate with Teams and Power Platform at any time.
