Integrating an Intranet

Following are a few tips to ensure successful corporate Intranet integration:

1. Focus on Outcomes

Define ROI of Intranet communication to ensure proper measurements of success are being defined.

2. Measure Against Objectives

Create ROI unique to your organizational objectives…don’t try to use traditional methods of measurement or the initiative risks failure.

3. All Employee Access

For large organizations with employees who don’t have access to a computer, install kiosks or have a cubicle that any user can access. This ensures that employees who don't work in a cubicle won't feel left out or excluded from the new communication tool.

4. Usability Testing

Understand the difference between online reading vs. traditional. Often, users scan online pages instead of reading the text, so keep text short and to the point and avoid promotional language.

5. Keep It Simple

There is no need for flash on an Intranet – it’s distracting to the user and can slow down the speed.

6. Find a Leader or Champion

Get content from the highest level executive (ideally the CEO) you can find. It will help your cause to have this person champion the site.

7. Engage Users

Give users something to do so they will want to visit the site again. You can have some type of loyalty program attached to the Intranet, communities they can join, or feedback buttons. Even brief online training modules will engage employees.

8. Maximize Business-Critical Content

Communicate the most important messages in an effective manner

9. Maintain Currency of Information or Delegate Ownership

It is critical to the success of the Intranet to maintain up-to-date information. If users find the information becoming outdated, they will stop coming to the site.

10. Manage Expectations

Clearly communicate the objectives of the Intranet to all stakeholders.