SharePoint Hub Sites: Setup & Best Practices

Introduction

SharePoint hub sites are the backbone of a well-structured intranet. They act as a central navigation and branding layer that connects multiple associated sites. This article covers how to set up hub sites and best practices for getting the most from them.

What Is a SharePoint Hub Site?

A hub site is a special SharePoint site that groups related sites together. It provides:

• Shared navigation – All associated sites inherit the hub’s top navigation.
• Unified branding – Consistent header, logo, and theme across the hub.
• News aggregation – News from associated sites can roll up to the hub.
• Search scope – Users can search across the hub and its sites.

How to Create and Configure a Hub Site

1. Create or designate a site – Use a Communication site as the hub (recommended for intranets).
2. Register as hub – In SharePoint admin center, select the site and choose “Register as hub site.”
3. Associate sites – From each site you want to connect, use “Connect to hub” and select your hub.
4. Configure navigation – Edit the hub’s navigation to add links to key resources and associated sites.

Best Practices

Keep the Hub Lean

Don’t overload the hub with too many links. Focus on top-level areas: departments, key resources, and the main home experience.

Use Consistent Naming

Name associated sites clearly (e.g., “HR Portal,” “IT Knowledge Base”) so users understand what they’ll find.

Plan for Growth

Start with one hub for the main intranet. As the organization grows, you can add regional or departmental hubs and associate them appropriately.

Maintain the Hub Navigation

Assign an owner to keep the hub navigation up to date. Stale or broken links hurt adoption.

Conclusion

Hub sites are essential for scaling a SharePoint intranet. A well-planned hub structure improves findability and keeps the intranet organized as it grows.

Need help designing your hub site architecture? Contact us for a free consultation.