What To Expect When Working With An Intranet Expert

Thinking about hiring an intranet expert but not sure what’s involved? If you’re looking to improve how your organisation communicates, collaborates, or shares information, an intranet expert can make a world of difference. But what exactly do they do, and what should you expect from working with one?

Understanding Their Role

First things first, what does an intranet expert like intranet.ai actually do? In simple terms, they design, develop, and optimise internal digital platforms to help your team work smarter. Whether you’re starting from scratch or revamping an outdated system, their job is to make sure your intranet meets your specific needs.

They’ll look at everything:

Your goals – Do you need a hub for collaboration, a document library, or something else entirely?
Your team’s challenges – What’s slowing people down? What features could make life easier?
Your existing tools – Are you already using platforms that can integrate with your intranet?

By addressing these points, they’ll create a tailored solution designed to fit seamlessly into your workflow.

What Happens During the Process?

Let’s walk through what you can expect when you hire an intranet expert.

Discovery and Planning

The first step is all about understanding your organisation. During this phase, the expert will work closely with you to:

Identify pain points – Are employees struggling to find files? Is communication disjointed?
Define objectives – Whether it’s boosting engagement or streamlining processes, your goals will guide the project.
Assess current systems – Do you have an intranet in place? If so, what’s working, and what isn’t?

This is where they’ll ask plenty of questions, so be prepared to share insights about how your team operates. Open communication here is key to ensuring the final product aligns with your needs.

Design and Customisation

Once the planning stage is complete, the expert will move on to designing your intranet. This isn’t just about creating something functional; it’s about building something that’s intuitive and user-friendly. Expect them to focus on:

Navigation – How easily can your team find what they need?
Aesthetics – A clean, professional design goes a long way in encouraging adoption.
Features – Think chat tools, file-sharing capabilities, and project management integrations.

They’ll likely provide mock-ups or prototypes to give you a sense of how the finished platform will look and feel. This is your chance to give feedback, so don’t hold back!

Implementation

Here’s where the intranet comes to life. The expert will handle the technical side of things, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Depending on the scope of the project, this might involve:

Migrating data from your old system to the new one.
Integrating third-party tools like CRMs or project management software.
Setting up user roles and permissions to maintain security.

You’ll also get hands-on time with the system to ensure everything works as expected before going live.

Training and Support

An intranet is only as good as its users, which is why training is a critical part of the process. The expert will help your team understand how to make the most of the new platform. This might include:

Onboarding sessions to cover the basics.
Advanced training for key users or admins.
Step-by-step guides or FAQs for reference.

Even after launch, they should offer ongoing support to troubleshoot any issues and make updates as needed.

How to Prepare for a Successful Partnership

Working with an intranet expert isn’t a one-sided effort—it’s a collaboration. Here’s how you can set the stage for success:

Be Clear About Your Needs – Take some time to think about your goals and priorities before the project starts.
Keep Communication Open – Regular check-ins will help ensure everything stays on track.
Involve Your Team – Gather feedback from employees who will use the intranet daily. They can offer valuable insights.
Be Open to Change – An expert may suggest solutions you hadn’t considered. Trust their experience!
Allocate Resources – Make sure you have time and budget set aside for the project.

By taking these steps, you’ll create a smooth working relationship that benefits everyone involved.

Why Hiring an Expert Is Worth It

You might wonder if you really need an intranet expert or if it’s something your in-house team could handle. While it’s tempting to DIY, bringing in an expert comes with clear advantages:

Experience – They’ve seen what works and what doesn’t across various industries.
Customisation – They’ll create a solution that fits your unique needs, not a generic template.
Efficiency – With a streamlined process, they’ll save you time and headaches.
Long-term Value – A well-built intranet improves productivity and collaboration, delivering a return on investment.

Trying to manage it all in-house often leads to delays, limitations, and less-than-ideal results. An expert ensures you get it right the first time.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, a great intranet is about more than just technology—it’s about empowering your team. The right platform can foster better communication, break down silos, and make everyone’s job easier. But achieving that requires expertise, planning, and collaboration.

When you work with an intranet expert, you’re not just hiring someone to build a tool. You’re gaining a partner who understands how to transform the way your organisation operates. They’ll guide you through every step of the journey, from defining your needs to rolling out the finished product.

If you’ve been on the fence about investing in an expert, hopefully, this has helped you see the value they bring. So, are you ready to take the leap and create an intranet that truly works for your team? Now’s the time to make it happen.