3 – Understanding SharePoint Pages: A Complete Guide with Video Explanation

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to SharePoint Pages
  2. πŸ“„ How to Create a Wiki Page in SharePoint β€” Step-by-Step Guide
  3. πŸ“ Embedding a Document Library into a SharePoint Page
  4. πŸ”§ Customizing an Embedded Document Library (App Part) in SharePoint Pages
  5. πŸ“„ How to Add Images and Links in a SharePoint Wiki Page
  6. πŸ”„ Viewing Page History and Embedding Content in SharePoint Pages
  7. πŸ“„ How to Create a Modern Site Page in SharePoint
  8. πŸ–ŒοΈ How to Enhance a SharePoint Site Page with Layout Edits & an Embedded Picture Library
  9. πŸ§‘β€πŸ€β€πŸ§‘ How to Add People to a SharePoint Site Page
  10. πŸ•’ How to Add a Countdown Timer to a SharePoint Site Page
  11. 🧭 How to Add Navigation Elements to a SharePoint Page
  12. 🏠 How to Create and Customize a SharePoint Home Page
  13. 🧰 Useful Menu Items on SharePoint Site Pages

Introduction to SharePoint Pages

In SharePoint, pages are the foundation of how content is presented and shared across a site. They allow you to display documents, announcements, dashboards, and project information in a structured and visually organized way. Whether you’re building an internal knowledge base, a team portal, or a company intranet, pages determine how users experience and interact with your content.

SharePoint offers several types of pages, each designed for different scenarios and levels of customization.


Types of SharePoint Pages

Site Pages (Modern Pages)

These are the default and recommended page type in today’s SharePoint. Site pages are built using web parts, making it easy to add text, images, document libraries, news, and more without technical skills.

Best features:

  • Mobile-friendly and responsive
  • Simple drag-and-drop editing
  • Consistent design across the site
  • Works seamlessly with modern SharePoint features

Site pages are ideal for team homepages, announcements, dashboards, and general communication.


Wiki Pages (Classic)

Wiki pages provide more free-form editing, similar to a word processor. Users can add formatted text, tables, links, and images directly on the page without structured web parts.

Good for:

  • Informal documentation
  • Knowledge bases
  • Quick notes and internal guides

Although still supported, wiki pages belong to the classic SharePoint experience and are gradually being replaced by modern site pages.


Web Part Pages (Legacy)

Web part pages come from older versions of SharePoint and allow detailed layout control using zones and classic web parts. However, they are now considered outdated.

Limitations:

  • Not mobile responsive
  • Limited compatibility with modern tools
  • More complex to maintain

These pages should only be used when required for legacy systems or older integrations.


When to Use Each Page Type

  • Choose Site Pages when you want a modern, responsive design with easy editing and full integration with current SharePoint features.
  • Choose Wiki Pages if you need flexible, text-heavy layouts or are working within an older environment.
  • Avoid Web Part Pages unless you must support legacy content or applications.

Understanding the different SharePoint page types helps you design sites that are easy to navigate, visually appealing, and aligned with modern collaboration needs. By selecting the right page type for the right purpose, you create a better experience for everyone who uses your SharePoint site.

πŸ“„ How to Create a Wiki Page in SharePoint β€” Step-by-Step Guide

Wiki pages may be part of SharePoint’s classic experience, but they’re still useful when you need free-form editing similar to a Word document. They’re great for quick documentation, internal notes, or simple knowledge-base pages where structure matters less than flexibility.

Let’s walk through how to create, edit, and publish a wiki page in a clear and easy way.

Video Explanation


πŸ›  Step-by-Step: Creating Your Wiki Page

➀ 1. Go to the Pages Library

  • Open your SharePoint site.
  • In the left navigation, click Pages β€” this is where all site pages are stored.

➀ 2. Create a New Page

  • Click the New button at the top.
  • You’ll see several options:
    • Site Page
    • Wiki Page
    • Web Part Page
    • Link
  • Select Wiki Page.

πŸ’‘ Tip: Site Pages are the modern default, but Wiki Pages are perfect when you want a simple, document-style layout.

➀ 3. Name Your Page

  • Enter a meaningful title, such as:
    • β€œExpense Page”
    • β€œTeam Guidelines”
    • β€œProject Notes”

A good name helps users find the page easily later.

➀ 4. Add Your Content

You’ll now see an editor that feels a lot like Microsoft Word:

  • ✏️ Use the Format Text tab to style headings, bold text, bullets, and colors.
  • πŸ“Ž Use the Insert tab to add:
    • Images
    • Links to files
    • Tables
    • App parts

This flexibility is what makes wiki pages great for informal documentation.

➀ 5. Save & Publish

  • When your content is ready, click Save and Publish.
  • Your page is now live and visible to site users.

πŸ“‚ How to Find Your Page Later

To reopen or edit the page:

  1. Go back to Pages in the site menu.
  2. Click the page name (for example, Expense Page).
  3. Choose Edit if you need to make updates.

Easy and always accessible πŸ‘


πŸ’¬ When Should You Use a Wiki Page?

ScenarioGood Fit?
Quick internal documentationβœ… Yes
Knowledge base articlesβœ… Yes
Modern dashboards❌ Better with Site Pages
Mobile-friendly layouts❌ Use Site Pages

πŸ“Œ Remember: Wiki pages are classic technology. For modern, responsive designs, Site Pages are recommendedβ€”but wiki pages remain handy for simple, text-focused content.


🎯 Summary

  • Wiki pages offer Word-like editing inside SharePoint
  • Great for informal guides, notes, and documentation
  • Easy to create with no technical skills
  • Still useful even in modern SharePoint sites

πŸ“ Embedding a Document Library into a SharePoint Page

One of the smartest ways to make SharePoint easier for users is to bring the tools to the page instead of sending users around the site. By embedding a document library directly into a page, you can combine instructions, context, and file management in a single, friendly interface.

This approach is perfect for scenarios like expense submissions, project file uploads, or team collaboration spaces.

Video Explanation


🎯 Why Embed a Document Library?

Adding a library to a page gives you several advantages:

  • βœ… Creates a guided experience for users
  • πŸ“€ Allows file upload directly from the page
  • 🧭 Reduces navigation confusion
  • πŸ“˜ Keeps instructions and documents together
  • πŸ‘©β€πŸ’» Ideal for non-technical team members

Think of it like building a mini workspace inside a page instead of just a blank information screen.


πŸ›  Step-by-Step: Add a Library to a Page

1️⃣ Open the Page

  • Go to your SharePoint site
  • Click Pages in the left navigation
  • Open the page you want to enhance (for example, Expense Page)

2️⃣ Switch to Edit Mode

  • Click the Edit ✏️ icon at the top-right
  • The page will open in a Word-like editor

3️⃣ Choose a Layout

  • Click Text Layout at the top
  • Select Two Columns with Header

This gives you:

  • A header for the title
  • Left column β†’ instructions
  • Right column β†’ document library

4️⃣ Add Helpful Instructions

In the header and left column, add guidance such as:

πŸ’¬ β€œUpload your expense reports using the panel on the right.”
πŸ’¬ β€œUse this file naming format: Department_Date.pdf”

Clear instructions = fewer mistakes πŸ‘


5️⃣ Insert the Document Library (App Part)

Now for the magic part ✨

  1. Click inside the right column
  2. Open the Insert tab
  3. Select App Part
  4. Choose your library (e.g., Expenses)
  5. Click Add

Your live document library now appears inside the page!


6️⃣ Save & Publish

  • Click Save and Publish
  • The page is now ready for your team

πŸš€ What Users Can Do Now

From this single page, users can:

  • πŸ“‚ Upload new files
  • πŸ“ Create documents
  • πŸ‘€ View recent uploads
  • πŸ“– Follow on-page instructions

πŸ‘‰ No more jumping between Pages, Site Contents, and Libraries!


πŸ’‘ Best Use Cases

ScenarioPerfect Fit?
Expense submissionsβœ… Yes
Project file collectionβœ… Yes
HR document uploadsβœ… Yes
Simple read-only info❌ Use normal page

🧠 Final Thought

Embedding a document library turns a simple SharePoint page into a functional workspace. It combines guidance + action in one place β€” exactly what end users need to stay productive without confusion.

Give it a try on your next SharePoint page and watch how much smoother your team workflows become πŸš€

πŸ”§ Customizing an Embedded Document Library (App Part) in SharePoint Pages

Embedding a document library inside a SharePoint page is powerfulβ€”but the real magic happens when you customize how that library appears and behaves. You can group files, hide unnecessary columns, or even turn the library into a read-only viewer so users can’t upload or modify content.

Let’s walk through how to fine-tune your embedded library for a cleaner and more user-friendly experience.

Video Explanation


🎯 What You Can Achieve

With App Part customization, you can:

  • πŸ“‚ Group files by metadata (e.g., Department)
  • πŸ‘οΈ Show only the columns that matter
  • 🚫 Disable upload/edit buttons
  • 🧼 Create a simple, clutter-free interface

βœ… Step 1: Create a Custom View in the Library

The embedded library will display whatever view you choose, so start by creating one tailored for your page.

➀ Create the View

  1. Open your Expenses document library
  2. Click the view dropdown (e.g., All Documents)
  3. Select Create new view
  4. Name it something clear like:
    πŸ‘‰ Expense Page View

➀ Customize the View

After creating it:

  1. Open the view dropdown again
  2. Click Edit current view

Now configure:

  • ❌ Uncheck columns you don’t need
    • Modified
    • Modified By
  • πŸ“ Under Group By, choose:
    • Department

Click OK to save.

πŸ‘€ This is exactly how the library will look when embedded in the page.


βœ… Step 2: Apply That View to the Page

Now connect the page to this new view.

➀ Open the Page

  1. Go to Pages from site navigation
  2. Open your page (e.g., Expense Page)
  3. Click Edit ✏️

➀ Configure the App Part

  1. Click once on the embedded document library
  2. A Web Part tab appears at the top
  3. Select Web Part Properties

In the right panel:

  • Under List View, choose
    πŸ‘‰ Expense Page View

Optional tweaks:

  • πŸ–ΌοΈ Appearance – change title
  • 🧱 Layout – adjust sizing
  • βš™οΈ Advanced – fine-tune behavior

Click Apply.


βœ… Step 3: Make It Read-Only (Optional)

Want users to only view files β€” not upload or edit?

➀ Turn Off the Toolbar

In Web Part Properties:

  1. Find Toolbar Type
  2. Select πŸ‘‰ No Toolbar

✨ Result:

  • Upload button gone
  • New document option removed
  • Library becomes a clean viewer

🧠 Final Result

Your page now:

  • βœ” Shows only relevant columns
  • βœ” Groups files logically
  • βœ” Prevents unwanted changes
  • βœ” Looks professional and focused

πŸš€ Why This Matters

This setup is perfect for:

  • Expense review dashboards
  • HR document viewers
  • Project file showcases
  • Read-only reference areas

You get the best of both worlds:
πŸ‘‰ Guided page experience + live library functionality


πŸŽ‰ Summary

By customizing the embedded App Part, you transform a basic page into a purpose-built workspace that’s clear, controlled, and easy for users to navigate.

Ready to level up your SharePoint pages? This technique is a game changer πŸ’ͺ

Adding images and links to a SharePoint wiki page transforms plain text into a visual, easy-to-navigate workspace. A banner image can make your page look professional, while links guide users directly to the right documents or libraries.

Let’s walk through how to do bothβ€”step by step πŸ‘‡

Video Explanation


πŸ–ΌοΈ Insert an Image into a Wiki Page

1. Open the Page

  • Go to Pages from the left navigation
  • Open your wiki page (for example, Expense Page)
  • Click Edit ✏️ at the top-right

2. Add the Image

  • Place your cursor where the image should appear
  • Open the Insert tab
  • Click Picture β†’ From Computer
  • Browse and select your image
  • Choose destination library (usually Site Assets)
  • Click OK

3. Adjust the Image

  • Click the image to open the Picture tab
  • Resize, align, or adjust layout as needed

πŸ’‘ Tip: Use a wide, lightweight image for a clean banner look.


1. Insert the Link

  • In Edit mode, place the cursor where the link should go
  • Go to Insert β†’ Link β†’ From Address
  • Enter:
    • Link Text: e.g., Click here to access the Expenses Library
    • Address: paste the library URL
  • Click Insert

2. Open in a New Tab (Recommended)

  • Click the inserted link
  • Open the Link tab
  • Enable Open in a new tab

🧭 Update Site Navigation

Add the Page to Navigation

  • Go to the homepage
  • Click Edit at the bottom of the left menu
  • Click the + icon
  • Choose Link
  • Paste the wiki page URL and name it (e.g., Expenses Page)
  • Click Save

Optional Cleanup

  • Remove any old direct link to the document library
  • Keep navigation focused on the new page

🎯 Result

Your wiki page now includes:

  • βœ” A visual image banner
  • βœ” Clickable link to the document library
  • βœ” Clean and simple navigation
  • βœ” Improved user experience

This structure helps users understand the page quickly and reach the right content with minimal effort πŸš€

πŸ”„ Viewing Page History and Embedding Content in SharePoint Pages

SharePoint pages evolve over time, and it’s important to track what changes have been made and by whom. SharePoint provides a built-in Page History feature for this purpose. In addition, you can enrich your pages by embedding external content such as YouTube videos, dashboards, or other web resources using embed code.

Video Explanation


πŸ“– Viewing Page History

Page History allows you to review previous versions of a page and compare edits.

Steps to view history:

  1. Open the SharePoint page you want to review (for example, Expense Page).
  2. Click Edit at the top-right corner.
  3. From the Page tab, select Page History.

A panel will appear listing all saved versions of the page.

What you can do:

  • Select any version to view how the page looked at that time.
  • Use the compare option to see differences between versions.
  • Changes are color-coded:
    • 🟒 Green – content that was added
    • πŸ”΄ Red – content that was removed

This feature is extremely useful for auditing edits or restoring previous content if needed.


πŸŽ₯ Embedding a YouTube Video or Other Content

You can make your SharePoint pages more engaging by embedding content from external sources.

How to embed a video:

  1. Open the YouTube video (or another service that provides embed code).
  2. Click Share β†’ Embed and copy the HTML code.
  3. Return to your SharePoint page in Edit mode.
  4. Place the cursor where you want the video to appear.
  5. Go to the Insert tab and choose Embed Code.
  6. Paste the copied code and click Insert.
  7. Click Save and Publish to make the changes live.

The video will now appear directly on your page and can be played without leaving SharePoint.


βœ… Benefits

Using these features together helps you:

  • Track and review page edits over time
  • Recover earlier versions when needed
  • Add rich media to make pages more interactive
  • Create more engaging and informative SharePoint sites

With Page History and embedding, SharePoint pages become powerful communication tools rather than simple static documents.

πŸ“„ How to Create a Modern Site Page in SharePoint

Modern Site Pages are the heart of today’s SharePoint experience. They let you create clean, visually appealing pages using drag-and-drop web partsβ€”no technical skills required. Compared to older Wiki pages, Site Pages feel more like building a modern website: responsive, flexible, and easy for everyone to use.

In this section, you’ll learn how to create a Site Page from scratch and customize it to fit your team’s needs.

Video Explanation


🧭 Step-by-Step: Create Your First Site Page

Follow these simple steps to get started:

  1. Open the Pages library
    • From your SharePoint site, click Pages in the left navigation.
  2. Create a new page
    • Click New β†’ Site Page at the top.
  3. Add a page title
    • Click on the title area and type a meaningful name, such as β€œCars Page” or β€œTeam Resources.”
  4. Customize the banner
    • Click the banner area to open its settings.
    • You can:
      • Change the banner image
      • Align the title (Left / Center / Right)
      • Add text above the title (e.g., β€œWelcome to our resources”)
      • Show or hide the published date
  5. Add content sections
    • Click the βž• plus icon below the banner to insert web parts like:
      • πŸ“ Text
      • πŸ–ΌοΈ Image
      • πŸ“ Document Library
      • 🎬 Video
      • πŸ”— Links and more
  6. Publish the page
    • When ready, click Publish in the top-right corner.

πŸš€ After You Publish

SharePoint gives you helpful options right away:

  • βž• Add the page to site navigation so users can find it easily
  • πŸ“° Post as News to announce it to your organization
  • πŸ”— Copy link to share in Teams or email
  • πŸ“§ Share via email with a single click

✨ Why Use Modern Site Pages?

Modern Site Pages are perfect for:

  • Creating internal dashboards
  • Building knowledge base pages
  • Displaying announcements and updates
  • Embedding document libraries and videos
  • Designing role-based landing pages

They combine professional design + easy editing + powerful integration with the rest of Microsoft 365.

πŸ–ŒοΈ How to Enhance a SharePoint Site Page with Layout Edits & an Embedded Picture Library

Modern SharePoint Site Pages are designed to look clean, visual, and professional without any technical skills. With just a few clicks, you can transform a simple page into an engaging space that combines banners, structured layouts, and live image galleries.

In this section, you’ll learn how to upgrade an existing Site Page by customizing the banner, adjusting the layout, and embedding a picture library so users can view images directly from the page.

Video Explanation


✏️ Step 1 – Open the Page in Edit Mode

  • Go to the SharePoint page you created earlier
  • Click Edit in the top-right corner
  • The page switches to design mode where all elements become customizable

πŸ’‘ Tip: Use the full-screen β†— icon to hide navigation and focus only on the page while editing.


πŸ–ΌοΈ Step 2 – Customize the Banner

The banner sets the mood of your page β€” make it informative and attractive.

  • Click anywhere on the banner area
  • Select Change Image to:
    • Pick a stock image
    • Upload your own photo
  • Use Set Focal Point to control which part of the image stays in focus

You can also:

  • Add small text above the title
  • Show or hide the publish date
  • Align the title left, center, or right

🎨 A well-designed banner gives instant context to your page visitors.


🧩 Step 3 – Add a Structured Section

To organize content neatly:

  1. Scroll below the banner
  2. Click the βž• Add section icon
  3. Choose a layout such as Two Columns

For better balance:

  • Open Section Properties
  • Change layout to One-third Right
    • Left side β†’ wider for main content
    • Right side β†’ perfect for images or libraries

πŸ“Έ Step 4 – Embed the Picture Library

Now let’s bring images directly onto the page:

  1. Inside the column, click βž• Add web part
  2. Select Document Library
  3. Choose your Cars picture library

✨ Instantly, thumbnails from the library appear on the page β€” no manual uploads required!

This is ideal for:

  • Product galleries
  • Event photo collections
  • Team showcases
  • Visual knowledge bases

πŸš€ Step 5 – Publish the Page

When everything looks good:

  • Click Republish at the top right
  • The enhanced page becomes live for everyone πŸŽ‰

βœ… What You Get

After these updates, your page now includes:

  • βœ” A branded banner with focal control
  • βœ” Clean multi-column layout
  • βœ” Live picture gallery embedded
  • βœ” Modern, professional design

This approach turns SharePoint pages into interactive visual hubs instead of plain text screens, making content easier and more enjoyable to explore.

πŸ§‘β€πŸ€β€πŸ§‘ How to Add People to a SharePoint Site Page

Adding people profiles to a SharePoint page is a great way to make your site feel more human and connected. Whether you’re building a team directory, highlighting project owners, or showing key contacts, the People web part lets you display names, photos, roles, and contact details in a professional layout.

In this section, you’ll learn how to insert and customize a People section so visitors can easily recognize and reach the right person.

Video Explanation


βœ… Step-by-Step: Add the People Web Part

1️⃣ Open the Page in Edit Mode

  • Go to the SharePoint page you want to update
  • Click Edit in the top-right corner to start customizing

2️⃣ Choose Where to Place It

  • Hover over the column or section where you want the people list
  • Click the βž• Add web part icon

3️⃣ Insert the People Web Part

  • In the toolbox, search for People
  • Click it to add the web part to your page

4️⃣ Add Team Members

  • Start typing a person’s name or email
  • Select them from the suggestions
  • Repeat to add multiple people

πŸ’‘ SharePoint automatically pulls profile photos and contact info from Microsoft 365.


🎨 Customize the Look

Click on the People web part and open Properties βš™οΈ to adjust:

Layout options:

  • 🟦 Small – compact cards with name + photo
  • 🟩 Medium – adds space for a short description
  • πŸŸͺ Large – more detailed, perfect for directories

Optional descriptions:

  • Add roles like Project Manager or HR Lead
  • Include department names or responsibilities
  • Provide quick contact notes

πŸš€ Publish the Changes

  • When everything looks good, click Republish
  • The updated page goes live instantly

πŸ‘€ What Visitors Will See

Your page will now show:

  • βœ” Profile photos or initials
  • βœ” Names and job details
  • βœ” Clickable cards that open email & contact info

This is perfect for:

  • Team introductions
  • Project contact lists
  • Department directories
  • Stakeholder pages

🌟 Why Use the People Web Part?

  • Makes pages more personal
  • Helps users find the right contact fast
  • No manual data entry β€” synced with Microsoft 365
  • Clean, professional presentation

πŸ•’ How to Add a Countdown Timer to a SharePoint Site Page

A countdown timer is a simple but powerful way to grab attention on your SharePoint site. Whether you’re counting down to a product launch, company event, project deadline, or registration closing date, this web part creates urgency and keeps everyone focused on what matters next.

The best part? SharePoint includes a built-in Countdown Timer web partβ€”no coding or third-party tools needed πŸ‘.

In this section, you’ll learn how to add, customize, and publish a live countdown timer on any modern SharePoint page.

Video Explanation


πŸ”§ Step-by-Step: Add the Countdown Timer

1️⃣ Open the Page in Edit Mode

  • Go to the SharePoint page where you want the timer
  • Click Edit in the top-right corner

2️⃣ Add a New Section

  • Hover between sections until you see the βž• icon
  • Click it and choose a layout
  • πŸ‘‰ One Column works best for a full-width timer

3️⃣ Insert the Countdown Web Part

  • Inside the section, click the inner βž• Add web part
  • Search for Countdown Timer
  • Select it to place it on the page

βš™οΈ Customize Your Timer

Click on the timer and open Properties βš™οΈ on the right to configure:

🎯 Set the Basics

  • Add a title like:
    • β€œEvent Starts In”
    • β€œSale Ends In”
    • β€œProject Go-Live”
  • Choose the target date and time

⏱ Choose What to Display

Select which units to show:

  • Days
  • Hours
  • Minutes
  • Seconds

You can keep it simple (days + hours) or ultra-precise with seconds ticking away!


πŸ”— Add a Call to Action (Optional)

Want users to take action before time runs out?

  • Turn on Add a call to action
  • Set button text like:
    • β€œRegister Now”
    • β€œLearn More”
    • β€œSubmit Report”
  • Add a link to the relevant page or form

πŸ–Ό Make It Visually Engaging

Give your timer more impact with a background:

  • Upload your own image or choose a stock photo
  • Adjust overlay color (light/dark)
  • Use opacity slider for better readability

This helps the timer stand out instead of looking like plain text.


πŸš€ Publish the Page

  • When everything looks good, click Republish
  • The countdown goes live instantly and updates in real time

πŸŽ‰ What You Get

Your SharePoint page will now feature:

  • βœ” A live, ticking countdown
  • βœ” Optional action button
  • βœ” Branded background image
  • βœ” A professional, event-focused look

πŸ’‘ Great Use Cases

  • Company events & town halls
  • Training registration deadlines
  • Project go-live dates
  • Offer expirations
  • Sprint or milestone tracking

🧭 How to Add Navigation Elements to a SharePoint Page

Adding navigation elements like Call to Action (CTA) blocks and buttons makes your SharePoint pages easier to use and more interactive. Instead of forcing users to hunt through menus, you can guide them directly to key areas such as the Home page, Expense page, or any important resource.

These elements act like signposts on your siteβ€”helping visitors move smoothly from one section to another.

Video Explanation


πŸš€ Why Add Navigation Elements?

Using CTAs and buttons on your pages helps to:

  • βœ” Guide users to important content quickly
  • βœ” Reduce confusion for new visitors
  • βœ” Highlight frequently used pages
  • βœ” Improve overall user experience

πŸ”§ Step-by-Step: Add Navigation Elements

1️⃣ Open the Page in Edit Mode

  • Navigate to the page you want to update
  • Click Edit in the top-right corner

2️⃣ Add a New Section

  • Hover below the banner until the βž• icon appears
  • Select One Column Section to create space for your navigation

3️⃣ Insert a Call to Action (CTA)

  • Click the inner βž• Add web part
  • Choose Call to Action

Then configure it in the properties panel:

  • Add a message such as: β€œWant to check the Expense page?”
  • Set button text like β€œClick Here”
  • Paste the link to the target page
  • Pick a background color to make it stand out

4️⃣ Add a Navigation Button

  • Hover above or below the CTA
  • Click βž• Add web part β†’ Button
  • Enter:
    • Label: Home
    • Link: your homepage URL

5️⃣ Publish and Test

  • Click Republish
  • Test each link to confirm correct navigation

πŸ’‘ Tips for Better Navigation

  • Use clear action words like View Expenses or Go to Dashboard
  • Keep button labels short and simple
  • Avoid adding too many CTAs on one page
  • Match colors with your site theme for consistency

🎯 What You Achieve

With these additions your page will:

  • Feel more interactive and professional
  • Help users reach content faster
  • Reduce unnecessary clicks
  • Provide a smoother browsing experience

A few well-placed navigation elements can transform a basic SharePoint page into a user-friendly hub πŸ‘.

🏠 How to Create and Customize a SharePoint Home Page

Your SharePoint Home Page is the front door to your site. It’s where users land first, so it should be informative, organized, and easy to navigate. With modern SharePoint, you can build a custom homepage using web parts like News, Calendar, Quick Links, and Activity β€” all without any coding.

In this section, you’ll learn how to design a professional homepage from scratch and set it as the default landing page for your site.

Video Explanation


✨ What Makes a Good SharePoint Home Page?

A well-designed homepage should:

  • βœ” Highlight important updates and announcements
  • βœ” Provide quick access to key pages and libraries
  • βœ” Show recent activity to keep users engaged
  • βœ” Be visually clean and easy to scan

Let’s build one step by step πŸ‘‡


πŸ›  Step-by-Step: Build Your Custom Home Page

1️⃣ Create a New Site Page

  • Open Pages from the left navigation
  • Click New β†’ Site Page
  • The modern page editor will open

2️⃣ Customize the Banner

  • Click on the top banner area
  • Open the Properties panel
  • Choose a layout such as Color Block, Image, or Title Only
  • Add a meaningful page title like β€œWelcome to Our Team Site”

🧩 Add Useful Web Parts

3️⃣ Add News & Calendar Section

  • Click the βž• Add section button
  • Choose Two Column layout

In the left column:

  • Add the News web part to display announcements

In the right column:

  • Add the Group Calendar web part to show upcoming events

πŸ‘‰ This gives users a quick snapshot of what’s happening.


4️⃣ Add Quick Navigation Cards

Add another section with One Column layout and insert:

  • Call to Action web parts linking to:
    • Expense Page
    • Cars Picture Library
    • Any important department pages

For each CTA you can configure:

  • Title
  • Description
  • Button text
  • Link URL
  • Background image 🎨

These act like visual shortcuts across your site.


5️⃣ Add Site Activity Feed

At the bottom of the page:

  • Add a One Column section
  • Insert the Site Activity web part

This shows:

  • Recent file uploads
  • Page edits
  • User interactions

Great for keeping the homepage β€œalive” πŸ”„


πŸš€ Publish & Set as Home Page

When you’re happy with the design:

  1. Click Publish
  2. Go back to the Pages library
  3. Find your new page
  4. Click the three dots (…) β†’ select Make homepage

βœ… Now this page becomes the default landing page when users click the Home icon.


🎯 Final Result

Your custom homepage now includes:

  • πŸ“° News updates
  • πŸ“… Calendar events
  • πŸ”— Quick links to key pages
  • πŸ“Š Activity feed
  • 🎨 Personalized banner and layout

This transforms SharePoint from just a file storage space into a real digital workplace hub.

🧰 Useful Menu Items on SharePoint Site Pages

SharePoint Site Pages include several built-in tools that help you understand page performance, promote content, and manage page detailsβ€”all from the top menu. These features make it easy to turn a simple page into a well-managed, high-impact resource.

Let’s explore the three most useful options πŸ‘‡

Video Explanation


πŸ“Š 1. Page Analytics β€” Understand Your Audience

The Analytics option gives you valuable insights into how users interact with your page.

When you click Analytics, you can see:

  • πŸ‘€ Page Views – how many times the page was opened
  • πŸ§‘ Unique Viewers – number of individual visitors
  • ⏱ Average Time Spent – how long users stay on the page
  • πŸ“ˆ Traffic Trends – busy hours and popular days

πŸ’‘ Great for:
Checking whether important pages are actually being used and identifying the best time to post updates.


πŸ“£ 2. Promote β€” Share Your Page with the Team

The Promote button helps you surface your page in different places without extra effort.

From the promote panel you can:

  • βž• Add to Navigation – make the page easy to find
  • πŸ“° Post as News – feature it on the homepage news feed
  • πŸ”— Share Page – send directly to colleagues
  • πŸ“§ Copy Link / Email – quick distribution
  • 🧩 Save as Template – reuse the design later

πŸ’‘ Great for:
Turning a normal page into a highlighted announcement or reusable template.


πŸ—‚ 3. Page Details β€” Manage Metadata

The Page Details option opens a side panel with important information about the page.

Here you can:

  • ✏ Edit title and description
  • 🏷 Update custom metadata fields
  • πŸ” Review page properties
  • πŸ“ Keep content organized for search and filtering

πŸ’‘ Great for:
Keeping pages structured and searchable across your SharePoint site.


🎯 Why These Tools Matter

Using these menu features helps you:

  • Track engagement and improve content
  • Promote key information to the right audience
  • Keep pages organized and professional
  • Reuse good designs across the site

With just a few clicks, you can manage your SharePoint pages like a pro πŸ‘.

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