When you think about your company brand, what comes to mind first? Is it the logo on your business cards, or maybe the colors on your website? Now pause and ask yourself does that same feeling carry over when your team opens up SharePoint? For many organizations, the answer is…well…not really.
But what if SharePoint could be more than just a place to dump files or announce the next potluck? What if every click, every page, every dashboard quietly whispered, “Here’s who we are”?
At eSoftware Associates, we believe your SharePoint site can be a true extension of your company’s personality not only making things look good, but actually helping people feel more connected at work.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
Sure, a custom logo and a fresh color palette go a long way. But SharePoint branding is about more than swapping out the wallpaper. Done right, it should echo the same vibe your team feels when they walk into the office even if that “office” is a digital one these days.
- Is your culture classic and buttoned-up, or quirky and creative?
- Do you want quick navigation and minimal fuss, or an immersive hub with videos and social spaces?
- Are your people proud of company milestones, fond of inside jokes, or passionate about a cause?
SharePoint can showcase all of that. With custom layouts, tailored content, and tools designed around what really matters to your team, it becomes more than a document library. It becomes your digital headquarters.
How Branding Builds Belonging
Let’s face it: most of us spend a big chunk of our days in apps and portals. When those platforms feel generic, it’s easy to feel disconnected. But sprinkle in your company’s signature colors, some team photos, recognizable language, and a newsfeed that highlights your unique celebrations? Suddenly, SharePoint feels a little more “yours.”
- New hires feel welcomed and find their way around faster.
- Long-timers feel proud seeing their projects featured.
- Leaders get to quietly reinforce what your company stands for every single day.
Best Practices (We’ve Learned the Hard Way)
- Start with the Why. What feeling or message do you want your SharePoint to share? Is it trust? Boldness? Joy? Efficiency? Pin that intention above your monitor as you design.
- Keep it simple—and mobile-friendly. A cluttered site—or one that breaks on your phone—erodes trust, fast. Clean navigation, clear buttons, and mobile-ready layouts win every time.
- Show, don’t tell. Use photos, team stories, or even a “Shoutouts” web part for small wins and big achievements. Genuine culture comes through real people, not stiff mission statements.
- Ask for feedback. Your people will use SharePoint more (and enjoy it!) if they see their suggestions come to life. Early focus groups work wonders.
- Evolve with your company. Branding isn’t a one-and-done project. As your team grows and your culture shifts, refresh your SharePoint site to keep it real and relevant.
How We Help
At eSoftware Associates, our favorite SharePoint projects are the ones where culture and content collide. We don’t just ask, “What do you want it to look like?” We ask, “What makes your company tick?” Then we help you translate that into layouts, features, and a virtual home where everyone feels like they belong.
If you’re ready to ditch “default” and make SharePoint sing with your company’s personality, let’s chat! The right branding isn’t just about making things pretty it’s about helping your employees feel at home, even when they’re just a face in a sea of Teams icons.
Sharepoint Branding Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I care about branding our SharePoint site?
Branding your SharePoint site ensures that your company’s unique culture, values, and personality are reflected in every employee’s daily experience. A well-branded SharePoint isn’t just pleasant to look at it helps reinforce organizational identity, improves engagement, and makes digital workspaces feel like “home” for your team.
What does effective SharePoint branding mean beyond just changing the logo?
True SharePoint branding goes far deeper than surface-level visuals. It incorporates your company’s colors, fonts, language, and culture into layouts, navigation, and site features. Done right, it means your SharePoint “feels” like your company welcoming, familiar, and aligned with how your team thinks, works, and connects.
How can branding SharePoint improve employee engagement and belonging?
Personalized branding creates an environment where people recognize themselves and their achievements. Familiar visuals, highlight reels of team milestones, inside jokes, and cause-based features help new hires feel at home and long-time employees feel proud. This increased sense of belonging can boost morale, retention, and productivity.
What are some best practices for successful SharePoint branding projects?
Start with intent: Decide what emotion or message the site should communicate (trust, creativity, efficiency, etc.).
Keep it clean and mobile-friendly: Simple navigation and layouts that work well on any device build trust and increase usage.
Make it real: Use genuine content—photos, stories, and “shoutouts” for real achievements instead of generic statements.
Gather feedback: Ask employees for input early and often to make sure the site really serves their needs.
Refresh regularly: Align your SharePoint’s look and features with your evolving company culture, not just at the initial rollout.
Can branding be added to existing SharePoint sites, or do I need to start from scratch?
You don’t need to start over! Custom branding—including themes, layouts, navigation, and feature enhancements can be applied to both new and existing SharePoint sites. eSoftware Associates specializes in refreshing live environments to reflect changing brands and cultures seamlessly.
What features or elements help turn a generic SharePoint into a digital headquarters?
Beyond design tweaks, adding custom newsfeeds, photo galleries, team milestones, “Shoutouts,” and branded navigation transforms SharePoint from a static intranet into an interactive and engaging digital HQ. Every detail, from the welcome message to company event banners, contributes to the overall experience.
How do I ensure my custom SharePoint branding works on mobile devices?
Mobile-friendliness is key. Best practices include designing simple, responsive layouts, using easy-to-tap navigation, and testing all features on various devices before rollout. A clutter-free, visually consistent experience makes culture accessible wherever your team logs in.
How often should I update my company’s SharePoint branding?
Branding is not set-and-forget. As your company evolves new milestones, leadership, or cultural shifts refresh your site’s look and content to stay current and meaningful. Regular reviews ensure SharePoint remains relevant and engaging.
What makes eSoftware Associates different when it comes to SharePoint branding?
We go beyond “what do you want it to look like?” and focus on understanding what makes your company unique. Our team combines strategic design with technical know-how to build SharePoint spaces that mirror your real culture, foster belonging, and truly unite your people online.
Where can I see examples or get ideas for my SharePoint branding project?
Contact eSoftware Associates! We’re always happy to share creative inspiration, show recent projects, or brainstorm ways to transform your SharePoint into a vibrant reflection of your organization.
Need ideas or want to see what other companies are doing to brand their SharePoint spaces? Contact us today—we love sharing inspiration and helping you get started.