How to launch an intranet and sustain engagement was a hot topic at our user conference. We discussed different intranet launch methods and agreed that some organisations may need to adapt their launch strategy depending upon their organisation’s size, culture and locations. If you would like to read more, you can download our expanded guide to managing your intranet project.
Intranet Launch Tips:
1) Set a Launch date
Setting a launch date that ties into a pertinent company day or occasion is a great way to ride the wave of enthusiasm.
2) Create some teasers
Creating a buzz prior to launch with posters, emails, videos about something launching soon.
3) Go big bang
If you have a launch budget, the group felt big bang was the way to go. On the day of launch make as much noise and buzz about the new intranet as you can.
4) Set the company Intranet as the web browser for launch.
This will mean everyone will see the new intranet as soon as they login.
5) Get everyone involved in creating user profiles
The first time people login to the new intranet they should be prompted to create or edit their user profile. This could be incentivised with a competition to complete their profile within a certain time frame.
6) Record some short “How to videos”
Upon launch the intranet should feature prominent “how to” videos, such as how to navigate and a welcome and history of how the intranet got to launch.
7) Launch with the help of Intranet champions
Identify intranet champions throughout the organisation who are briefed on the project and trained to be become intranet experts. On the day of launch they can wear bright coloured intranet branded t-shirts, so if anyone has questions they can go to the nearest champion for help.
8) Fill a snack trolley and walk the floor
Everyone agreed that getting out and meeting the users was a really important part of the launch, so to do this with a snack trolley would be a great way of engaging colleagues and finding out what they think of the new intranet.
9) Use e-bulletins to promote the company intranet launch
During its launch phase, e-bulletins highlighting key features to showcase exciting new content will help to encourage visits and page views.
If you liked these ideas, download our free guide on how to manage your intranet and for further ways to improve your intranet, check out our guide to Intranet Governance.
