When I started using SharePoint Online, I had no idea it could be used to create a blog. Like many users, I assumed it was just a platform for managing documents and team collaboration. But once I discovered how to create a blog in SharePoint Online, it completely changed how I shared updates within my organization.
Like me, if you are ready to improve your SharePoint experience by creating a blog, this tutorial will guide you through every detailed step. You can learn more about what is SharePoint.
Table of Contents
Why I Chose SharePoint for Blogging?
I wanted a blogging platform that would integrate with my organization’s existing tools. For the same, SharePoint Online is perfect because:
- It’s already part of Microsoft 365.
- I could use document management, permissions, and version control features.
- Blogs could be created using the News Web Part.
- SharePoint Online, as described on the official Microsoft SharePoint collaboration page, integrates deeply with Microsoft 365 tools
- Team members could easily access posts from any device.
- SharePoint Online Permissions are the robust control features in SharePoint Online, as they allow me to control who can read or contribute to the blog.
6 Quick Steps to Create a Blog in SharePoint Online
Here is a high-level overview of the process I followed:
- Open the site, and click on Settings > Site Contents.
- Click on New Subsite, then add the Title & Description.
- Provide the Blog URL in the Website Address.
- Move to the Collaboration and choose Blog.
- Set up User Permissions and choose the Navigation bar.
- Finally, click on Create and then start creating posts.
Since I wanted everyone in the organization to access the blog, I ensured the site was public. Here’s how to change SharePoint site from Private to Public.
How to Create a Blog in SharePoint Online – My Step-by-Step Creation Process
Here are the detailed steps that help me in creating a blog flawlessly:
#1. I Created a Communication Site
To make the blog visually appealing and easy to navigate, I started by creating a Communication Site. This type of site is ideal for broadcasting information across an organization.
#2. I Added the News Web Part
After setting up the site, I entered edit mode and added the News Web Part:
- Clicked on Edit in the top-right corner.
- Selected the + sign to add a web part.
- Choose News from the list.
This web part allowed me to post blog-like articles directly on the homepage.
#3. I Created Blog Categories
I wanted to organize my posts, so I defined custom categories:
- Navigated to Site Settings > Site Content Types.
- Created a new Content Type with category columns.
- This helped users filter content based on topic.
#4. I Enabled Enterprise Keywords
To improve internal search, I turned on Enterprise Keywords:
- Went to Site Settings > List Settings.
- Under Metadata, enable the Enterprise Keywords column.
- This allowed users to find blog posts using relevant tags.
#5. I Designed a Reusable Blog Template
Consistency was important, so I created a custom blog page template:
- Clicked New > Page.
- Drag in web parts like text, images, and videos.
- Clicked Save as Page Template to reuse it.
#6. Create a Blog in SharePoint Online
With everything set up, I went ahead and published:
- Choose New > News Post.
- Wrote my content and added visuals.
- Tagged with categories and keywords.
- Clicked Publish.
And just like that, my blog was live within SharePoint Online.
Benefits I Gained by Blogging in SharePoint
Creating a SharePoint blog came with a lot of unexpected perks:
- Team-Wide Communication: I could easily post project updates, company announcements, and training tips, all in one place.
- Enhanced Document Integration: I attached documents, images, and even videos to blog posts without leaving the SharePoint environment.
- Easy Search & Navigation: With metadata and enterprise keywords, my team could quickly find the information they needed.
- Version Control: Every change I made to a blog post was tracked.
- Accessibility: Team members could read blog posts from anywhere, on desktop or mobile, inside or outside the office.
Author’s Verdict
At first, I didn’t think SharePoint Online could handle blogging. But after building my blog step-by-step using the News Web Part, categories, and templates, I found it to be the best solution for internal content sharing. Later, I reused the blog layout by migrating SharePoint site to another site for our training portal.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How to create a blog in SharePoint Online?” now you know: Yes, you can. With the right steps, outlined in this guide, you can easily create a blog without any external help.
People Also Ask
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Can I use SharePoint Online to run a blog?
Yes, using the News Web Part and Communication Sites, you can create a visually engaging blog. -
What is the best way to manage blog content in SharePoint?
Use categories, enterprise keywords, and templates to keep content organized and easy to update. -
Are there any blog templates in SharePoint?
SharePoint offers basic templates, but you can create custom layouts using the News Web Part.