Why Most Intranets Fail (And How to Get Buy-In That Actually Lasts)
By SimplifyIT | Published
Let's be honest - most intranets fail. Not because the tech is bad, or because the idea of a central hub is flawed, but because they never get real buy-in. And that almost always comes down to one thing: content.
If the intranet isn't helping me do my job, I'm not using it. If it's outdated, clunky, or worse - boring - I'll avoid it. But if everything I need is there (forms, manuals, polices, procedures, etc.), and there's even a little fluff mixed in? I'll keep coming back.
The Core Problem: Stale, Irrelevant, or Missing Content
Buy-in dies when content goes stale. Homepages that never change. Departments that forget to update resources. Broken links. If your intranet isn't helping people accomplish something or discover something useful, it becomes a ghost town.
That's why ownership is key. Someone has to take charge of the homepage. Someone needs to make sure each section stays fresh. It doesn't have to be a full-time job - just a habit. We've built tools to make that easier, but it still takes intention.
The Fix: Make It Useful. Make It Fun.
- Homepage freshness: Rotate messages, highlight team wins, show upcoming birthdays or events.
- Department engagement: Assign leads. Set reminders. Celebrate updates.
- Mix fun + functional: Include polls, jokes, or even a meme corner next to the critical tools.
People will come for what they need. They'll stay (and return) for what they enjoy.
Want Help?
We've worked with banks and credit unions across the country to build intranets that actually get used. If your intranet is struggling - or still stuck in the "coming soon" phase - reach out. We'll help you get it done.
