How to present a compelling argument for a new intranet

Follow this guidance to build a persuasive case for a revamped content hub that employees will love.

By Robby Brumberg
@robbybrumberg
Jan. 28, 2021

Intranets are often the bane of a communicator’s existence.

Many hubs wither due to outdated design, clunky navigation, uninspiring content or internal messaging overload (also known as “platform-itis.”) But perhaps the biggest barrier to intranet success is lack of executive buy-in.

The good news: These are all fixable problems.

It’s often an uphill challenge getting senior leaders to invest in internal messaging. However, with no immediate end to the pandemic in sight—and remote work looking very much like it will be a permanent fixture in a majority of workplaces moving forward—organizations must double-down on internal communication. It’s not an exaggeration to say the future of your company is at stake.

[FREE REPORT: State of the Intranet and Future of Employee Technology]

Simpplr’s new download—”Making the Business Case for a Modern Intranet”—equips communicators with compelling information to persuade even the most skeptical CEO. To make your case for a new or improved intranet, Simpplr suggests focusing on meatier arguments that tie to core business objectives. This might entail:

Showing that the need for a modern intranet is an organizational problem, not isolated to only you and your team.
Mapping the initiative to a tangible business priority instead of trying to create a new one.
Showing (and proving) that the status quo is worse than doing nothing.
Getting alignment across departments and leadership to ensure continuity, consistency and clarity.
Formulating a logical justification for how a modern intranet helps the organization in practical, tangible business terms.

Brass-tacks business concepts

Part of the challenge of persuading unconvinced (or perhaps uninformed) execs is learning the lingo that makes their ears perk up. Communicators can bolster their business IQ by learning how to analyze income statements, balance sheets and statements of cash flow, and by studying up on crucial financial concepts such as:

P/E (price-to-earnings) ratio
Margins
Valuation
Variance
EPS (earnings per share)
P&L (profit and loss)
Liquidity
Market cap (which reflects the value of a public company and is calculated by the price of a share of stock times the number of shares.)

How will a revamped intranet affect these essential metrics of the business? What difference does communication to the company’s productivity, retention and bottom line? What would be the ROI of improved messaging in the company—and what’s at stake if you fail to pivot in a rapidly changing environment?

These are the sorts of concrete arguments that grab execs’ attention and tend to loosen organizational purse strings. Simpplr’s extensive research can show you how to achieve these crucial business objectives, secure buy-in from decision-makers, and so much more. Download your free guide today to start building a better business case for a new intranet.