SharePoint Hub Sites are a powerful feature in SharePoint Online that allow organizations to connect and organize multiple SharePoint sites under a common structure. They provide centralized navigation, consistent branding, search, and governance across associated sites.
This guide covers:
✔ What SharePoint Hub Sites are and how they work
✔ Key benefits of using Hub Sites
✔ How to create and manage a Hub Site
✔ Best practices for implementing Hub Sites
1. What is a SharePoint Hub Site?
A SharePoint Hub Site acts as a parent site that links multiple related SharePoint sites together. Unlike a site collection, Hub Sites allow for flexible site associations that can be changed over time.
Key Features of SharePoint Hub Sites:
✔ Unified Navigation: A common top navigation bar for all associated sites
✔ Consistent Branding & Theme: Automatically apply the same look and feel
✔ Cross-Site Search: Find content across all associated sites from a single search box
✔ News Roll-Up: Aggregate news from all connected sites
✔ Security & Governance: Manage permissions more efficiently
Tip: Hub Sites are useful for departments, projects, regions, or business units that need a connected workspace.
2. Benefits of Using SharePoint Hub Sites
2.1 Better Organization & Site Structure
Hub Sites help group related sites together, making it easier for users to navigate content within an organization.
✔ Example: An organization can have a “Marketing Hub” with associated sites like:
- Social Media
- Content Marketing
- Branding & PR
2.2 Consistent Look & Feel
When a site joins a Hub Site, it automatically inherits the branding, theme, and logo of the Hub.
✔ Example: If the HR department updates the corporate theme, all HR-related SharePoint sites will reflect the change instantly.
2.3 Enhanced Search Experience
Users can search across all associated sites, making it easier to find files, documents, and resources.
✔ Example: Employees looking for a policy document can search within the “HR Hub” instead of multiple separate sites.
2.4 Centralized News & Events
Hub Sites can roll up news and events from associated sites into one location.
✔ Example: If different project teams post updates on their individual sites, they will automatically appear on the Hub Site’s news feed.
2.5 Flexible & Scalable Structure
Unlike traditional site collections, Hub Sites are not permanent—you can reassign or move sites between hubs as business needs evolve.
✔ Example: A project team site can be moved from the “IT Hub” to the “Operations Hub” if its focus changes.
3. How to Create and Manage a SharePoint Hub Site
Step 1: Create a Hub Site
To create a Hub Site, you must be a SharePoint Administrator.
- Go to the SharePoint Admin Center
- Click Active Sites in the left panel
- Select the site you want to convert into a Hub Site
- Click Hub > Register as Hub Site
- Enter a Hub Name and set permissions (who can associate sites)
- Click Save
Tip: Any existing Communication or Team Site can become a Hub Site—you don’t need to create a new site from scratch.
Step 2: Associate Sites with a Hub Site
Once a Hub Site is created, you can link existing SharePoint sites to it.
- Go to the SharePoint site you want to associate
- Click Settings (⚙) > Site Information
- Under Hub Site Association, select the Hub you want to join
- Click Save
Tip: You can move sites between Hubs without losing data.
Step 3: Manage Hub Site Navigation
- Go to the Hub Site
- Click Edit Navigation (on the top menu bar)
- Add, remove, or reorder links
- Click Save
Tip: Enable Audience Targeting to show different navigation links to different users.
Step 4: Apply Branding & Design
- Go to the Hub Site
- Click Settings (⚙) > Change the Look
- Select a theme, logo, and header style
- Click Apply
Tip: When you update the branding on a Hub Site, all associated sites automatically inherit the changes.
4. Best Practices for Implementing SharePoint Hub Sites
✔ Use Hubs for Business Units, Not Just Departments – Example: A “Product Development Hub” instead of just an “R&D Hub.”
✔ Keep Navigation Simple – Avoid cluttered menus; use 5-7 top links max.
✔ Enable Security & Permissions – Limit who can associate sites to prevent unnecessary connections.
✔ Use Hub News Effectively – Share key updates across associated sites.
✔ Test Search Experience – Ensure the Hub search is pulling relevant content.
5. Common Questions About SharePoint Hub Sites
Q1: How many Hub Sites can I create?
Microsoft allows up to 200 Hub Sites per SharePoint tenant (limit may increase).
Q2: Can a SharePoint site be linked to multiple Hub Sites?
No, a site can only associate with one Hub Site at a time.
Q3: Can Classic Sites be associated with Hub Sites?
Yes, but they won’t inherit modern features like branding and navigation.
Q4: Can I delete a Hub Site?
Yes, but associated sites will lose their connection, and you’ll need to reassign them manually.