6 Common Mistakes to Avoid During a SharePoint Migration

Migrating to SharePoint can unlock a host of benefits for your organisation—better collaboration, improved data management, and seamless integration with tools you already use. But the process itself? It’s no walk in the park. If done wrong, it can lead to downtime, lost data, or frustrated teams. The good news? These pitfalls are entirely avoidable if you know what to watch out for. Let’s explore the six most common mistakes and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Not Hiring Professionals

Think you can handle a SharePoint migration on your own? It’s tempting to save costs by keeping the process in-house, but this is a classic mistake. SharePoint migrations involve complex technical steps, from data mapping to custom configurations, and even the slightest error can cause major disruptions. Professionals bring expertise and experience to the table, ensuring a smooth transition. They’ll also help you troubleshoot unforeseen issues and optimise the system for your organisation’s needs. Skipping this step often leads to more expenses down the road when you have to fix mistakes or deal with delayed projects. Is it worth the risk? Probably not.

Here are some practical tips to ensure you make the best choice:

Look for Relevant Experience

Hire professionals with specific experience in SharePoint migrations. Ask for examples of past projects similar to yours, particularly if you have unique needs, like industry-specific regulations or complex data structures.

Check for Certifications

A SharePoint migration expert should have relevant certifications, such as Microsoft Certified: SharePoint Administrator or similar Microsoft qualifications. This ensures they’re well-versed in the platform’s latest features and best practices.

Assess Communication Skills

Technical skills are important, but clear communication is equally vital. The team should be able to explain the migration process, outline timelines, and answer your questions without resorting to overwhelming jargon.

Request a Detailed Migration Plan

Before committing, ask for a proposed migration plan. This will give you insight into how they approach key aspects like data auditing, testing, and user training. A clear plan shows professionalism and helps you avoid surprises down the line.

Consider Post-Migration Support

Migration doesn’t end when your data is transferred. Look for a team that offers ongoing support to resolve any issues and provide additional training or optimisation after the migration is complete.

Get References and Reviews

Don’t hesitate to ask for references or check online reviews. Speak to previous clients to gauge their satisfaction with the professional’s expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet deadlines.

2. Failing to Audit Existing Content

One of the most overlooked steps in SharePoint migration is auditing your current data. It’s easy to assume everything in your system needs to be migrated, but do you really need those old files from 2012? Migrating unnecessary data can clutter your new system and increase migration time. Before starting, review your current files and eliminate anything outdated, irrelevant, or duplicated. Think of it as a digital spring clean. By migrating only what’s needed, you’ll save storage space and make it easier for your team to navigate the new environment.

3. Skipping User Involvement

SharePoint isn’t just for IT—it’s for everyone in your organisation. One of the biggest mistakes is failing to involve end-users in the process. Imagine rolling out a shiny new platform only to hear complaints about how “it doesn’t work the way we need it to.” Frustrating, right? To avoid this, engage your team early on. Gather feedback about their current pain points, discuss what they want in the new system, and involve them in testing phases. When users feel heard and invested, adoption rates soar, and you avoid the headaches of resistance to change.

4. Ignoring Proper Training

Even the most intuitive systems require some level of training. SharePoint is a powerful platform, but it’s also feature-rich, and not everyone will know how to use it effectively. Skipping training can leave your team feeling overwhelmed and lead to inefficient use of the platform. Offer hands-on sessions, create how-to guides, and provide ongoing support to ensure everyone—from tech-savvy employees to those less comfortable with new tools—feels confident. The more comfortable your team is, the faster they’ll adopt SharePoint and leverage its full potential.

5. Rushing the Timeline

It’s natural to want the migration done quickly, especially when there’s pressure to minimise downtime. However, rushing through the process is a recipe for mistakes. A proper SharePoint migration involves multiple steps: planning, data mapping, testing, and roll-out. Skipping or speeding through any of these stages can lead to data loss, misconfigurations, or a poorly optimised system. Set a realistic timeline and stick to it. Build in time for troubleshooting, and don’t cut corners. Remember, a rushed migration today could mean costly fixes tomorrow.

6. Forgetting to Test Thoroughly

Testing might not be the most glamorous part of a SharePoint migration, but it’s absolutely essential. You’d be surprised how often teams skip this step or only test minimally. A thorough testing phase allows you to catch errors, ensure compatibility, and verify that all data has been migrated correctly. Test in stages—start with a small group of users or departments before rolling out system-wide. This gives you a chance to address any hiccups on a smaller scale and refine the system before it’s live for everyone.

Your Migration, Done Right

Avoiding these six mistakes can mean the difference between a chaotic migration and a seamless one. Remember to bring in professionals, audit your data, involve your team, and take the time to train and test thoroughly. A successful SharePoint migration isn’t just about moving files; it’s about setting your organisation up for long-term success. Ready to start? Take these tips on board, and you’ll be in a strong position to make your migration as smooth and efficient as possible.