#Microsoft365 #Office365 #SharePoint – It truly is one of the sexiest web parts released for SharePoint in a loooooonnnnnggggg time. Seriously overdue, but thanks Microsoft. So let’s take a look at how to make the most of your Hero Web Part, I’ll also share some creativity hacks you might not have thought of.

For previous posts in my #Microsoft365Challenge go to the index page.

DISCLAIMER:  I WRITE ARTICLES ABOUT OFFICE / MICROSOFT 365. CONTENT IS ACCURATE AT TIME OF PUBLICATION, HOWEVER UPDATES AND NEW ADDITIONS HAPPEN DAILY WHICH COULD CHANGE THE ACCURACY OR RELEVANCE. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND WHEN USING MY BLOGS AS GUIDELINES.

What does Microsoft say?

The Hero web part is a great way to bring focus and visual interest to your page. You can display up to five items in the Hero web part and use compelling images, text, and links to draw attention to each. The Hero web part is included by default on Communication sites, but you can also add the Hero web part to other pages. Use the Hero web part.

Depending on the design you chose to build your site – the web part might look a bit different:

Showcase:

The Showcase design’s hero web part added by default is layered (as opposed to tiles in Topic Design). When you edit the web part you’ll notice that you can change between Tiles and Layers and also choose number of layers:

Topic Design:

For Intranet type sites, I prefer this web part. I’ll keep saying this. Sexy as can be and fully responsive on mobile devices. I know. I think I’m in love….

 

 

Let’s take a look at configuring this web part. You’ll have to put the page into edit mode. Take note that you can edit the whole web part (top left) or edit each of the blocks (bottom right corner of block):

When editing the web part, you’ll notice that you can change between Tiles and Layers and also choose how many tiles to show. I prefer 5 as that fully utilizes the space on the landing page:

These 5 blocks can have any image and point to any URL (internal or external, website or document).

You can choose to display an image or Color only (picked up from the theme you chose for the site).

Edit the Web Part to:

  1. Change the URL
  2. Add the Title
  3. Choose and Image
  4. Or use Color only
  5. The biggest block of the 5 allows us to add Call to action text

If you put ugly images in there that don’t work well together – it won’t look nice. The awesome web part won’t save the day. Here’s some sites to get images from (royalty free, non copyright):

Tip:  Keep your images as small as possible (MB not dimension). Images below 500kb load much faster.

Some creativity hacks:

Take a screenshot of any “other” colors and add as an image instead of using the default theme color block:

Use same color / type of images to work together. Great idea for campaigns etc.

Find similar images that ‘tell your story:

Use it to introduce your team with links to their Delve pages:

Use a GIF in one of the Image blocks:

Create a GIF using one of the many free website tools. You can read more in this blog of mine.

Conclusion:

Promise me you’ll have some fun?! Try new things, live a little. Life is not supposed to be boring 🙂

Purpose of this blog challenge:  I will write 365 blogs in 365 days around Microsoft 365. I did a similar challenge with Office 365, blogs can be found here. I won’t just be talking about the new Microsoft 365 subscription model. I will be sharing any news, tips and tricks around Office / Office 365 / Windows / Mobility and Security. And let’s not forget all the great new Apps & services available.  A lot of what I’ll share on Office and SharePoint will also be applicable to none “Office 365” versions.