How to create a microsite on Knowedge Hub

Knowledge Hub Microsites build on the platform’s already established digital tools to enable organisations in the Public Sector to develop their own flexible, branded, public site hosted by Knowledge Hub. 

Through smart re-use of existing technology, Knowledge Hub Microsites provide you with a low code, easy to use set of web pages at a fraction of the cost of a standard website. 

Getting started

Before you read on anymore.  It’s best to be upfront and say that a Microsite on Knowledge Hub is chargeable.

You can find out more via the GOV.UK Digital Market Place

And lastly you have to be a registered on Knowledge Hub for all this to take place.  There is no joining fee for khub.net.

Set-up essentials

There are 6 main pieces of information required for the initial technical set-up of the microsite:

1. Microsite name and friendly URL (https://khub.net/web/XXXX).
2. Main logo – to be used in the top left-hand corner of the site (preferably png file).
3. Avatar logo – to be used as a favicon on the browser and to identify the site within Knowledge Hub (preferably png file, square or circular in shape)
4. Colour palette – to be used across the site for buttons, boxes etc. (hex code or RGB).
5. Number of initial public pages required, for example: home page, about us page, resource listing page.
6. Number of initial private pages required, for example: private library and/or discussion forum page for members only.

Designing your Microsite

Hopefully, you will have already searched for examples of microsites. If not, you can view some examples of Knowledge Hub Microsites from our previous blog post to see how others have gone about it.

Now, it’s time to work on your own.

Meet up with your team or designers to plan the format for your microsite.

Let’s take a look at the basics to consider:

• You may have already suggested the number of pages you require.  But check if this is enough to deliver the information.

• Navigation: How will users navigate through the microsite, will they be clicking or scrolling?

• Media: Will the microsite have blog posts, videos, or images? How do you visualise the final look of your microsite and make it load quickly?

• Functionality - select from a range of existing Knowledge Hub tools to make your microsite more collaborative or public-facing.

• Call to action: Where will you place the CTA, and how will you make it jump out to users?

• Branding, you may have provided the branding but does it look at feel as expected?  Don’t forget you can also go for something different if you aim to promote a specific event or a new product launch.

Creating the content for your microsite.

You’ll want to keep your team involved in this step as well. Here are some questions to discuss with them:

• What content will work best for your site—that is, what types of media will you use?
• What tone will you use to interact with your target audience?
• How will your microsite encourage users to take action?

As you progress with your microsite project, stay mindful of the overarching goals you have set.

When you are ready get in touch with support@khub.net and we will support you through the setup and launch of your microsite.

Best of luck with your microsite creation, and don't forget that managing your microsite will support it in becoming a dynamic hub for your organisation's online presence.  Read our guide on Managing Your Knowledge Hub Microsite.