Adding external users to your SharePoint site is a straightforward process that allows you to collaborate with people outside your organization. Here's how to do it:
1. Navigate to the SharePoint Site
Log in to your SharePoint site and go to the site where you want to add the external user.
2. Access Site Permissions
- Click on the Settings gear icon in the top right corner of the page.
- Select Site permissions.
3. Add New User
- Click on the + New button.
- In the "Enter a name or email address" field, type the email address of the external user you want to add.
- Select the appropriate permission level for the user.
- Contributor: Can edit content and manage lists.
- Reader: Can only view content.
- Owner: Can manage site settings, permissions, and content.
- Click Share.
4. Confirmation and Invitation
SharePoint will send an email invitation to the external user. Once they accept the invitation, they will have access to the site with the specified permissions.
Practical Insights:
- Email Domain: Ensure the external user's email address is from a valid domain that your SharePoint site allows.
- Permission Levels: Carefully select the appropriate permission level for each external user based on their required access.
- Communication: Inform the external user about their access and any relevant guidelines.
Example:
Let's say you want to add a freelance writer named John Smith ([email protected]) to your SharePoint site. You would enter his email address, select the Contributor permission level, and click Share. John Smith will then receive an email invitation to join your site.
