SharePoint Online is a powerful tool for creating intranet sites, and it's even more powerful when you can create and use custom templates to streamline the process for multiple projects or clients. Unfortunately, creating a template from an existing SharePoint Online site can be a difficult task, especially for non-programmers.

In the past, creating a template was as simple as a few clicks in SharePoint classic, but with the new SharePoint Online, it's not so easy anymore. I've tried various methods, such as using flows and http requests, but I've found that the best way to clone a site multiple times is by using PowerShell to export the existing site and create a template from it.

I created a simple script based on Microsoft's documentation, and even corrected a typo in the documentation regarding spaces in list and library names. I even corrected a typo on the docs! The internal names, such as "Shared%20Documents" had to be used instead of "Shared Documents".

In the upcoming Part 2 of this post, I will review the entire workflow, from a SharePoint list for projects, to a Power Automate flow that creates the site, provides permissions, applies the template, copies over some template files, and even applies customizations to the home page.

In summary, publishing an existing site as a template using PowerShell is the best way to clone a site multiple times. It's a little technical, but with the right script and a little bit of tweaking, you can make this process a lot more manageable.

Before proceeding, make sure to install the SharePoint Online Management Shell. The script I've provided includes a check and installation for the module, but I recommend installing it beforehand. 

Open PowerShell as administrator and try my sample code below. Adapting the sample script with some parameters and handling the module installation, we can use the following:

• Increased Mailbox (50GB to 50GB + 50 GB Archived)
  
• Increase OneDrive (1TB to 5TB) 
• Office Desktop Apps
• Manual Sensitivity Labels 
• Location-Default Retention Labels
• eDiscovery
• Mailbox Hold 
  

• Conditional Access
• Information Protection Microsoft Purview 
• Power Automate Desktop Flows
• Windows Defender for Business
• Microsoft Store for Business
• AutoPilot
• Auto Patch
• Mobile Device Management (MDM) Microsoft Intune
• Azure Virtual Desktop
• Universal Print
  

It's worth taking the leap from Office 365 to Microsoft 365 when you require advanced security and advanced control of your devices (computers and mobile). From automated setup of your new computers to preventing access outside of the country or a virtual desktop in the cloud, the upgrade to the Microsoft 365 suite empowers automation and enhances security. 

Office 365 Enterprise E5 to Microsoft 365 Enterprise E5 

• Role Based Conditional Access
  
• Access Reviews
  
• Entitlement Management
  
• Hello for Business
  
• Defender Identity Protection
  
• Azure Information Protection Auto Labelling
  
• Machine Learning/Trainable Classifiers for Sensitivity Labels
  
• DLP on-premises scanner
  
• Power BI Sensitivity labels
  
• Insider Risk Management
  

For ultimate privacy and security, Microsoft E5 includes everything for classifying and protecting your data for alignment with compliance. It also includes ease of use features, like Windows Hello for Business, which allows for a secure, password-less experience and automatic labelling, and also includes a connector for your on-premises systems. 

Upgrading your Microsoft 365 Enterprise licenses can bring a range of benefits to your business, including improved collaboration, security, and access to the latest features. With a range of enterprise licenses to choose from, you can find the one that best meets your needs and budget. From basic cloud apps and enhanced security with Office 365 Enterprise E1, to advanced security and device management with Microsoft 365 Enterprise E3, and ultimate privacy and security with Microsoft 365 Enterprise E5, there is a license to suit every business. By upgrading your licenses, you can get the most out of your subscription and ensure that your business is equipped with the tools it needs to thrive in the modern workplace while protecting your sensitive data.

• Calendar: This is a great way to keep everyone up to date on what's going on in the office. It's also a good way for meeting minutes and other important information. The calendar can be displayed on the front page or within an individual page as well. 
• Photo / Picture Library: If you need pictures for your site then this is a great place to start! You can add pictures from your local computer or from any other computer connected to the network by using File Explorer, or you can use Microsoft Photos   
• Wiki: A wiki is a great way to put together Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or create knowledge base articles about your business. If you have any questions about something then just ask them here! The community will help out with answers too!   
• Announcements: This is a great way to let people know when there's an event happening at your company or if it's time for an update on your blog posts or social media accounts like Facebook Twitter , Instagram etc.. You can also add links back into these pages so that people can easily find them