Let’s face it! Finding a skilled SharePoint consultant these days is like searching for a needle in a haystack. The demand is skyrocketing, but the number of consultants who can provide comprehensive services across design, customization, guidance, coaching, and support is shrinking fast. This shortage comes at a time when SharePoint adoption continues to grow globally, leaving businesses with a massive gap between the need and the available expertise. This article dives into why we’re in this situation, what it means for the future of SharePoint consulting, and how organizations can navigate this new landscape.
The State of SharePoint Adoption Today
One thing is clear, SharePoint isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s stronger than ever. By 2025, more than 95,000 companies around the world will rely on SharePoint as their go-to tool for document collaboration. Around 80% of Fortune 500 companies are already using it for document management and collaboration, which only reinforces its dominance.
The integration of SharePoint into Microsoft 365 has cemented its position as a central hub for collaboration. Now, about 75% of businesses have SharePoint as part of their Office 365 suite. This integration connects SharePoint seamlessly with Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive, making it an even more integral part of the digital workspace.
Let’s break it down with some key stats:
Over 200 million monthly active users across SharePoint Online and OneDrive for Business.
85% of organizations report improved collaboration with SharePoint.
SharePoint handles over 500 trillion files each month.
70% of users now access SharePoint via mobile.
With numbers like that, it’s obvious that SharePoint is still relevant—but the hunt for consultants who truly understand it is getting harder.
Why Organizations Need SharePoint Consultants
The Complexity Challenge
Here’s the catch, SharePoint isn’t plug-and-play. It’s not just about clicking a few buttons and expecting everything to fall into place. Most implementations require heavy customization, whether it’s a quick fix or a complete overhaul. The issue? Over 50% of users admit they don’t have the skills to fully leverage SharePoint.
SharePoint’s complexity doesn’t stop there, it’s constantly evolving. Each update or new feature brings new challenges that most in-house teams just don’t have the bandwidth to manage.
The Pace of Change
SharePoint is always on the move. Once it became part of Office 365, the updates started pouring in. The platform has undergone continuous changes since, and with each update, businesses face new challenges. Keeping up with these changes takes time, and it requires the kind of expertise that only consultants can provide. Without consultants who are dedicated to staying on top of these updates, organizations risk falling behind.
The Shrinking Pool of SharePoint Consultants
Why is it so hard to find good SharePoint consultants?
Rapid Technological Evolution
SharePoint evolves fast, and keeping up isn’t easy. Consultants must constantly update their skills, which is difficult for small firms to do. The learning curve is steep, and the need for continuous development isn’t something every consultant can keep up with.
Expanding Skill Requirements
Today’s SharePoint consultants need more than just basic platform knowledge. They also need skills in cloud migration, security compliance, AI integration, low-code/no-code development, and Microsoft 365. The expectations are higher than ever, and the days of the generalist consultant are quickly fading.
Talent Migration
Many experienced consultants are moving into broader roles in digital transformation or Microsoft 365, which is depleting the pool of SharePoint specialists. This leaves fewer people with deep expertise in SharePoint, making it harder for organizations to find the right help.
Cost Considerations
Let’s talk money, SharePoint consultants don’t come cheap. They typically charge around $68 an hour, which translates to about $141,000 annually. The complexity of SharePoint customization often means more IT work, and that drives up costs even further. Maintenance and long-term support needs only add to the financial burden, which some companies aren’t prepared for.
Key Trends Shaping SharePoint Consulting
AI and Machine Learning Integration
AI is changing the game. SharePoint consultants are now helping businesses implement AI-powered search, automate content tagging, and recommend smarter workflows. These technologies are making SharePoint more efficient, and consultants with expertise in AI are becoming a critical resource.
Cloud Migration and Hybrid Solutions
The cloud is taking over. As businesses move more operations to the cloud, SharePoint consultants are essential for migrating on-premise environments to SharePoint Online and optimizing cloud deployments. Right now, about 60% of SharePoint installations are cloud-based.
Enhanced Security and Compliance
Data security is top of mind for every business, and SharePoint consultants are the experts organizations need to implement advanced security features and compliance frameworks. With increasing regulatory demands, the right consultant is crucial for ensuring the platform meets the necessary security standards.
Modern User Experience
The new SharePoint 2025 features adaptive UX that adjusts to device type, work preferences, and even AI insights. This shift toward more personalized experiences means organizations will need consultants who can design SharePoint environments that are not only functional but also engaging and intuitive.
Low-Code/No-Code Development
The integration of the Power Platform with SharePoint is transforming the role of consultants. Instead of building everything from scratch, consultants now empower business users to create their own solutions through low-code and no-code development. It’s about striking the right balance between custom development and self-service solutions.
Guidance for Organizations
Assessing Your SharePoint Needs
Before hiring a consultant, take a step back and assess your needs. What are your specific pain points? What do you hope to achieve with SharePoint? Having a clear vision will help you determine what kind of expertise you need.
Finding the Right Consultant
Not all consultants are created equal. Here’s what to look for:
Proven experience in similar projects.
A solid methodology that fits your needs.
Cultural fit, SharePoint work often requires close collaboration, so make sure the consultant meshes well with your team.
A plan for knowledge transfer. You don’t want to be dependent on the consultant forever.
Alternative Approaches
If you’re struggling to find a consultant, consider hybrid staffing models, community resources, or managed services as alternatives. Sometimes, you don’t need full-time consulting, you just need the right help when you need it.
Building Internal SharePoint Capabilities
You don’t want to be too dependent on outside consultants. Start building internal expertise:
Invest in training to develop SharePoint champions within your team.
Create a SharePoint Center of Excellence to handle governance and best practices.
Foster a culture of continuous learning to keep your team up to date with SharePoint’s constant evolution.
The Future of SharePoint Consulting
Looking ahead, SharePoint consultants will become more specialized. You’ll see experts in areas like migration, security, and AI integration. But that doesn’t mean the end of the SharePoint consultant. Automation and AI-driven tools will change the landscape, but the need for human expertise will remain.
As SharePoint continues to grow and evolve, so will the need for consultants who can guide organizations through its complexities. The businesses that thrive will be the ones who know how to balance internal capabilities with the right external expertise.
CTA--you know it. Full disclosure, I am a SharePoint Consultant. I am still living in the SharePoint world. So reach out and hire me.....I am not going anywhere, just like SharePoint. https://www.digitalmacgyver.com/contact
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