How to use Notion as knowledge base?

Discover the art of utilizing Notion as an efficient knowledge base in this informative guide.

Oct 17, 2023
How to use Notion as knowledge base?
Notion, a robust tool, serves as a versatile platform for building knowledge bases, whether for personal or business purposes. These repositories centralize information, making it readily available to those who require it, housing essential data like policies, procedures, and instructional guides.
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According to Forbes reports , Notion boasts a user base exceeding 20 million, with only 4 million of these users being on paid subscriptions.
Creating a knowledge base in Notion is a breeze. You can make customized databases to store and organize information, including dates, tags, and files. Once set up, start populating your databases with content.

Setting up Notion

In order to use Notion as a Knowledge Base system, your first step is to establish your workspace and incorporate a database. Here are the steps to accomplish this:

1. Workspace Creation

Creating a workspace won't be a complicated task. To establish a workspace, all you need to do is easily sign up or log in to your Notion account. After signing up with Notion, the workspace will be generated automatically.

2. Designing and Building Your Notion Knowledge Base

Once your workspace is ready, the next step is structuring your knowledge base. There are two primary ways to do this:
A. Creating a Database from Scratch
A database allows you to categorize and refine information efficiently. Follow these steps to create a Notion database:
  1. Navigate to the left-hand menu and click the “+” button.
  1. Select “Database” from the dropdown menu.
  1. Choose between a blank database or an existing template.
  1. Add a name and define properties such as tags, categories, and statuses.
  1. Click “Create” to finalize your structured knowledge base.
With this setup, you can now add entries, link databases, and customize properties to improve searchability and usability.
Notion Database creation
B. Using Pre-Made Notion Templates
If you want a ready-made solution, Notion provides numerous templates suited for different types of knowledge bases:
  • Company Wiki – Ideal for businesses documenting internal policies and resources.
  • Project Documentation – Keeps track of ongoing projects and related files.
  • Meeting Notes – Organizes team discussions and key takeaways.
Notion Marketplace
Finding Additional Templates
Beyond Notion’s built-in templates, you can explore external marketplaces like Gumroad and Etsy, where Notion creators offer premium templates with advanced features.

3. Customizing Your Knowledge Base for Better Usability

To optimize your Notion knowledge base, consider these enhancements:
  • Layout Customization – Organize data using columns, headings, and linked databases for an intuitive structure.
  • Properties & Tags – Use properties like “Priority,” “Status,” and “Last Updated” to refine content organization.
  • Relations & Rollups – Link related databases for cross-referencing and automated data aggregation.

Sharing the Knowledge Base

When establishing a knowledge base with Notion, you may find it beneficial to distribute it to others. Here are some suggestions for effectively sharing your knowledge base.

Setting Permissions

Before sharing your knowledge base, you must configure permissions in Notion. You have the option to set permissions either for individual pages or entire databases. You can specify who can access, edit, or comment on each page or database. To do so, click on the “Share” in the top right corner of the page or database. Afterward, assign the suitable permission level to each individual or group.

Sharing Options

After configuring permissions, you can share your knowledge base in these ways:
  1. Share a link: Distribute a link to your knowledge base, granting access to specific pages or databases.
  1. Invite people: Invite individuals to collaborate on your knowledge base, allowing them to view and edit designated pages or databases.
  1. Embed a page: Incorporate a knowledge base page into your website or blog, providing information to your audience without granting full access.
Always prioritize security when sharing, limiting access to what's needed and adjusting permissions accordingly for each individual or group.

Enhancing Your Notion Knowledge Base with Bullet

Once your Notion knowledge base is ready, bullet.so can transform it into a fully functional website with a custom domain, professional styling, and improved performance. This allows you to share your knowledge base with external audiences, clients, or your internal team through a polished, branded website.
Bullet.so
Key Benefits of Using bullet.so with Notion Knowledge Base
  • Custom Domain Support: Host your Notion knowledge base on your own domain.
  • Professional Design Options: Customize styles, fonts, and layouts to match your brand.
  • Enhanced Navigation: Add menus, footers, and navigational elements Notion lacks.
  • SEO Optimization: Improve discoverability on Google and other search engines.
  • Performance Enhancements: Faster loading speeds compared to native Notion sharing.
  • Monetization Features: Restrict access to premium content if needed.

Knowledge Base Maintenance

Making a knowledge base is a crucial part of organizing information effectively. But, taking care of it over time is just as vital. Here are some easy tips for keeping up with your Notion knowledge base.

Updating Information

Keep your knowledge base up to date by consistently refreshing its content. This guarantees the accuracy and timeliness of the information it contains. Employ reminders to prompt regular information updates, and utilize tables for efficient information organization, facilitating easier updates.

Archiving Pages

Archiving pages helps maintain a tidy knowledge base by storing outdated or unnecessary information. Archived pages remain accessible when necessary, and tagging can aid in efficient categorization and retrieval.

Backing up data

Data backup is essential to safeguard important information. Notion offers export options like HTML, CSV, and Markdown, and supports third-party backup tools for automation. Protect your data effectively.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Notion stands out as an exceptionally potent solution for knowledge management. Its adaptability, customizable features, and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
If you're looking for an intuitive way to structure and share your knowledge base, combining Notion and bullet.so is a powerful solution. Take the time to design a system that works for you, and you’ll have a centralized, polished, and accessible hub for all your critical information.