How To Write A Good SOP [Standard Operating Procedure]

Knowing how to write a good SOP (standard operating procedure) is all that’s standing in the way between you … and freedom.

Why?

Because with your processes documented you’ll be able to:

• Onboard new hires into your business with ease
• Deliver exceptional customer service
• Reduce costs (increasing profitability)
• Improve the value of your business
• Save time
• Improve consistency across your operations
• Shift to a state of constant improvement.

How to write a good SOP in three steps

Step 1: Document your SOP

Include written instructions, screenshots, video walk-throughs (see our article on how to document your procedures quickly using video) or link to related SOPs. As shown in the template we include:

• Name of procedure
• Policy statement
• Frequency of use
• Responsibility (author)
• Prerequisites
• Documents referred to in this procedure (link to documents)
• Process steps (overview of the process)
• Procedure (step by step guide to execution)
• Who is doing the procedure
• Who is responsible for the procedure
• Version control

Step 2: Test the SOP

There’s no point creating SOPs that no one but you can follow. We get someone unfamiliar with the task to test our SOPs before they’re finalised.

Step 3: Review the SOP

One of the key benefits in creating your SOPs is continual improvement. Audit the procedure frequently with particular attention on:

• Any manual steps that could be automated
• Any customer complaints relating to this SOP; what needs to be added or changed to solve a problem?
• Any areas of possible risk
• All links and references are valid and working
• Any ways to improve on the SOP to either add value for your client, save time for your team, or improve results for your business

"Knowing the value of systems, repeatable workflows, and organised IP, but never quite knowing how to apply that to our innovative and creative work."

If updating or documenting your systems has been on your wish list way too long, here’s how a VA or VBM can help:

VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE

A virtual assistant will be able to assist you with:

• Documenting the tasks they are responsible for in SOPs
• Reviewing and testing your procedures
• Implementing automation of your manual processes

VIRTUAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

A virtual business manager will be able to assist you with:

• A complete review of your business systems
• Working with your team to assist with documentation
• Project manage the systemisation and automation of your operations
• Ensuring your systems are ‘followed by all’

More resources to help you write a good SOP

• Standard Operating Procedure Guidelines
• Standard Operating Procedure Examples
• How To Use Procedures To Build A Better Business
• 5 Advantages of Automating Manual Processes In Your Business
• 15+ Business Automation Tools To Cut Costs and Drive Growth