You've likely experienced the frustration of crafting detailed SOPs only to find them gathering dust. 

Let's tackle a common challenge: creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will work for your team. 

If you want the quick and dirty version of this, check out my video on how to create easy to follow SOPs

How to make your SOPs SO easy to follow

Define Clear Objectives: 

Start by understanding what SOPs are and what they're not. 

SOPs are streamlined, step-by-step guides to achieve specific outcomes in your business. Avoid lengthy documents and focus on clear, actionable instructions. 

For example, instead of a generic onboarding process, create SOPs like "How to Prep and Send a Service Agreement."

Keep them Short and Sweet: 

Shorter SOPs are more accessible, searchable and easier to navigate. 

Aim for documents that are a few pages long, paired with a quick instructional video. If a process involves many steps or changes hands between systems, consider breaking it down into separate SOPs. 

This ensures clarity and prevents important information from getting lost in lengthy documents.

Title Appropriately: 

Titles matter. Make sure your SOP titles are clear, concise, and keyword-rich.

Treat your internal knowledge like a mini Google for your business. Use terms that your team would search for when seeking guidance. 

For instance, "How to Prep and Send a Service Agreement" is more effective than generic titles like "Client Onboarding Process."

Provide Comprehensive Information: 

Ensure your SOPs contain all the necessary information for successful execution. 

Include references, such as logins, past versions, or links to related resources. This empowers your team to complete tasks without hitting roadblocks. 

Consider creating a reference section within each SOP for easy access to essential details.

Embrace Media: 

Enhance your SOPs with multimedia elements to cater to different learning styles. Supplement written instructions with videos demonstrating key steps or screenshots highlighting critical information. 

By offering a variety of formats, you accommodate diverse preferences and reinforce understanding.

By implementing these strategies, you can transform your SOPs into valuable tools that drive efficiency and consistency within your business. 

Remember, the goal is to empower your team to achieve results seamlessly. Whether you're using Google Docs, Microsoft SharePoint, or another platform, focus on user-friendly design and accessibility. Start small, refine as needed, and watch your SOPs become a cornerstone of your business success.

If you want to take the first step in creating easy to follow SOPs, DM me “SOP” on Instagram and I’ll send you them for free!

Stay tuned for more quick and practical operations tips. Until next time!