But the SOP writing process doesn’t have to be complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this guide, you’ll learn the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- How to write an SOP (that makes sense)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Which tasks to prioritize when starting out<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tools you can use to get started on your SOP journey <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What is a standard operating procedure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a set of step-by-step instructions that outline how to perform a specific task or activity consistently and efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many industries and organizations use SOPs \u2014 including manufacturing, healthcare, and government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But<\/em> SOPs are becoming more common in the agency and professional services space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Screenshot-of-Linkedin-post-by-Maeva-Cifuentes.png\")
Source<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The goal of an SOP is to provide a standard and repeatable way of doing things so that the process is consistent and reliable and the outcomes are predictable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Different types of SOPs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here are the three different types of SOPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Step by step – <\/strong>one-pagers for simple processes and tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hierarchical format – <\/strong>for complex processes that require multiple steps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flowchart – <\/strong>for flexible processes that involve conditional logic<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
Step-by-step SOP<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step-by-step standard operating procedures break a task into a step-by-step list with detailed instructions. The specific steps and substeps are laid out logically and shouldn\u2019t be skipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nHere’s an example of a simple step-by-step SOP we use at Toggl for editing web pages through Netlify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Netlify-CMS-Quick-Guide-SOP.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nStep-by-step SOPs are best for straightforward and repetitive processes with simple steps, like invoicing a client, creating a content brief, or something as simple as adding Zoom to Calendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Screenshot-of-Scribe-SOP-How-to-add-Zoom-to-Calendly-1024x565.png\")
Scribe SOP example<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Hierarchical SOPs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Hierarchical SOPs help manage complex processes with many subtasks that don\u2019t tend to change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can think of them as a “mega SOP” made up of shorter, more simple step-by-step SOPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s an example of a hierarchical SOP I put together at a digital marketing agency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Screenshot](\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Screenshot-of-SOP-1024x483.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIt was a guide covering the entire SEO campaign process for clients. Each section was filled with information and links pointing to shorter step-by-step SOPs for specific tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flowchart SOPs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A flowchart SOP is a <\/strong>diagram that turns a procedure into a visual map. It\u2019s ideal for procedures that require conditional logic at specific steps (if X happens, do Y).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can cover multiple possible scenarios using a flowchart, so the next step is always clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So instead of doing this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Hierarchical format – <\/strong>for complex processes that require multiple steps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Step by step – <\/strong>one-pagers for simple processes and tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n