How to Build SOPs

Format: Trigger → Steps → Done Criteria

Every SOP answers: what starts this? what are the exact steps? how do I know it's complete?

Write it Fresh

Document the task the day you do it, not a month later. Accuracy drops fast from memory.

One Page Maximum

If it's longer, split into two SOPs or use a checklist. Unread SOPs are worse than no SOPs.

Store Where Work Happens

Google Docs, Notion, or even a shared drive folder. The tool doesn't matter — proximity to the workflow does.

Watch Out For

Don't write SOPs for tasks you do once a year or tasks that require judgment each time. SOPs are for repeatable, rule-based tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SOP stand for?

Standard Operating Procedure — a documented method for completing a repeatable task consistently, regardless of who does it.

How long should an SOP be?

One page or less for most tasks. If your SOP needs 3 pages, it's either two processes or it needs to be condensed into a checklist.

What tools do businesses use to store SOPs?

Notion, Google Docs, Confluence, and simple shared drives are all common. The most important factor is that it's where your team naturally looks — not a separate 'documentation system' nobody opens.