If you’re Googling “what to include in an SOP”, chances are you’re trying to get your business more organised, but not sure where to start.
And if you’ve found yourself staring at a blank Google Doc thinking, “What do I actually put in this?” – you’re not alone.
In this post, we’ll walk through what to include in an SOP, how to keep it practical (not overwhelming), and a simple way to get started without having to write everything from scratch.
What Is an SOP?
An SOP is a step-by-step guide for completing a task or process in your business.
It’s not about ticking boxes or creating unnecessary paperwork. It’s about making things clearer, easier, and more consistent, especially when you’re handing things over to a team member or trying to free up your own time.
Good SOPs help:
- Remove guesswork
- Speed up onboarding
- Reduce errors or missed steps
- Build a more scalable, streamlined business
What to Include in an SOP (The Essentials)
Here’s a simple framework we recommend – this is the structure used in our SOP Template Pack and it works across all departments: admin, delivery, marketing, and operations.
1. Title
Make it clear and specific.
Example: “Weekly Social Media Scheduling – Instagram + LinkedIn”
2. Purpose
A short sentence to explain why the SOP exists.
Example: “To ensure content is published consistently each week using the correct assets and schedule.”
3. Tools & Links
List any tools, logins, templates, or folders that are needed. Include direct links where possible.
4. Owner
Who is responsible for following this SOP? Use names or roles (e.g. Marketing Assistant).
5. Step-by-Step Instructions
This is the main section. Keep the steps short and action-focused. Numbered lists work well.
You can also include:
- Notes underneath a step if extra context is needed
- Reminders for quality checks or approvals
- Screenshots or links to video walkthroughs if helpful
6. When to Use It
Is this task done weekly, monthly, per project, or triggered by a specific event (e.g. new client onboarding)?
7. Last Reviewed Date
Include the most recent update date. This helps ensure the SOP stays relevant as your processes evolve.
What You Don’t Need:
It’s easy to overthink SOPs. They don’t need to be long or overly detailed.
What matters is that they’re:
- Clear
- Easy to follow
- Accessible to the people who need them
Want to Save Time? Use Pre-Written Templates
If you’d rather not start from scratch, the 40 SOP Template Pack is a practical solution.
It includes:
- 40 SOPs covering admin, marketing, delivery, and more
- A clean structure with space to customise
- Fully editable Google Docs format
- Lifetime access for just €49
Whether you’re hiring, growing, or simply want to create more consistency, these templates are designed to help you get systems in place quickly and confidently.
Final Thoughts
SOPs don’t need to be complex, they just need to work.
Start with the processes you use most often, follow a clear structure, and focus on making things easier for your team (and yourself). And if you want a faster way to get it done, our templates are a great place to begin.
