How to write an SOP

Owned by Lance Shroyer
Last updated: Jul 14, 2022 by Mia Lupo (Deactivated)
6 min read

This SOP is a work in progress. If you notice anything that is out of date, could be more clear or could be more efficient, please update the SOP or add a comment to start a conversation.

Purpose

We write SOPs so that we can have a clearly documented process for any tasks that we regularly repeat. This will ensure that we are all on the same page and provide a consistent product. It will also allow us to complete these processes quickly and efficiently and put more of our focus on high-impact tasks.

Procedure

Inputs:

  • The need for a new SOP is identified.

  • SOP title is added as a new row in the SEO SOP Index.

  • Your name is added to the “Assignee(s)” column of the SEO SOP Index.

 

  • Find the page “SEO SOP Template“ in the left-hand Confluence sidebar.

  • Click the 3 dot button.

  • Click “Copy”.

Helpful hint: An alternative way to find the template is to:

  • Search for “SEO SOP Template“ in the search box at the top of confluence.

  • Click the “SEO SOP Template“ page result.

  • When the page loads, click the 3 dot menu.

  • Click “Copy”.

  • After you click “Copy“ you will see a popup.

  • Under the section “Select space“ make sure that “DigMS - Digital Marketing Services“ is selected.

  • Under “Parent page“, select the page that corresponds to the sections in the SEO SOP Index where this SOP is listed.

To find the correct “Parent page”:

  1. How to write an SOP is listed in the SEO SOP Index under the section 2. SOP & Process Creation. Then find the matching folder 3. SOP & Process Creation in the left sidebar. This is the correct “Parent page“.

 

  • Click “Copy“.

  • Retitle the “Copy of SEO SOP Template“ to the same text that is listed in the SOP column that you were assigned to write on the SEO SOP Index page.

Now we want to link up your fresh new SOP in the SEO SOP Index table.

  • Click “Publish” in the upper right of the page.

  • Copy the URL from the address bar of your published page.

  • Go to SEO SOP Index.

  • Click the pencil at the top of the page to edit SEO SOP Index.

  • Look for the row for the SOP that you are writing in the “SOP” column.

  • Highlight the text for the title of your SOP.

  • Click the link icon in the menu bar.

  • Paste the link.

  • Type “ctrl + enter”.

  • Click “Publish“ in the upper right of the page to save the “SEO SOP Index“ page.

  • Now click through to your SOP.

  • Click the edit pencil at the top of the screen to keep editing your SOP.

  • Next, write out the purpose of this process. Why are we doing these tasks and how does it play into the bigger picture business goals or customer product experience.

  • Bullet list the thing(s) that trigger this process to kick-off, see an example.

Example:

For monthly keyword list maintenance:

Inputs:

  • New month

  • Starting client work for this customer

  • Time of day, month, year

  • Package tier

  • Time on SEO services

Outputs:

  • A complete SOP.

FAQs