When you run a business, there are countless tasks, strategies, and necessities. From production to payroll to advertising, it seems like a never ending job. Creating a set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) might seem like just another task to add to the list. But what if SOPs are just another form of automation? What if they save you time, energy, and money throughout the life of your company?
In this series, we’re looking at the value of Standard Operating Procedures and how they can efficiently lead to business growth.
What are SOPs?
Standard Operating Procedures go well beyond a company manual. While the format may vary slightly depending on the platform you use, your SOPs are a guide for each action that takes place within the company.
Creating a standardized procedure allows everyone within the company to see how things should be done at every step of the way. This applies to how payroll is processed, the steps taken by the sales department to close customers, and the guidelines for the media team.
In many ways, your SOPs are what keep your business congruent. The reality is that every company has a set of SOPs. But when they aren’t written down, the company relies on culture and general principles. Then, when someone strays from the generally accepted processes, there’s no plumb line to bring them back to.
How do SOPs Make a Company Run More Efficiently?
SOPs are your company’s automation. Putting processes on paper gives a business owner a chance to evaluate whether or not they like the way things are being done. They can see what’s working and what’s not. Roadblocks can be identified and errors can be discovered. Where employees are drifting from a necessary method, they can easily be brought back into alignment.
Having a document with every step spelled out puts the gears in place for a smoother, more efficiently run business.
How can SOPs Impact Your Digital Marketing?
When it comes to digital marketing, Standard Operating Procedures are a huge benefit. They spell out the methods used for media, narrow down what to try and can be updated as needed if new advertising platforms are a better fit.
Depending on the processes of your company, you can come up with a better strategy for digital marketing. For instance, do you plan out your newsletters at the start of the year? Create an SOP for that process. Do you create ads for YouTube? Who is involved and what are the steps taken–from content to filming to editing?
All too often, these elements of business are made up as the company goes along. But with a solid, built out SOP, it’s much easier to follow a proper flow and get the work done well.
Getting Started with SOPS
The task of creating an SOP may seem daunting. At Planify™, we’ve had business owners come to us with the awareness that SOPs are needed for efficiency at their company, but they aren’t sure where to begin.
We’re here to help. From interviewing employees, getting approval from management, editing, and creating the final document, we walk with you to automate your business.
Want to know more? Schedule a call today!