The 10 SOPs Every Small Business Should Create First
Why SOPs Are a Game-Changer for Small Teams
If you're running a small business or startup, you're probably wearing multiple hats and so is your team. As exciting as that can be, it can also lead to confusion, delays, and repeated mistakes if there’s no structure in place.
That’s where SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) come in. Think of them as your business’s instruction manual, a way to scale your operations without constantly repeating yourself or fixing the same issues over and over.
You don’t need dozens of documents to get organized, you just need to start with the essentials. Below are 10 foundational SOPs that can help your business run more smoothly, onboard new team members faster, and delegate with confidence.
How to Start Creating Your Own SOPs
You don’t need to overthink it, just get the basics down. A good SOP answers 3 simple questions:
What needs to be done?
Who is responsible?
When and how should it happen?
Most SOPs include:
Title & Purpose – What the process is and why it matters
When to Use It – Triggers or conditions for applying the SOP
People Involved – Roles or teams responsible
Step-by-Step Process – Clear, numbered instructions
Tools / Links / Resources – Anything needed to complete the task
Notes & Exceptions – Any clarifications or edge cases
The 10 SOPs Every Small Business Should Have:
1. New Hire Onboarding (General)
A step-by-step guide to welcome and equip new team members with the right tools, access, and context to succeed from day one.
2. Executive Assistant Onboarding
An SOP tailored to onboarding assistants, including calendar preferences, communication style, and key responsibilities.
3. Client Onboarding Process
Outlines how to bring on new clients: from initial contact and contracts to invoicing and kick-off meetings.
4. Time-Off Request & Vacation Policy
A clear process for requesting and approving time off, helping teams plan ahead and avoid misunderstandings.
5. Email & Calendar Management SOP
Defines how emails are sorted, responded to, and escalated, plus how calendars are managed and prioritized.
6. Task & Project Management Workflow
Outlines how tasks are assigned, tracked, and completed using your tools (e.g., Asana, ClickUp, Notion).
7. Invoicing & Payment Process
Clarifies how and when invoices are sent, who approves them, and how payments are tracked.
8. Social Media Content Approval
Helps marketing teams move faster by setting review, approval, and publishing workflows.
9. Tech Stack Overview
A reference sheet for all internal tools, who owns them, how they’re used, and login management.
10. Emergency or Downtime Protocol
Outlines what to do if key systems fail (email, website, etc.) so your team knows how to respond quickly.
Don’t Overthink It, Start Simple
The goal of SOPs isn’t perfection, it’s clarity. Start by documenting what already works, then refine as you go. Even a bullet list is better than expecting your team to “just know.”
Free Resource: Download My SOP Template Pack
To help you get started, I’m sharing a free downloadable SOP template with one of the most important processes: New Hire Onboarding SOP
It includes:
Purpose
Roles involved
Timeline
Detailed steps from pre-onboarding to week 4
Editable checklist format
Let’s Connect
Need help creating SOPs or figuring out where to begin? I’d love to hear more about your business and how I can support you.
→ Or email me directly through the contact section of this website
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