Building SOPs for Every Process

⏱ 14 min Operations Lesson 17 of 23

What is an SOP and Why Does MEO Need Them?

A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is a documented, step-by-step guide for completing a specific task consistently. For MEO operators, SOPs are the DNA of your operation — they allow anyone to execute your processes without you being involved.

The Core MEO SOP Library

New product research checklist
Listing creation workflow (per platform)
Supplier outreach and negotiation template
Customer service response templates (per issue type)
Weekly store health check process
Monthly P&L review per store
Inventory reorder protocol
New store launch checklist

SOP Creation Rule: The first time you do any process that you'll do again, record it. Loom video + written summary = a full SOP in 15 minutes. Do this from your very first store.

Tools for SOP Management

Notion — Most popular for MEO ops wikis. Organize SOPs by store and function.
ClickUp — Combines SOPs with project management and task assignment
Trainual — Purpose-built for documenting and training on SOPs
Loom — Record screen + voice for video SOPs

Living SOPs

SOPs must be updated when processes change. Assign an SOP owner for each major function. Review your SOP library quarterly and mark outdated procedures. An old SOP is worse than no SOP — it trains people to do things wrong.

✦ Knowledge Check

When should you create an SOP for a process?

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