How to Build Your Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) With Video

How do you learn new skills or new jobs? In today’s world, the response to that question for around 58 percent of people is via digital video. 

If you’ve just hired a new freelancer or you’re getting ready to, building standard operating procedures (SOP) can help them learn how you want the job completed. However, it also takes time, and sometimes written text and screenshots aren’t enough. 

There are some tasks that you can show and teach better via video. But how do you create an SOP using video? Keep reading to learn. 

Why Are Standard Operating Procedures Important When Working With Freelancers?

SOPs are essential for your working relationship with a freelancer. Your freelancer may be an excellent content writer, coder, or virtual assistant, but that doesn’t mean they know how you want tasks completed. Building an SOP ensures that everything is communicated clearly and helps set expectations. 

In addition, an SOP saves you time. If your freelancer has questions about how you want things completed, they can reference the SOP first. If it doesn’t answer their question, they can then reach out to you. 

They can also view it repeatedly, so if they ever forget your process, they have it at the tip of their fingers. Finally, having an SOP helps if you ever have to onboard a new freelancer. 

What happens if your freelancer, for some reason, quits? Life happens, and it is a possibility. Teaching their replacement will be much easier if you already have a completed SOP. 

What Should You Include in an SOP? 

Before you begin building your SOP, you need to know what to include in it. Talking about what to include in an SOP is a bit tricky because the answer is it depends. The SOP for someone uploading content to your website will look much different than an SOP for someone doing cold calls or lead generation. 

However, no matter what the task is, it’s important to be as detailed as possible. Some of the general things you’ll want to discuss are: 

The Why

What’s the purpose of the SOP you’re creating? A common tip you’ll hear when writing an SOP is to start at the end. 

Explain the purpose of the SOP and what the person should learn by the end. 

The Overall Process

Next, you want to spend some time explaining the overall process. This will look at where everything fits in the big picture of things. Why is this process important?

This gives a great big picture to your freelancers. 

The Details

Once you’ve defined the purpose and given the big picture, it’s time to dive into the details. This is where you will give your freelancer a step-by-step process for completing the task at hand. 

Make sure that you’re as detailed as possible when doing this. 

Finally, before you’re ready to release your SOP into the wild, test it. Complete the steps as if you have never done this before. Are you confused? 

Do you have any questions? If so, go back and refine the information. 

Why Should You Use Video for Creating an SOP?

Beyond the fact that many people are using video to learn these days, using video makes your life easier. When you’re teaching your freelancer a new process, you can do it via a video chat and share your screen. 

You can also write one out and take screencaps, and hope that your writing is clear enough to be understood (hey, not everyone is a writer, and that’s okay). However, there are some clear benefits to creating a video SOP. 

It Caters to Visual Learners

Everyone learns differently. Maybe you do want a written SOP; however, it’s always a great idea to pair it with a video SOP for visual learners. This will make it easier for people who learn better through seeing versus reading. 

It Gives a Realistic Look at How Tasks Are Completed

Creating a video gives your freelancer a resource they can visit over and over again, and they can see the process step-by-step as you complete it. They can even have the video playing as they complete the task the first few times. 

For example, your freelancer may be an expert in how to upload a blog, but there will always be tiny details that are different from person to person in how they want their blogs uploaded. A video SOP allows them to see all the little things you like done and helps as they learn a new process and all the little details required by different people. 

Video SOP Can Be Updated Easily 

Worried about your processes changing? Don’t. Video SOPs are easy to update. 

You can either edit the video and add new information or record a new video. This also saves time because you don’t have to meet with each person to go over the change in the process. Send them the video to watch and give them the chance to provide feedback and ask questions versus going over the process multiple times with different people. 

Where’s the Best Place to Create a Video SOP? 

There are a couple of ways you can create your video SOP. How you choose to create yours is dependent on your individual preferences. 

YouTube

YouTube is a well-known platform, and you can upload your videos there. You can set these videos to private or unlisted, so they’re not found by the general public. 

Then you copy and paste the link to anyone you do want to be able to see the video. Obviously, this isn’t always the perfect solution because of limited security. Fortunately, there are other video platforms you can use. 

Loom

Loom is a great platform for creating SOPs. This platform provides the tools you need to record your screen, and you can share the videos with select people. It’s also simple and intuitive. 

There is a free version of Loom; however, with the free version, you need to keep your videos under five minutes, and you’re limited in the number of videos you can create. 

This is also a great way to do quick feedback sessions or training with your freelancer. If you have feedback, you can record it and send it and actually show them what you’re talking about instead of typing it all out. 

Loom also offers privacy controls, and with a business account, you can password-protect your videos. This solves the privacy issues you may encounter with platforms like YouTube.

Start Creating Video SOPs for Clearer Communication With Freelancers

Having video standard operating procedures allows you to teach your freelancers how you want things completed quickly. It also allows you to cater to visual learners. Ultimately, using video and written SOPs together can help set your team up for success. 

Are you ready to hire the perfect freelancer for your business? Book a call today, and let us help you create a job request.