SOP: Standard Discord Server Setup (Technical)

Document Type: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Version: 1.0
Status: Approved for Use
Audience: Technician
Service Tier: Standard ($45)
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

1. Purpose

To provide a standardized procedure for setting up a basic Discord server with essential features including organized channel structure, role configuration, basic bots, and security settings.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to Standard Discord Server Setup service for:

Small communities (under 50 members)
Personal servers
Basic group communication needs
Clients new to Discord server management

Not included:

Advanced automation features
Custom bot development
Complex security systems
Social media integrations

3. Responsibilities

Lead Technician Responsibilities

Execute server setup procedures
Configure all bots and permissions
Validate functionality before delivery
Document custom configurations for client

Client Responsibilities

Provide server ownership access
Supply branding materials (logo, colors)
Approve channel structure and roles
Attend training session

4. Requirements

4.1 Client Requirements

Discord account with server ownership
Server name and desired theme
Logo/icon files (if desired)
List of essential channels needed
Preferred color scheme

4.2 Technical Requirements

Discord server with administrative access
Bot invitation permissions
Ability to manage server settings
Stable internet connection for setup

5. Pre-Setup Checklist

Client has provided server ownership transfer or admin permissions
Server name and theme confirmed
Logo/icon files received (if applicable)
Channel requirements documented
Color scheme preferences noted
Bot preferences identified
Setup time scheduled with client

6. Procedure

6.1 Initial Server Creation

6.1.1 Server Basics

Create Server (if client doesn’t have one):
- Use “Create My Own” template
- Select “For me and my friends” or “For a club or community”
- Set server name as provided by client
- Upload server icon (1024x1024px recommended)

Configure Server Settings:

Server Settings → Overview:
- Server Name: [Client-provided name]
- Server Icon: Upload client logo or create default
- Server Banner: Upload if provided
- Server Boost Status: Note current level

Set Server Region:

Server Settings → Overview → Server Region:
- Select closest region to client
- Test voice quality if applicable

6.1.2 Security Configuration

Verification Level:

Server Settings → Privacy Settings → Verification Level:
- Set to "Medium" (must have verified email)
- Explain reasoning to client

Explicit Content Filter:

Server Settings → Privacy Settings → Explicit Content Filter:
- Set to "Scan messages from non-members"
- Adjust based on community type

Default Notification Settings:

Server Settings → Notifications:
- Set to "All messages" for important channels
- Set to "@mentions only" for general channels

6.2 Channel Structure Setup

6.2.1 Create Categories

Information Category:

Category Name: ℹ️ Information
- Permission: @everyone can read, no one can talk
- Position: Top category

Community Category:

Category Name: 💬 Community
- Permission: @everyone can read and talk
- Position: Middle category

Voice Channels Category:

Category Name: 🎤 Voice Channels
- Permission: @everyone can connect and speak
- Position: Bottom category

6.2.2 Create Text Channels

Information Channels:

#welcome-and-rules
- Topic: "Read our community rules and introduce yourself"
- Slowmode: None
- NSFW: No

#announcements
- Topic: "Important server updates and announcements"
- Slowmode: 5 seconds
- NSFW: No
- Permission: Only @Admin and @Moderator can send messages

#general
- Topic: "General discussion and chat"
- Slowmode: None
- NSFW: No

#media
- Topic: "Share images, videos, and memes"
- Slowmode: 10 seconds
- NSFW: No

Optional Channels (based on client needs):

#gaming
- Topic: "Gaming discussions and LFG"

#music-requests
- Topic: "Request songs for the music bot"

#help
- Topic: "Get help from moderators and community"

6.2.3 Create Voice Channels

General Voice:

Channel Name: General Voice
- User Limit: None
- Bitrate: 64kbps (adjust based on server boost level)

AFK Channel:

Channel Name: AFK 💤
- User Limit: None
- Bitrate: 64kbps
- Set as AFK channel in Server Settings
- AFK Timeout: 5 minutes

Optional Voice Channels:

Gaming Voice
Study Voice
Music Voice (if music bot present)

6.3 Role Configuration

6.3.1 Create Role Hierarchy

Owner Role (highest priority):

Role Name: 👑 Server Owner
- Color: Gold (#FFD700)
- Permissions: All permissions
- Display separately: Yes

Admin Role:

Role Name: ⚡ Administrator
- Color: Red (#FF0000)
- Permissions: Administrator
- Display separately: Yes

Moderator Role:

Role Name: 🛡️ Moderator
- Color: Blue (#0000FF)
- Permissions:
  • Kick Members
  • Ban Members
  • Manage Messages
  • Manage Nicknames
  • Mute Members
  • Deafen Members
  • Move Members
- Display separately: Yes

Helper Role (optional):

Role Name: 💎 Helper
- Color: Green (#00FF00)
- Permissions:
  • Manage Messages
  • Move Members
- Display separately: No

Member Role (default):

Role Name: 👤 Member
- Color: Gray (#808080)
- Permissions: Basic permissions
- Display separately: No
- Set as default role

Custom Roles (based on client needs):

Gamer 🎮
Artist 🎨
Musician 🎵
VIP 💫

6.3.2 Configure Role Permissions

Channel Permissions:
- Set appropriate permissions for each role per channel
- Restrict admin-only channels to @Admin and @Moderator
- Allow @everyone basic access to community channels
Role Hierarchy:
- Ensure proper role order in Server Settings → Roles
- Higher roles override lower roles
- Test permission inheritance

6.4 Bot Installation & Configuration

6.4.1 Moderation Bot Setup

Choose Bot (recommend Dyno, Carl-bot, or MEE6):

Recommended: Dyno
- Website: dyno.gg
- Features: Moderation, auto-mod, logging
- Free tier sufficient for Standard setup

Bot Installation:

Visit bot website
Click “Add to Discord”
Select target server

Grant necessary permissions:

• Administrator (recommended for setup)
• View Channels
• Send Messages
• Embed Links
• Attach Files
• Read Message History
• Add Reactions
• Use External Emojis
• Connect
• Speak
• Manage Messages
• Kick Members
• Ban Members

Basic Configuration:

!setup (in bot channel)
!config prefix !
!config modlog #moderation-log
!config welcome #welcome-and-rules
!config autorole Member

6.4.2 Music Bot Setup

Choose Bot (recommend Hydra or Groovy alternative):

Recommended: Hydra
- Website: hydra.gg
- Features: Music playback, playlists
- Free tier available

Bot Installation:

Add bot to server with permissions:

• Connect
• Speak
• Use Voice Activity
• Read Message History
• Add Reactions
• Send Messages
• Embed Links

Basic Configuration:

/setup (in #music-requests)
/help (show available commands)

6.4.3 Utility Bot (Optional)

Reaction Roles Bot:
- Use Carl-bot or Zira for basic reaction roles
- Set up simple role assignment in #welcome-and-rules

6.5 Welcome System Setup

6.5.1 Welcome Channel Configuration

Welcome Message:

Welcome to [Server Name]! 🎉

Please read our rules below and react with ✅ to acknowledge them.
Once you've done that, you'll automatically receive the Member role!

Need help? Ask in #help channel!

Rules Setup:

1. Be respectful to all members
2. No spam or excessive self-promotion
3. Keep content appropriate for all ages
4. Follow Discord's Terms of Service
5. Have fun and enjoy the community!

React with ✅ to acknowledge these rules and get your Member role!

6.5.2 Auto-Role Configuration

Using Moderation Bot:

!config autorole Member
!config autorole delay 5

Reaction Role Setup:
- Set up reaction role for rule acknowledgment
- Test auto-role assignment
- Verify role hierarchy

6.6 Customization

6.6.1 Server Branding

Upload Assets:
- Server icon (1024x1024px)
- Server banner (960x540px, requires boost)
- Custom emojis (if provided)
Color Scheme:
- Apply client’s preferred colors to roles
- Ensure good contrast and readability
- Use consistent color theming

6.6.2 Channel Topics and Descriptions

Set Channel Topics:
- Clear, descriptive topics for each channel
- Include relevant emojis for visual appeal
- Add usage guidelines where needed
Channel Descriptions:
- Brief purpose statement
- Usage rules or guidelines
- Bot command information (if applicable)

7. Testing & Validation

7.1 Functionality Tests

All channels accessible to appropriate roles
Role permissions working correctly
Bots responding to commands
Welcome system functioning
Auto-roles assigning properly
Voice channels working
Moderation tools functional

7.2 User Experience Tests

New member can join and get roles
Navigation is intuitive
Bot commands are user-friendly
Server looks professional and organized

8. Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Fix
Bot not responding	Missing permissions	Add “Administrator” or specific permissions
Roles not auto-assigning	Bot offline or misconfigured	Check bot status, verify role hierarchy
Channels not visible	Permission issue	Check channel permissions for @everyone
Music bot not playing	Voice channel permissions	Grant “Connect” and “Speak” permissions
Welcome message not sending	Bot configuration error	Check bot settings and channel permissions
Role colors not showing	Role hierarchy issue	Reorder roles in Server Settings
Custom emojis not working	File format/size issue	Ensure emojis are 128x128px, under 256KB

9. Delivery Checklist

9.1 Technical Delivery

All features tested and working
Server backup created (if possible)
Bot configurations documented
Custom settings recorded for client

9.2 Client Training

30-minute walkthrough scheduled
Basic server management demonstrated
Bot commands explained
Role management shown
Channel customization demonstrated

9.3 Documentation

Client-facing guide prepared
Technical configuration documented
Support contact information provided
30-day support terms explained

10. Post-Delivery Support

10.1 30-Day Support Includes

Basic troubleshooting assistance
One configuration adjustment
Bot command help
Permission clarification

10.2 Support Channels

Email: contact@wizardtechservices.com
Discord: Support server
Response time: Within 24 hours

11. Maintenance Recommendations

11.1 Regular Tasks

Monitor bot status weekly
Review channel activity monthly
Update role permissions as needed
Backup server settings quarterly

11.2 Client Education

Teach basic server management
Show how to add/remove channels
Demonstrate role creation
Explain bot management basics

12. Quality Assurance

12.1 Pre-Delivery Review

Verify all requirements met
Test all user workflows
Confirm client satisfaction
Document any deviations

12.2 Post-Delivery Follow-up

Contact client after 3 days
Address any issues
Gather feedback
Update documentation if needed

13. Revision Control

Version: 1.0
Created: February 2026
Author: Wizard Tech Services
Next Review: Within 90 days
Approved By: Lead Technician

14. Appendices

14.1 Bot Command Quick Reference

Dyno Commands:
!help - Show all commands
!kick @user - Kick member
!ban @user - Ban member
!clear 5 - Delete last 5 messages
!mute @user - Mute member

Hydra Commands:
/play songname - Play music
/skip - Skip current song
/queue - Show playlist
/volume 50 - Set volume

14.2 Role Permission Matrix

Role	Kick	Ban	Manage Messages	Connect	Speak
Owner	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Admin	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Moderator	✅	✅	✅	✅	✅
Helper	❌	❌	✅	✅	✅
Member	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅

End of SOP