A SWOT analysis is an analytical model used to assess a company's current standing and future prospects by evaluating its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The strengths and weaknesses refer to the company's internal factors and current situation, while opportunities and threats refer to external factors impacting the company's future potential. A business can use the SWOT analysis to identify areas for improvement, capitalize on its strengths, and develop strategies to address its weaknesses and potential threats.
Strengths are internal, positive attributes that support a business's growth, profitability, and overall success. Examples include:
Strong financial performance, such as increasing revenue and profits.
Large market share and increasing business valuation.
High employee satisfaction and a positive corporate culture.
Strong brand recognition and a good reputation among customers and stakeholders
Weaknesses are internal, negative factors that can hinder a business's growth and profitability. Examples include:
Declining profitability and decreasing market share.
Poor employee satisfaction and high employee turnover.
Negative brand image or perception among customers.
Limited physical presence or reliance on a single distribution channel
Opportunities are external factors that a business can potentially leverage to grow and increase profitability. Examples include:
A competitor going bust, creating an opportunity to gain market share.
Technological advancements that can improve the customer experience.
An economic boom leading to increased sales in the target market.
Expanding into new markets or acquiring other businesses
Threats are external factors that can negatively impact a business, potentially decreasing profitability or threatening its long-term survival. Examples include:
New competitors entering the market and taking away market share.
A competitor developing a popular new product that could impact sales.
An economic recession leading to decreased sales in the target market.
Increased government scrutiny or regulations that could limit growth
High brand awareness
Large revenue
Industry leadership in product distribution
Dominant market share in specific categories (e.g., smart speakers)
High brand awareness
Large revenue
Industry leadership in product distribution
Dominant market share in specific categories (e.g., smart speakers)
Limited physical presence
Negative perception of employee treatment
Low profit margins in certain categories
Increased government scrutiny and potential regulations
Competition from other online retailers
Changing consumer behavior