Free Swot Analysis Templates & Examples

What is a SWOT analysis?

The term “SWOT” stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. It is a type of business analysis used to determine the strategic direction a business should take. Frequently it compares how a company performs to its competitors, but it also takes into account internal factors such as resources, customer satisfaction or brand equity.

How to create a SWOT analysis

Start by creating four sections — one for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Then start identifying key factors that fit into each category. Collecting data such as market share, traffic to your website, net promoter scores, financial data and product roadmap can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. Opportunities and threats are more future-focused. Is there a hole in the market you can fill? How are your competitors or global trends going to impact your business?

Choose from our collection of free SWOT analysis templates to add some professional polish to your finished SWOT analysis.

Examples of strengths

• Strong brand recognition
• Steady traffic growth to the website
• 90% client retention

Examples of weaknesses

• Seen as a nice-to-have, not a need-to-have product
• Limited resources
• Lack of experienced leadership

Examples of opportunities

• New target markets
• Upcoming product launches
• Unique value proposition

Examples of threats

• New competitors
• Competitors with new funding
• A shrinking market