SWOT Analysis Examples

SWOT analysis examples are useful for identifying and evaluating the internal and external factors that can impact a business, individual, or product. Learn how to use the SWOT framework for effective business planning and strategy.

Take a look at our list of SWOT Analysis examples by industry.

How to do a SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis Examples by Industry
SWOT Analysis Plan
Benefits of a SWOT Analysis
SWOT Examples from Iconic Brands
How to Conduct a Marketing SWOT
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swot analysis strength weaknesses opportunities threats

How to do a SWOT Analysis

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats are divided into four sections within a SWOT matrix. Notes are placed under each heading in order to define the heading’s relevance to the issue being analyzed.

High-Level Representation: The SWOT analysis doesn’t define separate action items, or define a total strategy. It merely states what variables should be considered.
Redundant Information: Don’t allow bullet points to become cluttered with too much information. Companies must focus on specific and quantifiable bullet points.
Respect Opinions: Some of these bullet points can be seen differently by different participants. Ultimately, this is valuable to the business and gives everyone a different perspective on the problem.

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SWOT Analysis Examples by Industry

SWOT Analysis Example for a Mortgage Company:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Strong reputation and long-standing history in the industry Experienced and knowledgeable staff Wide range of mortgage options to meet various needs Strong financial stability	High competition in the mortgage industry Limited geographic reach Limited flexibility in mortgage terms and conditions Reliance on interest rate fluctuations

Opportunities	Threats
Expansion into new markets and regions Offering new mortgage products and services Offering more flexible mortgage terms and conditions Investment in digital marketing and online mortgage applications	Competition from other mortgage companies and lenders Changes in government regulations and policies Changes in interest rates and housing market conditions Economic downturns affecting housing demand

SWOT Analysis Example for a Logistics Company:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Experienced logistics team Strong relationships with clients and partners Wide range of transportation and logistics services Efficient and reliable operations	High logistics costs Limited transportation options Dependence on a few large clients Potential for logistical errors and delays

Opportunities	Threats
Expansion into new markets and regions Offering new logistics and transportation services Investing in technology to enhance efficiency and accuracy Offering environmentally-friendly transportation options	Competition from other logistics and transportation companies Changes in transportation regulations and policies Economic downturns affecting demand for logistics services Dependence on a few large clients

SWOT Analysis Example for a Government Agency:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Access to government resources and funding Experienced and knowledgeable staff Wide range of programs and services Strong public support and trust	Bureaucracy and slow decision-making processes Limited flexibility in implementing programs and services Dependence on government funding Potential for political interference and influence

Opportunities	Threats
Collaboration with other government agencies and organizations Implementing new and innovative programs and services Investing in technology to enhance efficiency and accessibility Building stronger relationships with the public	Changes in government policies and regulations Budget cuts and funding reductions Public mistrust and skepticism Political and social unrest

SWOT Analysis Example for a Wealth Management Advisory Firm:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Experienced and knowledgeable advisors Strong reputation and brand recognition Wide range of wealth management services Strong financial stability	High fees and costs Limited reach and clientele Dependence on market conditions and fluctuations Potential for client losses and withdrawals

Opportunities	Threats
Expansion into new markets and regions Offering new wealth management services and products Investment in technology to enhance efficiency and accessibility Offering socially responsible investment options	Competition from other wealth management firms and advisors Changes in financial regulations and policies Economic downturns affecting market conditions Client losses and withdrawals due to poor performance or lack of trust

SWOT Analysis Example for a Start-up:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Innovative and unique business idea Passionate and motivated team Agility and flexibility in decision-making Strong entrepreneurial spirit	Limited resources and funding Limited brand recognition and market presence Lack of experience in the industry High risk and uncertainty

Opportunities	Threats
Investment and funding opportunities Expansion into new markets and regions Strategic partnerships and collaborations Investment in digital marketing and online presence	Competition from established businesses and start-ups Economic downturns affecting demand for products or services Changes in government regulations and policies Limited access to resources and funding

SWOT Analysis Example for a Non-profit:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Passionate and dedicated volunteers and staff Strong community support and engagement Wide range of programs and services Strong reputation and brand recognition	Limited funding and resources Dependence on donations and grants Limited outreach and awareness Dependence on volunteers and staff

Opportunities	Threats
Collaboration with other non-profit organizations and government agencies Investment in fundraising and marketing efforts Expansion of programs and services Offering innovative and impactful programs and services	Competition from other non-profit organizations Changes in donor behavior and funding priorities Economic downturns affecting donor contributions Changes in government policies and regulations

SWOT Analysis Example for a Software Company:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Experienced and knowledgeable development team Diverse and innovative software products and services Strong brand recognition and reputation Strong financial stability	High development costs Limited market presence and brand recognition Dependence on technological trends and innovations Potential for software errors and bugs

Opportunities	Threats
Expansion into new software markets and industries Offering new and innovative software products and services Investment in research and development Collaboration with other software companies and developers	Competition from other software companies and developers Changes in technological trends and innovations Economic downturns affecting demand for software products and services Potential for software errors and security breaches

SWOT Analysis Example for a Fitness Company:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Experienced and knowledgeable fitness trainers and staff Wide range of fitness programs and services Strong brand recognition and reputation Strong community engagement and support	High overhead costs Limited reach and market presence Dependence on membership fees and subscriptions Limited flexibility in pricing and services

Opportunities	Threats
Expansion into new fitness markets and regions Offering new and innovative fitness programs and services Investment in marketing and outreach efforts Collaboration with other fitness companies and organizations	Competition from other fitness companies and gyms Changes in consumer fitness trends and behaviors Economic downturns affecting demand for fitness products and services Changes in government regulations and policies

SWOT Analysis Example for a Law Firm:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Experienced and knowledgeable legal team Diverse range of legal services and expertise Strong reputation and brand recognition Strong financial stability	High legal fees and costs Dependence on market demand and conditions Limited reach and market presence Potential for legal errors and mistakes

Opportunities	Threats
Expansion into new legal markets and regions Offering new and innovative legal services and expertise Investment in technology and digital tools to enhance efficiency and accuracy Collaboration with other law firms and legal professionals	Competition from other law firms and legal professionals Changes in legal regulations and policies Economic downturns affecting demand for legal services Potential for legal malpractice claims and litigation

SWOT Analysis Example for a Physician’s Office:

Strengths	Weaknesses
Experienced and knowledgeable medical staff Wide range of medical services and expertise Strong reputation and patient loyalty Strong financial stability	Dependence on insurance reimbursements and payments Limited reach and market presence Limited technological capabilities and digital tools Potential for medical errors and mistakes

Opportunities	Threats
Expansion into new medical markets and specialties Offering new and innovative medical services and treatments Investment in technology and digital tools to enhance patient care and efficiency Collaboration with other healthcare providers and professionals	Competition from other healthcare providers and facilities Changes in healthcare policies and regulations Economic downturns affecting patient demand for medical services Potential for medical malpractice claims and litigation

SWOT Analysis Plan

Let’s say that part of your swot analysis example produced these results:

Strengths: You have no trouble getting marketing dollars for any campaign that produces results.
Weakness: You haven’t taken advantage of digital marketing.
Opportunity: You could aggressively take advantage of the growth in your industry.
Threat: You have emerging competition from extremely internet-savvy competitors.

Translate your SWOT analysis into actionable strategies:

Allocate marketing funds to digital marketing and track results to leverage your strength and address your weakness.
Create a comprehensive digital marketing campaign, utilizing social media, SEO, and email marketing to engage your audience.
Monitor and analyze your internet-savvy competitors to learn from their strategies and differentiate your brand.
Stay updated on industry trends, identifying growth opportunities to align your digital marketing efforts.
Regularly review and adapt strategies based on data-driven insights, optimizing campaign performance for better results.

Benefits of a SWOT Analysis

Businesses must be honest in their assessment of their company’s strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, it’s natural to focus too much on what we do best and not enough on what needs to improve. Do not allow that to happen. Take the time to be honest with where your company needs to improve.

Company Strengths: This could be used to combat those threats in the market where competing technologies may make the company’s product offering obsolete.
Eliminate Weaknesses: The company should focus on eliminating its weakness of long delivery times and;
Capitalize on Opportunities represented by the market’s growth. After all, the company can’t close orders if it takes too long to ship finished goods.
Minimize Threats: The company might work on its weakness of high costs in order to make sure the threat posed by its competition is minimized.

A SWOT analysis plan is beneficial. It forces everyone to clearly define the internal and external attributes the company must confront. Success implies the company will capture its opportunities while eliminating its threats.

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SWOT Examples from Iconic Brands

Amazon’s SWOT Analysis Report

Strengths	Weaknesses
1. Strong brand name 2. Customer oriented 3. Differentiation and innovation 4. Largest merchandise selection 5. Large number of third party seller 6. Large number of acquisitions	1. Easily imitable business model 2. Losing margins in few areas 3. Tax avoidance controversy 4. Limited brick-and-mortar presence

Opportunities	Threats
1. Expand physical online stores 2. Penetrate or expand its operations 3. Backward Integration 4. More acquisitions	1. Controversies 2. Employee treatment & workspace conditions 3. Cybercrime 4. Aggressive competitions 5. Imitation

SWOT Analysis report. Get details.

Apple’s SWOT Analysis Report

Strengths	Weaknesses
1. Globally iconic 2. Top technology 3. Brand of choice 4. Proficient research 5. Sustainability made possible through Liam	1. Lack of marketing & promotions 2. Lack of competition 3. High priced products 4. Incompatibility with other software

Opportunities	Threats
1. Consistent customer growth 2. Qualified professionals 3. Expansive distribution network 4. Lack of green technology 5. Smart wearable technology 6. Utilize artificial intelligence	1. Bullied by counterfeits 2. Increasing competition 3. Market penetration 4. Lawsuits

SWOT Analysis report. Get details.

Whole Foods’s SWOT Analysis

Strengths	Weaknesses
1. Brand recognition 2. High-quality standrads	1. Dependency on American markets 2. Customer perception

Opportunities	Threats
1. 365 2. International expansion 3. Alliances	1. Bad publicity 2. Increasing competition

SWOT Analysis report. Get details.

How to Conduct a SWOT Analysis for a Marketing Plan

When you’re ready to create or update your marketing strategy, what is the first thing you should do? Evaluate your budget? Review your products/services? Update your marketing metrics? Identify your buyer personas? Profile your competitors?

Those are all things you need to do. However, you first need a framework for understanding how your business fits in relation to its customers and competitors. An excellent approach for defining that framework is to perform a SWOT analysis for marketing. It will give you the insight you need to become more competitive and help your business grow.

A SWOT analysis for marketing helps you understand internal and external factors. This will have the biggest influence on whether you reach your marketing goals.

Step 1: Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Look at the strengths and weaknesses within your own organization. Consider your skills, resources, and performance based on your existing marketing strategy. You can also consider global factors like:

Financial resources to support marketing operations
Physical resources such as your facilities and equipment
Human resources such as number of marketing employees, their roles, and level of expertise
Current processes that are in place to perform marketing tasks and the tools to support them

Step 2: Evaluate Marketing Activities

Effectiveness of your website, social media and reputation
Where you rank for critical keywords in the search engines
Effectiveness of your content marketing strategy
Relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, and vendors
Effectiveness of your marketing materials

Analyze performance and customer data
Ability to respond to market changes

Deciding whether to name each of these factors as strengths or weaknesses is the next step. It’s crucial to include internal stakeholders in brainstorming sessions. For example, you may love the company’s website. But, if the website isn’t producing a steady flow of leads, it needs to be labeled a weakness.

This is an opportunity to evaluate the website’s design to find opportunities for improvement.

Step 3: Identify Your Opportunities and Threats

During this part of the analysis take a look at the following.

Market trends
Economic Trends
Political, environmental and economic regulations
Competitors’ strengths and weaknesses
Customer expectations
New technologies

Distribution channels
Marketing channels
Market regulations
Advertising costs
Underserved markets

Every industry is different, but the forces that drive profitability are similar.

The biggest mistake managers make is “trusting their gut”

It doesn’t matter how long you have been in business or how well you know your market. You need facts to make business decisions. In today’s business environment, everything is changing faster than ever.

A SWOT analysis isn’t something you do once. You should use a SWOT analysis whenever you need to make decisions about marketing, your workforce, your product line, or any other component of your business.