What is a SWOT Analysis Template?
A SWOT analysis template is a pre-formatted document that can be used to conduct a SWOT analysis. A SWOT analysis is conducted to identify a company or an individual’s Strengths and Weaknesses, the Opportunities they have or can have, and the Threats they may face.
How Do I Write a SWOT Analysis?
Before everything, a SWOT analysis is often done with a goal in mind. This can be related to improving processes or operations, or to increase sales and productivity of the business.
Typically, a SWOT analysis is done by analyzing one’s self or company in the following order:
- Assessing Strengths
- Listing down Weaknesses
- Identifying Opportunities
- Acknowledging Threats
Doing a SWOT analysis is about examining internally first before moving outwards. For organizations, this often means assessing their internal needs, strengths and weaknesses before comparing themselves with other competitors or key leaders, hence why noting Opportunities and Threats come last.
After the analysis, strategies must be developed based on them. This involves using each aspect of SWOT to identify points of improvement or discussion. Ideally, the strategies must be related to the overall goal that prompted the analysis. However, in some cases, new ideas and goals are formulated during the SWOT analysis, which may take precedence.
Often, a SWOT analysis is done in a table format. However, others choose to use a checklist instead. Using a checklist, specifically, a digital one, to conduct a SWOT analysis provides many benefits, such as:
- Ease of use on the go with cloud storage
- Little to no paper to carry around, as everything can is online
- Accessible from any device with the ability to connect to the internet
- Easier to create templates and repurpose them constantly
FAQs about SWOT Analysis Template
Conducting a SWOT analysis can help with:
- Raising awareness on internal and external issues
- Improving strengths
- Knowing which opportunities to prioritize or take
- Creating plans for the future based on present findings
The process for creating a SWOT analysis template for personal use is the same as the one for teams, companies, and organizations. The only difference is that you will be doing your analysis on yourself. A checklist can also be used for this, allowing you to conduct a SWOT analysis wherever you may be.
Some present their SWOT analysis findings with a verbal presentation. However, it would be best to provide a visual report with it as well as annotations on any images. A visual guide based on the SWOT analysis and its results will not only help viewers easily understand the findings, but it can also make for a more engaging discussion.
