How to Use the SWOT Analysis in Marketing- 4 Components

SWOT Analysis Marketing November 09, 2020

Jin Hyun

Writer

Trying to get an accurate, real-world impression of where a business stands can be challenging. However, with a SWOT analysis, it doesn't have to be.

A SWOT analysis can uncover the strengths and weaknesses of a business strategy to develop a marketing plan that works. Consider how companies undergo audience research to better understand the demographics of their customers. This information helps to create buyer personas, which can be used to refine marketing plans.

In the same way, a SWOT analysis can paint a picture of the company's marketing strategy and discover new ways to improve its effectiveness.

What Is a SWOT Analysis?

A SWOT analysis, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, can give businesses a better understanding of their marketing plans.

This type of assessment can be done to analyze the performance of a company as a whole or a specific department. The analysis considers the real-world context surrounding the business to give organizations a better understanding of how they compare to local competitors.

The SWOT analysis helps organizations stay current in a constantly changing digital landscape. Having a comprehensive understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats allows each staff member to make strategic decisions that drive company growth and profitability.

A SWOT analysis can be performed by anyone with a solid understanding of the brand or business. This includes marketing managers. Essentially, this is a situational analysis and can be used to identify inefficiencies and weaknesses within existing systems or marketing plans. This information can then be used to improve productivity, which will, in turn, improve sales.

4 Parts of a SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis can point organizations towards the best promotional strategies. Being aware of opportunities can enhance marketing plans and uncover new ways to build the brand using the identified strengths. Moreover, a SWOT analysis helps businesses curtail threats and overcome weaknesses.

1. Strengths

To get the best results from a marketing strategy, it is vital to be aware of a company's strengths. Because strengths are internal factors, they can be easily managed and controlled. Factors such as resources, investments, locations, and skilled labor can be considered as strengths in this portion of the analysis.

Other strengths can include-

Brand Reputation - Brands that are well known can draw on this as a strength. Including a business name when it is familiar is a great way to promote products and enhance advertising.

Expertise - Organizations should consider employee skillsets among their strengths. During a SWOT analysis, marketing teams need to consider the expertise that each team member brings to the organization.

New Products - Ideas, innovation, and new products should all be included as part of a company's strength. When a company can introduce something new to the market, it gives the brand a big advantage.

2. Weaknesses

Organizations may also have internal issues that hinder their progress and profits. These are factors that need to be listed as weaknesses. Anything that can make a marketing strategy appear weak or unimpressive should be included in this section. Weaknesses may include-

Distribution - A lack of good distribution channels will hurt the company's marketing efforts. If customers are not able to find an advertised product or if there are distribution delays, it can reflect badly on the organization and hamper marketing efforts.

Poor Branding - Products that are too similar to competitors will be difficult to market. In the same way, a company that lacks a clear identity will not be able to stand out from the crowd.

No Online Presence - Online marketing is a big component in modern-day promotional strategies. Companies that have little or no online presence are missing out on important marketing opportunities.

3. Opportunities

Marketing SWOT analyses often consider almost everything to be an opportunity. Whether a strength or weakness, marketing teams should aim to turn every identified possibility into an advantage. These may include-

New Technology - There have been some great advancements in technology that businesses can utilize for their marketing efforts. This includes business management software, new production methods, or even innovative online solutions that can simplify the marketing process.

Demand - When demand for a product or service increases, a company should be able to make the most of that opportunity. Marketing teams can publicize the uptick in demand by customers, which will improve the branding of the business.

Events - Good marketing teams know how to use events to promote their business. This can include holidays like Christmas or New Years, or even a local or regional celebration.

4. Threats

Identifying risks that can hinder operations is a good reason to perform a SWOT analysis. This can help marketers and executives to build a risk management plan. Some of the most common threats include-

Out-Pricing by Competitors - When competing companies lower prices, it can put additional pressure on an organization.

Changing Trends - When consumers decide they are no longer interested in what a company is selling it can be a big challenge. Identifying this as a risk can help businesses to create a plan that will adjust to the changing habits and preferences of consumers.

Economics - When inflation, exchange rates, and taxes fluctuate it can present a challenge or threat to some businesses.

SWOT analysis can be one of the most powerful tools for marketers and business leaders. Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to a business can help organizations develop the most successful strategies and campaigns.