Whiteboard template

SWOT analysis template

Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats on one board. A SWOT analysis gives the team a shared, honest picture before a big decision.

Use this template for free All templates
  • Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
  • A note for each point
  • Live for the whole team
  • Export as an image for your deck
A SWOT analysis whiteboard in Starlex with notes in the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats boxes

What is a SWOT analysis?

A SWOT analysis is a simple strategic planning tool. It looks at internal factors, the strengths and weaknesses you control, and at external factors, the opportunities and threats in the world around you. It has been part of business planning since the 1960s and works just as well for a product, a team or a single project.

When to use it

  • Before a strategy or planning session.
  • When deciding whether to enter a market or launch a product.
  • At the start of a project, to surface risks early.
  • When comparing your product with competitors.

How to run a SWOT session

  1. Agree on the subject and the time frame, for example "our product over the next year".
  2. Fill in strengths and weaknesses first. Be specific: "support replies within an hour" beats "good support".
  3. Move on to opportunities and threats. Look at customers, competitors, technology and regulation.
  4. Vote on the two or three most important notes in each box.
  5. Turn the result into actions: use strengths to win opportunities, and fix the weaknesses that threats could exploit.

Example

The example SWOT belongs to a small software company. A fast, friendly support team is a strength and a small marketing budget is a weakness. Teams leaving older tools are an opportunity, and bigger rivals with free plans are a threat.

Tips

  • Use evidence. A SWOT built only on opinions confirms what people already think.
  • Keep each box short. Five strong points beat twenty vague ones.
  • A SWOT is a starting point. Follow it with a plan, such as a now, next, later roadmap or OKRs.

Use this template in Starlex

Open a project, go to Notes, then Whiteboards, choose New whiteboard and pick SWOT analysis. To add it to a board you already have, use the board's ⋯ menu.

  • Everyone in the project can work on the board at once, with live cursors and cursor chat.
  • Run a timer for silent writing, and use dot voting to choose.
  • Turn any sticky note into an issue, or bring real issues onto the board as live cards.
  • Export the board as a PNG or SVG image, or embed it in an issue description.

Frequently asked questions

What does SWOT stand for?

Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Strengths and weaknesses are internal, while opportunities and threats come from outside.

How long does a SWOT analysis take?

A focused team session takes 45 to 90 minutes. Gathering evidence beforehand makes it shorter and better.

Can I export the SWOT for a presentation?

Yes. Export the whiteboard, or only the frames you select, as a PNG or SVG image.