How to Create a SWOT Analysis Diagram

SWOT analysis is a way to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or business venture. A SWOT diagram helps you visualize these so they're easier to discuss and brainstorm during strategic planning. SmartDraw is the perfect tool to help you make a SWOT diagram quickly and easily.

SWOT Questions

SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. To fill out each category, it may help to think of some questions to ask yourself or your team for each section.

For Strengths, you should ask:

• What do we do exceptionally well?
• What advantages do we have?
• What makes you unique?

For Weaknesses, ask:

• What could we do better?
• Where are we vulnerable?

For Opportunities:

• Are there new markets we could expand to?
• Are there emerging trends on which we can capitalize?

For Threats:

• Are there adverse macro economic trends?
• Could any competitors pose a risk via new offerings or pricing
• What external roadblocks exist that block our progress?

These are just a few of the types of questions that can help you analyze your business venture.

Edit Text in Your SWOT Analysis Template

Filling out a SWOT template is easy compared to the hard task of actual strategic planning. Just select the section you want to add words or phrases to and start typing.

Add New Cards

There are three ways you can add a new card:

• You can quickly add new ideas to any section by dragging and dropping cards from the symbol library to the left of your workspace.
• Or simply use your keyboard to add cards: just select an existing card and hold down the Ctrl key and hit one of the arrow keys in the direction you want to add a new card.
• You can also click on any of the yellow Quick Action Controls to add a card in the direction of the arrow selected. SmartDraw will add a card in the style and color of the current card.

Sharing Your SWOT Analysis

When your SWOT diagram is complete, you can export your diagram as an image file, insert it into a presentation or report, or share it as a link with anyone, even if they don't have SmartDraw.