PESTLE and SWOT Analysis are Pivotal to Business Growth (2024)

PESTLE and SWOT Analysis are Pivotal to Business Growth (1)

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PESTLE and SWOT analysis are big hitters in the business fitness stakes, helping to keep your business healthy and profitable.

Below, we outline the what, when and how of a successful PESTLE and SWOT analysis.

Getting to grips with PESTLE and SWOT: The What

PESTLE and SWOT analyses are commonly performed together for one very important reason: they complement and inform one another.

PESTLE is concerned with macro environmental factors. These are the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental landscape in which your business operates. PESTLE analysis is an audit of the wider external environment. From trade restrictions to interest rates; population changes to technological advancements and governing laws to a company’s geographic position.

SWOT analysis builds upon PESTLE findings to focus upon Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that exist within your business. In this sense, Strengths and Weaknesses identify internal factors (such as “What is your USP?” and “What could you improve?”) whilst Opportunities and Threats remain external assessments, (focusing on emerging trends and competitor analysis).

Taken together, PESTLE and SWOT analyses offer comprehensive “outside in” approach that should fuel your business plan with strategic opportunities and mitigate for threats to keep you ahead of the competition. In short, PESTLE and SWOT are essential parts of your corporate planning and risk management process.

Fine Tuning PESTLE and SWOT: The When

The question of when to perform PESTLE and SWOT analysis may seem obvious: this should form part of your business research and underpin your business plan.

However, this is not to suggest that PESTLE and SWOT are a one-off obligation with the sole purpose of creating a robust business plan. Rather, analysis should be regularly revisited and used as a key tool when major decisions are required. This could include anything from implementing a new marketing campaign, a new product, a new production method or a reorganisation.

Seeing results: The How of PESTLE and SWOT analysis

Implementing PESTLE and SWOT analyses requires a thorough understanding of your business and the world outside it.

Careful research is required and could take many forms such as internet research, probing government white papers, qualitative focus groups, quantitative statistical surveys and competitor intelligence to truly understand and analyse both situational factors and internal business dynamics that could affect your future growth.

Boost your marketing research

PESTLE and SWOT are more than mnemonics to guide research; they are heavyweight strategic tools that are key for generating insights, capitalising on opportunities and mitigating threats.

Against an ever-changing business environment, getting your PESTLE and SWOT research right has never been more important. Despite this, businesses can buckle under their collective weight either through failing to understand how situational and internal factors affect them or by generating incomplete findings based on assumptions rather than fact. PESTLE and SWOT demand a dedicated and thorough approach and that’s where the qualified marketers at Think Beyond can help you punch through to success.

Why Think Beyond are a great place to start

Think Beyond is an innovative management consultancy that has a singular aim. Our team can steer your PESTLE and SWOT analyses with proven research methods and access to the latest data. We will work with you to understand your business situation from the outside-in. Get to know the macro environment in which you operate and illuminate internal strengths and weaknesses as well as external threats and opportunities.

Finally, to support a drive towards a healthy and profitable business, contact 01565 632206 or enter your contact details here.

PESTLE and SWOT Analysis are Pivotal to Business Growth (2024)

FAQs

Are PESTLE and SWOT analysis really important in every business? ›

Creating a SWOT or PESTLE analysis is essential when you are trying to see if your new business idea is feasible. A SWOT or PESTLE analysis helps you make the right decision and to evaluate the pros and cons of your ambition.

Do you think SWOT analysis is enough for a successful business? ›

A SWOT analysis serves as a solid foundation for strategic planning and decision-making processes. This process allows businesses to set realistic objectives, allocate resources effectively, and determine the most suitable course of action for their long-term success.

How could SWOT analysis help in the growth of a company? ›

Businesses that are reaching for success build on the strengths, minimise their weaknesses and seize opportunities whilst protecting themselves from external threats. By taking advantage of a SWOT analysis, you can better understand your overall business structure and allow the development of goals.

Why is PESTLE analysis important for a business? ›

A PESTLE analysis is a management framework and diagnostic tool. The outcome of the analysis will help you to understand factors external to your organisation which can impact upon strategy and influence business decisions.

Why is SWOT and PESTLE analysis important? ›

SWOT and PESTLE analyses are used to make a systematic and thorough evaluation of a new business or project. The process gives decision-makers a better awareness and understanding of the changes that may occur and the impact that these changes may have on their business.

Why PEST and SWOT analysis are important in organization and management? ›

PEST and SWOT analysis are two different strategic planning frameworks that can help with understanding markets and evaluating the feasibility of business models, products, services and projects. If you work in business or a related field, you may benefit from using these methods to conduct research and planning.

What is the value of SWOT analysis to a business? ›

By assessing a company's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the overall market environment, you will have a deeper understanding of a client's needs and how you can help them achieve strategic goals. A SWOT report can also help you focus a company's marketing activities and clarify its brand messaging.

What are 5 examples of strength in SWOT analysis? ›

Of course, customers will respond to that kind of request if you're known for providing excellent customer service.
  • Positive employee experience. ...
  • Strong brand identity. ...
  • Advantageous physical location. ...
  • International presence. ...
  • Loyal customers. ...
  • High agility. ...
  • Best-in-class business software applications. ...
  • Economy of scale.

What are strengths in SWOT analysis? ›

A strength is a resource or capacity the organisation can use effectively to achieve its objectives. A weakness is a limitation, fault, or defect in the organisation that will keep it from achieving its objectives. An opportunity is any favourable situation in the organisation's environment.

Is SWOT analysis a growth strategy? ›

SWOT analysis is an important part of strategic planning as it helps businesses identify areas for improvement and growth.

How is a SWOT analysis converted to a business strategy? ›

Armed with the ranked list of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, it is time to convert the SWOT analysis into a strategic plan. Members of the analysis team take the bulleted list of items within each category and create a synthesized plan that provides guidance on the original objective.

How does SWOT analysis help in setting up strategy for small business? ›

In a nutshell, doing a SWOT analysis is vital, because it helps you know where your business stands. It's a known fact that 90% of startups fail before their fifth year, and assessing where your business stands helps you avoid common pitfalls that might lead to the same fate.

What is the PESTLE effect on a business? ›

It is a method of assessing your business environment and its possible impact on the performance of your company. PESTLE is an acronym that stands for six external factors affecting your business: political, economic, sociological, technological, legal and environmental.

What are the pros and cons of SWOT analysis? ›

Here are some pros and cons of using the SWOT analysis:
  • Describes the weaknesses of the business. ...
  • Enables better planning. ...
  • Benefits any business or professional. ...
  • Simplifies the business analysis process. ...
  • Allows the company to discover opportunities. ...
  • Ensures the company controls threats. ...
  • Oversimplifies the analysis process.
Mar 21, 2023

Why is SWOT analysis important? ›

A SWOT analysis helps you assess internal factors that might affect your business (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats). You will need to review and act on the results from the SWOT analysis.

Is SWOT analysis really necessary? ›

Not only does a SWOT analysis allow decision-makers and business leaders to determine where the company stands, but it also identifies areas that need to be improved. This information will help the company make strategic plans to reach its target audience and remain competitive.

How important is Pestel in an organization or corporation? ›

PESTEL analysis is one important tool that executives can rely on to organize factors within the general environment and to identify how these factors influence industries and the firms within them.

What will happen if the firm does not conduct SWOT and PEST analysis? ›

SWOT analysis refers to Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunity and Threats. These factors are prime determinants of strategic planning. Without SWOT and PEST analysis companies might fail to achieve desired goals.

Do you need a SWOT analysis in a business plan? ›

SWOT analysis can help businesses identify potential threats to their operations and take proactive measures to mitigate them. This could include diversifying their product or service offerings, investing in risk management strategies, or developing contingency plans to minimize the impact of unforeseen events.

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