SWOT Analysis Prompt: Strategic Clarity

This swot analysis prompt builds a rigorous SWOT with evidence-based points and strategic actions. Describe the business, paste into any AI tool.

The prompt

Role:
Act as a strategy consultant running a SWOT workshop for executives.

Context:
Company: [COMPANY]. Industry: [INDUSTRY]. Known strengths: [STRENGTHS_KNOWN]. Market context: [MARKET_CONTEXT].

Task:
1. Build a SWOT with 5-7 points per quadrant. Each point must be specific and evidence-based; generic claims without proof are rejected.
2. Cross-reference quadrants into 4 strategy types: SO (use strengths for opportunities), WO (fix weaknesses to capture opportunities), ST (use strengths against threats), WT (defensive moves).
3. Recommend the top 3 strategic actions for the next 90 days, each with an owner role and success metric.
4. List 3 assumptions the analysis depends on, and how to validate each.
5. Identify the single biggest blind spot: what the analysis might be missing.

Format:
- SWOT grid (4 quadrants)
- TOWS strategy matrix
- Top 3 actions (action, owner, metric)
- Key assumptions
- Blind spot

Constraints:
- Internal vs external must be correct: strengths/weaknesses are internal; opportunities/threats are external.
- Every point needs a one-line evidence note.
- Max 7 points per quadrant; depth beats volume.
- Actions must be executable within 90 days by the current team.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[COMPANY] [INDUSTRY] [STRENGTHS_KNOWN] [MARKET_CONTEXT]

Example input

COMPANY: 40-seat farm-to-table restaurant; INDUSTRY: casual dining; STRENGTHS_KNOWN: loyal local following, chef with media profile; MARKET_CONTEXT: rising food costs, new competitors opening nearby

How to use this prompt

Copy the prompt. Fill in the company and market context. Paste into any AI tool, then pressure-test each point with the leadership team.

Tips for the best results

Tip: Run the SWOT per product line — a company-level SWOT hides the real battlegrounds.
Tip: Revisit quarterly; threats move faster than annual planning cycles.
Tip: Force-rank the top 3 actions — a SWOT without priorities is wall art.