Portfolio Project: SWOT Analysis
SWOT Analysis: The Fictional Flora Company
Understanding Our Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
The Purpose
& Why it Matters
To reflect on what makes our garden store special, find ways to better serve our customers, and explore new ideas to keep our business thriving in our community.
S
W
T
O
Strengths
What gives our store an advantage over our competitors?
Our loyal customer base and positive reputation in the community give us a strong competitive edge. Word-of-mouth referrals and consistent positive feedback have helped us build strong local relationships that big-box competitors often lack.
Weaknesses
What knowledge, skills, and/or resources are we lacking?
We lack advanced knowledge in digital marketing strategies, such as SEO, social media advertising, and email campaigns. This limits our ability to reach new customers online or compete with e-commerce garden suppliers.
Opportunities
What can we do to leverage our strengths to achieve growth?
We can host gardening classes and events, and partner with local schools to grow our positive reputation in the community and establish ourselves as highly reputable and trusted to provide exceptional quality and customer service.
Threats
What obstacles do we face that could threaten our success?
Larger chains benefit from economies of scale, allowing them to purchase inventory in bulk and offer lower prices to customers. As a smaller, independent store, we lack the buying power and pricing flexibility to match those discounts without compromising our margins.
Trust. Loyalty. Service.
Key Takeaways
Our local trust and service are our biggest assets—double down on them.
Digital skill gaps are limiting growth potential—we must address them.
Community events are powerful tools for visibility and loyalty.
Competing on price is not sustainable—our focus must be on value and experience.
Invest. Launch. Grow.
Action Items
Invest in or outsource SEO, email marketing, and social media ads to reach new audiences.
Launch “Grow Your Own” workshops to deepen relationships with existing customers.
Offer value through loyalty programs, exclusive bundles, and specialized kits for different gardening needs.
Collaborate with local artisans and landscapers to co-promote and co-sell.