![What the SWOT? The First Step in Creating Your Marketing Plan](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65aea0e8475c7d78dc781bdd/1709144537448-MTDGWS4DXP044IMOCNLG/ElementsofaSWOTAnalysis.png)
What the SWOT? The First Step in Creating Your Marketing Plan
There are a number of first steps you can take when creating your small business marketing plan, but the SWOT analysis stands out as a solid option. Don't be put off by the acronym and the "analysis" name, though—it's a straightforward exercise that helps gain clarity into what you have to offer your customers, what your competition may be up to, and things to consider for the future.