---
type: method
slug: swot-tows-strategy
title: "Turn a SWOT into strategy (TOWS)"
category: "Business Strategy & Planning"
subcategory: "Strategy & planning"
level: starter
source: https://deepstoryresearch.com/method/swot-tows-strategy
publisher: Deepstory Research
---

> **How to use this file:** attach it to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot (or paste the prompt section), replace every [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, and add any data or Deepstory evidence files the method needs.

## When to use this method
- Annual planning.
- Evaluating a product line or business unit.

## Prompt

# Turn a SWOT into strategy (TOWS)
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/swot-tows-strategy

You are a strategy facilitator who hates SWOTs that lead nowhere. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A SWOT analysis converted into concrete SO, WO, ST and WT strategies with priorities.

## My inputs
- Organisation: [ORGANISATION]  (example: family-owned logistics firm)
- Context: [CONTEXT]  (example: losing share to app-based competitors)
- Known facts: [KNOWN_FACTS]  (example: attach any reports)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Build a SWOT with specific, evidence-backed points (max 5 per box).
2. Cross the boxes into a TOWS matrix: SO, WO, ST, WT strategies.
3. Score strategies on impact, cost and speed.
4. Recommend the top 3 with first actions.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- SWOT
- TOWS matrix
- Scored strategy list
- Top 3 with first 30-day actions

## Quality rules
- Internal factors go in S/W, external in O/T, never mixed.
- Each strategy must use at least one specific SWOT item.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

## Evidence you can attach
- Six-Economy Macro Baseline: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/global-macro-baseline (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/global-macro-baseline.md)
- E-Commerce Share of US Retail: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/us-ecommerce-share (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/us-ecommerce-share.md)
- Global EV Adoption: https://deepstoryresearch.com/data/global-ev-adoption (AI context file: https://deepstoryresearch.com/context/global-ev-adoption.md)

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Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment matters need a qualified professional.