An industry analysis is a study of a specific market that looks at its size, growth, competitors and the forces that shape profits. Entrepreneurs include one in a business plan, investors use it to judge whether a market is worth entering, and strategy teams update it before launching a product or moving into a new region.
This page has 40+ industry analysis templates. Start with a sample for guidance, use a blank template to build your own, or follow the step-wise template through each stage. Related formats include a SWOT analysis template, a market analysis report and a progress report for tracking findings over time. Together they help you produce a clear industry analysis report for investors or managers.
Combine top-down data, such as published market size, with bottom-up checks like talking to customers and suppliers. When both point to the same picture, your conclusions are much stronger.
Industry analysis is often the starting point for other strategy documents. See our value chain analysis templates, feasibility report templates and business model templates to turn your findings into a plan.
Industry Analysis Templates
Sample Industry Analysis Template
Blank Industry Analysis Template
Useful Industry Analysis Template
Step Wise Industry Analysis
Formal SWOT Analysis Template
Professional Industry Analysis
Formal Market Analysis Report Template
Progress Report for Industry Analysis
Attractive Industry Analysis Template
Extensive Industry Analysis Report Template
Transport Industry Analysis
Regular Industry Analysis Template
Manufacturing Industry Analysis Template
Company’s Industry Analysis Template
Official Industry Analysis Template
Methods of Performing an Industry Analysis
When an industry analysis report needs to be prepared, three methods are commonly used. Each method is explained below:
SWOT Analysis:
Probably, most of you have heard about the SWOT analysis. The word SWOT is:
S: Strength
W: Weaknesses
O: Opportunities
T: Threats
Following are some of the factors to consider while performing the SWOT analysis:
Internal Factors:
These factors are already present and contributing to the business. Because they are internal, the company can control them.
External Factors:
The company cannot control these factors. However, with proper analysis and experience, it can assess how likely they are to occur and minimize any threats.
PEST Analysis:
The PEST analysis is another common method for a marketing analysis. It is effective because it takes into account external factors and the environment as well as internal factors. The components of a PEST analysis are:
Political:
Political factors and changes in rules and regulations also affect a company’s business. These include changes in tax laws, policies, labor laws, environmental regulations, tariffs and trade policies.
Economic:
These factors have a direct impact on the company’s routine business, such as fluctuations in exchange rates, inflation, market interest rates and growth rates.
Social:
These factors relate to society, its trends and norms, and their impact on industries and businesses. They include changes in trends, fashion and behavior.
Technological:
These factors affect businesses through changes and advances in technology.
Porter’s 5 Forces Model:
Michael Porter suggested this model in 1980 in his book “Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors”. He described five forces that help in preparing a useful industry analysis report for your business. These five forces are explained below:
Competitive Rivalry:
Competitive rivalry is the intensity of competition between competitors in a particular industry. It also shows the market share each competitor owns. This factor is important because it helps evaluate a company’s position in its market.
Supplier’s Strength:
The relationship between a business and its suppliers is very important. Both parties need each other, so this relationship must be strong. If your industry has only a few suppliers, they will have great power and can put pressure on you and your business.
Customer’s Strength:
If buyers in your industry are powerful, they can also put pressure on your business. Customers will demand high quality, low prices and additional services.
Threats from New Businesses:
This factor is very important when preparing an industry analysis report. Threats from new businesses entering your market or industry must be considered in a timely way. New entrants also increase competition in the industry.
Availability of Substitute Products or Services
The availability of similar substitutes or alternatives in the same market is another important factor. A business may gain market share by offering a cheaper product or service, even if its quality is lower than yours. Because cost matters, such a business may attract potential customers. So, analyze this factor properly and make timely decisions to deal with such a situation.
More Industry Analysis Templates
5 Forces Industry Analysis Template
Detailed Industry Analysis Template
Formal Industry Analysis Template
Informative Industry Analysis
Cross Industry Analysis Template
Exclusive Industry Analysis Template
Typical Industry Analysis Template
Sample Industry Analysis Template
Environmental Industry Analysis Template
Competitive Industry Analysis Template
Introductory Industry Analysis Template
Industry Analysis Worksheet Template
Comparative Industry Analysis Template
Memorandum of Industry Analysis Template
Illustrative Industry Analysis Template
Importance of an Industry Analysis Report
Following are some of the key benefits and importance of an industry analysis report:
- It is used for making an investment decision.
- An industry analysis report is very important for success in a specific industry, particularly if you are new to the business.
- It helps in identifying potential threats to the business.
- It also helps in evaluating the potential opportunities to the business.
- Such an analysis helps the business to take reasonable steps and decisions for strengthening its position.
- An industry analysis report helps the company to sustain and remain consistent even in an extremely competitive business environment.
Importance of Industry Analysis Report in a Business Plan:
- It helps in gaining a better overall understanding of the business and its industry.
- It helps the companies to respond effectively to any changes in the industry.
- With the help of such an analysis, companies can take better decisions and make effective plans.
Sample Industry Analysis Templates
Corporate Industry Analysis Template
Health Insurance Industry Analysis Template
Special Industry Analysis Template
Aluminium Industry Analysis
Organizational Industry Analysis Template
Proper Market Analysis Report Template
Professional Industry Analysis Template
Manufacturer’s Industry Analysis Template
Typical Industry Analysis Template
Sample Industry Analysis Report
Full Fledged Industry Analysis Template
Porter’s Industry Analysis Model Template
Industry PEST Analysis Template
Instructive Industry Analysis
Step Wise Industry Analysis Template
Turning Industry Research Into a Useful Analysis
Choose the framework around the decision being made, such as entering a market or assessing competitive pressure. Define the industry boundary before collecting figures.
- Specify geography, product scope, customer segment and time period.
- Collect credible market, competitor and regulatory information.
- Explain implications, uncertainty and the evidence supporting conclusions.
Worked Example
Example: national retail figures may not describe the market for a specialist service in one city. State which segment the data covers and why it is relevant. If local data is limited, label assumptions rather than presenting a national total as a local opportunity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid mixing market size, company revenue and forecast growth as if they were equivalent measures. Record source dates and do not treat an old estimate as current.
Related Templates
- Value Chain Analysis Templates
- Feasibility Report Templates
- Decision Matrix Templates
- Audit Report Templates
Frequently Asked Questions
How many competitors should I analyze?
Include competitors relevant to the defined customer and offer, including meaningful substitutes. Explain the selection rather than using an arbitrary list length.
Can I use estimated market data?
Yes, if the method and limitations are transparent. Separate estimates from observed figures and show how sensitive the conclusion is to uncertain inputs.
