Written by
Marketing Director, Rainmaking Expand
The Benefits of Using the PESTLE Framework for Market Expansion
The PESTLE framework is a popular tool used by companies to analyse and understand their external environment, particularly when expanding into new markets. PESTLE stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental analysis, and each of these factors must be considered when entering a new market. In this article we will discuss the benefits of using the PESTLE framework when expanding into new markets.
When doing a PESTLE analysis, companies need to look at present and possible future scenarios that apply to their industry and areas of the world in which the business operates. When evaluating each section, it is important to consider how the information would be collected and by whom. Identify more than one person to gather data from a variety of sources so that you bring diverse evidence and perspectives into the analysis.
Once the information has been collected, identify appropriate sources of information for each area of PESTLE (Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental). Some areas may be more important than others for your industry but exploring information for all of them will give a bigger view of the external environment. Once completing this, the items should be ranked in terms of importance in relation to the potential risk for your company and addressed when exploring your market expansion plan.
Political Analysis
Political analysis is an important tool for businesses looking to operate in a new market, as it can provide insight into the political environment and the potential effects of regulations and governments on the success of a project. It is not just the political environment of the potential market that is important to consider, but also the economic relationships between countries. This is because these relationships can sometimes have a significant impact on the success of a project, and should be taken into account when making any decisions. Additionally, it is also important to consider external factors such as the political and social climate, as these can also have a major impact on the outcome of a project.
Economic Analysis
Economic analysis is a vital element of any business or project planning process. It involves looking at the economic environment of a potential market and assessing how it might affect the company’s operations. This includes factors such as gross domestic product (GDP), interest rates, inflation, and taxation. It’s important to take these factors into account when making decisions as they can have a significant impact on the success of a business venture. Additionally, an economic analysis can provide valuable information about the competitive forces at play in a given market and can help a company determine the optimal strategy to ensure success. By taking the time to do a thorough analysis of the economic environment, businesses can gain an advantage over their competitors and increase the likelihood of their success.
Social Analysis
Social analysis is a key component of market research that looks at the attitudes, opinions, and behaviour of people in a potential market, and how they might impact the company’s operations. This includes considering factors like cultural norms and values, social trends, and the overall public opinion of the brand. By being aware of these factors, businesses can make informed decisions when entering a new market, as they can gain a better understanding of the potential audience, and how they may react to their product or services. Understanding these factors is essential for companies to successfully enter a new market and build a successful presence in the area.
Technological Analysis
Technological analysis is a critical step for any business looking to enter a new market, as it provides insight into the technological infrastructure and capabilities of the potential market. This type of analysis should look at multiple factors such as the availability of technology, the speed of internet connections, and the level of digital literacy that exists in the target market. It is important to understand the technological environment of the potential market in order to be able to properly assess the viability of a project, and to ensure its success. Having the right technological infrastructure in place, and understanding the capabilities of the target market, can be the difference between success and failure.
Legal Analysis
Legal analysis looks carefully at the legal environment of a potential market and the implications it may have on the company’s operations. It is essential to consider factors such as intellectual property laws, labour laws and environmental regulations, as these can all have a huge impact on the success of a project. Furthermore, understanding the legal environment of a potential market is paramount in order to ensure that the company’s operations are conducted in compliance with the relevant laws and regulations, and to protect the rights of all parties involved. By conducting a comprehensive legal analysis, the company can gain invaluable insight into the potential risks and rewards of entering a particular market and, as a result, make the most informed decision.
Environmental Analysis
Environmental analysis involves studying the environmental consequences of entering a potential market and how it can potentially impact the organisation’s operations. This includes factors such as climate change, resource availability, and pollution, as well as other factors like energy consumption, waste management, and social and environmental regulations. It is essential to have an in-depth understanding of the environmental effects of a potential market before entering it in order to ensure the success of the project. Furthermore, by analysing the environmental impact of a potential market, organisations can take proactive steps to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their sustainability practises.
The PESTLE framework is a powerful tool that can help companies to better understand their external environment when expanding into new markets. By taking the time to do a thorough analysis of the external environment, businesses can gain an advantage over their competitors and increase the likelihood of their success.
This article is part of the Understanding Market Expansion Series, stay tuned for more articles and insights.
This article was written by Meghan Bridges, from the Rainmaking Expand Team.
Interested in scaling your business to new markets?
Rainmaking Expand is for growth stage startups & SMEs looking to accelerate market entry into multiple locations, focusing on business development and leveraging genuine commercial opportunities. Our Rainmaking Expand framework aims to accelerate companies’ speed to market while de-risking market expansion.
Our programs are accepting applications on a rolling basis. Explore our current markets available and apply now: