News Articles

What is the Ansoff Matrix?


By Rick Albertini, Partner

18 September 2022

Animation of a red question mark on its side with a white cartoon figure of a person thinking with their hand to their mouth in a thinking pose.

Who is Ansoff and what is the matrix?

The Ansoff Matrix was originally developed by Harry Igor Ansoff who was a Russian American. An applied mathematician and business manager, Harry was broadly acknowledged as the father of strategic management. First published in the Harvard Business Review in 1957, titled "Strategies for Diversification." It has given generations of marketers and business leaders a quick and simple way to think about the risks associated with growth. The matrix is a tool which supports businesses to identify possible growth strategies within their organisations.


How does it work?

The matrix can also be known as the Corporate Ansoff Matrix and the Product/Market Expansion Grid. The grid or matrix is broken down into four quadrants, each providing a strategy for you to use, make strategic decisions or develop a new product or service. As you can see below, the quadrants provide the analyses of the risks associated with Market Development, Market Penetration, Diversification and Product Development. Furthermore, the risk will change along with the reward when you move into a new quadrant (horizontally or vertically) providing you with insight that will support decision making.

The Ansoff Matrix showing the four quadrants and what each means.

Market Penetration

The first quadrant in the Ansoff Matrix is marketing penetration. Often the strategy that is adopted when an organization has an existing product with a known market and needs growth within that market.


Market Development

The second quadrant is the strategy that is used when a business targets a new market with existing products.


Product Development

The third quadrant refers to a business which already has a good market share in an existing market and therefore might need to introduce a new product for expansion. Often needed when a business has a good client base and understands their market.


Diversification

The fourth quadrant applies when the product is completely new and is being introduced into a new market.

Our approach to building value within your business is captured in our service process; we want to see you grow and develop; therefore, we are here to assist you in implementing the use of the matrix in support of your endeavours. If you want to learn more about how the matrix works, don't hesitate to contact one of our professionals.

Download PDF


    __________________________

    Find more information on how to use the matrix:  https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_90.htm

    Discuss Further?

    If you would like to discuss, please get in touch.


    Disclaimer

    The information provided in this article does not constitute advice. The information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your individual financial situation. It should not be used, relied upon, or treated as a substitute for specific professional advice. We recommend that you contact Brentnalls SA before making any decision to discuss your particular requirements or circumstances.

    MYOB accounting software logo
    January 26, 2025
    We have outline 9 benefits of MYOB.
    Image of australian dollar bills from $5 up to $100.
    January 19, 2025
    Significant changes to the Foreign Resident Capital Gains Withholding (FRCGW) regime will take effect on 1 January 2025.
    Vector image of hands held in the air holding resumes.
    By Sally Storey, Partner January 12, 2025
    While the initial wave of mass resignations during the Covid period has passed, the long-term effects on recruitment, retention, and overall workforce expectations still linger.
    More Posts
    Share by: