Ansoff Growth Options Template
Copy this to record an evidence-backed Ansoff analysis. Every candidate move must answer "what documented signal says this demand exists?" — that single rule converts the matrix from wall art into an instrument. The risk gradient is law: penetration < market development ≈ product development < diversification. A diversification move rated low-risk needs extraordinary evidence.
Label every signal Fact, Inference, or Assumption. An honestly empty diversification quadrant is a finding, not a failure.
Template
# Ansoff Growth Options: [Company / Product Line]
**As-of date:** [YYYY-MM-DD]
**Current core:** [who is served, with what, at what scale — the axes are defined relative to this]
**Growth outcome sought:** [target + horizon, e.g. "+40% ARR in 24 months"]
## 1. Market Penetration (existing product, existing market — lowest risk)
- **[Candidate move]** — signal: [evidence, URL, label] — risk: [low/med/high, why]
- [2-3 moves]
## 2. Market Development (existing product, new market)
- **[Candidate move: segment, geography, or channel]** — signal: [evidence of underserved demand, URL, label] — risk: [rating, why]
- [2-3 moves]
## 3. Product Development (new product, existing market)
- **[Candidate move]** — signal: [expressed demand, VoC theme, competitor precedent, URL, label] — risk: [rating, why]
- [2-3 moves]
## 4. Diversification (new product, new market — highest risk)
- **[Candidate move]** — signal: [the extraordinary evidence this quadrant requires, URL, label] — risk: [rating, why]
- [1-2 moves; an empty quadrant is an acceptable answer]
## 5. Recommended Sequence (the "so what")
- **First:** [move] — because [evidence strength + funding logic]
- **Then:** [move] — funded/de-risked by the first
- **Not yet:** [the tempting move and why the evidence says wait]
- **The assumption that breaks this sequence:** [one line]
### Assumptions to Validate
- [Assumption 1]
- [Assumption 2]
- [Assumption 3]Quality checks before you call it done
- Every move cites a documented demand signal — no quadrant entries running on ambition alone
- Risk ratings respect the gradient; any exception carries the extraordinary evidence it demands
- Market sizes are flagged for
tam-sam-som-calculator, never invented inline - The sequence names a first move, its funding logic, and the one assumption that breaks the order