How Can Coworking Spaces Attract More Customers?
The coworking culture has rapidly grown in recent years. Many young professionals are now choosing to rent coworking spaces rather than traditional offices. This is because coworking spaces offer more flexible and affordable options and attract more customers who work remotely or have freelance jobs.
There are quite a lot of reasons why people choose to cowork. For some, it is a way to save money on office rent. For others, it is a way to meet like-minded people and build a community. Regardless of the reason, it’s clear that the coworking trend is here to stay.
As the need for coworking spaces grows, so does the competition among space owners. Coworking space owners must employ strategies to set their space apart in order to attract more customers.
Strategies That Can Help Coworking Spaces Attract More Customers
As per Statista’s global coworking space statistics, currently, there are about 28,552 spaces worldwide, and they anticipate that the number will grow to 41,000 by 2024. Therefore, to remain competitive, coworking space owners must find ways to stand out from the crowd.
Here are four strategies that can help:
Offer membership perks and discounts
Whenever a potential customer considers joining a coworking space, they will likely compare each space’s membership benefits and discounts. These benefits and perks can range from free coffee and tea to discounts on event space rental. Try to make the unique coworking benefits the USPs of your space. Other than standard amenities, offering something different like a hammock, a massage chair, or a library can be real USPs.
So you’ll have to leave the brick-and-mortar thinking behind and design your space in a way that becomes an experience in itself. Additionally, you can take a tour of some of the most popular spaces in your area to get some ideas. The more spaces you explore, the more ideas you’ll have to club together.
Provide a sense of community and belonging
As we mentioned above, one of the main reasons people cowork is to meet like-minded individuals and build a community. Therefore, it is essential for owners to provide a sense of community and belonging within their space. You can execute this in various ways, such as hosting events, starting clubs or interest groups, or simply promoting a collaborative environment.
When potential customers see that your space focuses on fostering relationships and building a community, they will be more likely to join. Retention will also be higher and they will stay for a longer time.
Increase online presence and visibility
In order to attract more customers, it is crucial to increase your coworking space’s online presence and visibility. This can be done by creating a website and social media accounts and regularly posting relevant and engaging content.
Additionally, optimizing your website for search engines (SEO) will help potential customers find your space when searching for coworking options in their area.
You can also increase your visibility by partnering with other businesses in your area or by hosting events that will bring people to your space. For example, you could host a group meetup or a networking event.
Also, keep in mind the Google for Business page, which includes opening hours, a phone number, an email address, and website information. While looking for a coworking space in your area, Google venue can give you more backlinks and bring people to your page.
Modify your membership plans
Tailor your membership plans according to the needs of your target market. For example, if your space is geared towards digital nomads, you could offer a membership plan that includes worldwide access to all of your spaces. Or, if your space focuses on entrepreneurs, you could offer a membership plan that includes access to business resources and mentorship programs.
Further, there are many people who look at some flexible plans on offer. They could be for shorter terms, daily or weekly access, or even a few hours. If you offer such plans, the radius of your targeted market can increase exponentially.
Create referral programs and attract more customers
You might have seen referral programs in many coworking spaces, and there is a reason behind it. When someone refers your space to their friend or acquaintance, they are essentially vouching for your space. This is a proven way to attract new customers as it adds a personal touch and provides social proof.
You can create referral programs in many ways. One way is to offer discounts or freebies to members who refer someone. Or you can give a percentage of the referred person’s membership fee to the referring member. Additionally, you can also offer a combination of both. Find what works best for your space and roll out the referral program accordingly.
Conclusion
These are some strategies you can use to attract more customers to your coworking space. Keep in mind that it is important to constantly evolve and adapt your strategy according to the needs of your target market. By doing so, you’ll be able to ensure that your space is always relevant and appealing to potential customers.
