Your Guide to Starting a Coworking Space
- Written by NewsServices.com
In recent years, the coworking space industry has exploded. And it's no wonder why - coworking spaces offer entrepreneurs and small businesses a professional, inspiring environment to work in without the high price tag of a traditional office lease. If you're thinking of starting your own coworking space, you're in the right place.
Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to making your coworking space dreams a reality, perhaps with the help of commercial fit out companies in Brisbane.
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Decide on your target market
The first step to starting any business is understanding who your target market is. When it comes to opening a coworking space, there are a few different routes you can go. You can start a general coworking space that appeals to a wide range of professionals, or you can niche down and open a space that caters to a specific type of customer (e.g. freelancers, digital nomads, startup founders, etc.). Once you've decided on your target market, you'll have a much better idea of what type of space you need to lease and what amenities and services to offer.
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Find the perfect location
Not all locations are created equal - especially when you're looking for commercial real estate. When searching for the perfect spot for your coworking space, there are a few key factors you'll want to keep in mind:
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- The location should be easily accessible by public transportation and/or major highways
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- Ideally, it should be in a well-known neighbourhood or business district with plenty of foot traffic
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- The space should be large enough to accommodate your projected growth (you don't want to have to move again in six months!) but not so large that it's beyond your budget
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- The lease terms should be reasonable - you don't want to be locked into a long lease if the business doesn't take off as quickly as you'd hoped
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Arrange for a high-quality commercial fitout
Once you've found the perfect location, it's time to start thinking about the design of your space! If you're going for a more traditional office look, this step will involve hiring an architect and/or interior designer to help with the layout and design of the space. Be sure to factor the cost of furniture and equipment into your budget - you don't want surprises down the road.
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Promote, promote, promote!
Now that everything is up and running, it's time to start spreading the word about your new coworking space! Traditional marketing techniques like print advertisements, fliers, and word-of-mouth are always good options - but don't forget about digital marketing techniques like SEO and social media advertising. These days, most people find new businesses online, so it's important to make sure your website is optimised for search engines and that you have an active presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
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Offer outstanding customer service
Last but not least, remember that success in the coworking industry relies heavily on offering outstanding customer service. This means being responsive to member concerns and feedback, providing helpful services like mail hold and package receiving, stocking the kitchen with snacks and drinks, maintaining cleanliness throughout shared areas, and promoting community events. If you can provide exceptional customer service, chances are good that your coworking business will thrive!
Ready to get started?
Starting a coworking space may seem like a daunting task, but with careful planning and execution, it can definitely be done! By following the steps outlined above, you'll be well on your way to opening (and operating) a successful coworking business. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!