If you're managing a coworking space, you know the math: more members means more revenue, more energy, and more community.
But attracting and retaining members isn’t just about opening your doors and hoping freelancers and startups flood in. It takes a thoughtful mix of marketing, experience design, and community building.
Here’s a practical guide to help you bring more people through your doors—and keep them there.
Start with your current members
Before running new campaigns or spending on ads, start with the people already working in your space. Happy members are your best marketing asset. Ask them:
What made you join?
What do you love about this space?
What could be better?
Use their feedback to improve your offerings—and your messaging. Testimonials, referral programs, and member spotlights can go a long way in attracting new members. Plus, when members feel heard, they're more likely to stick around and invite others.
Clarify your niche
Trying to be everything to everyone is a fast way to blend in. Instead, lean into your unique strengths. Are you the go-to space for creatives? Remote tech workers? Local nonprofits?
Define your niche and tailor your offerings, events, and marketing to that audience. The more specific you are, the easier it is for potential members to see themselves in your space.
Make your website do the heavy lifting
Your website is your digital front door. Make sure it's welcoming and clear. At a glance, a visitor should know who your space is for, what amenities and benefits you offer, and how to book a tour or sign up
Include high-quality photos, member testimonials, and pricing. And make sure your call to action is loud and clear: Book a tour, Start your free trial, or See our plans.
Bonus tip: Add a chatbot or contact form so potential members can easily ask questions. Speed to response matters.
Use local SEO to your advantage
When someone searches "coworking space near me" or "shared office in [your city]," you want to show up. Local SEO can help.
- Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile
- Include your city and neighborhood in key website copy
- Ask members to leave reviews on Google
- Create blog content around local topics (like "best coffee shops near [your space]" or "why [your city] is great for remote work")
These small steps make a big difference in getting found online.
Host events that showcase your space
Events are a low-pressure way to bring new people into your space. Think:
- Open coworking days
- Networking happy hours
- Workshops or panels on remote work, startups, or freelancing
- Art shows or pop-up markets with local vendors
Invite members to bring guests. Partner with local organizations. These events not only fill your space, but they also build buzz and community. We actually have a ton more ideas!
Use software to create a seamless experience
Nothing kills the vibe faster than clunky processes. When someone wants to book a tour, reserve a conference room, or pay their invoice, make it easy.
That’s where coworking software like Coworks comes in. With Coworks, you can:
- Automate check-ins and room bookings (more on check-ins here)
- Simplify billing and invoicing
- Offer a mobile app for members to manage their experience
- Collect data on space usage to optimize layout and offerings
A smooth experience doesn’t just impress new members. It keeps existing ones happy—and that fuels retention and referrals.
Build partnerships in your community
You don’t have to do it alone. Local businesses, real estate agents, universities, and economic development groups can all help spread the word.
Create win-win partnerships:
- Offer discounts for students or alumni
- Collaborate with local cafes or gyms for cross-promotions
- Sponsor meetups or community events
- Provide day passes as prizes for local raffles or fundraisers
These partnerships help you tap into new audiences organically. And of course, we dive deeper in this article.
Create content that solves problems
Don’t just promote your space—provide value. Start a blog, newsletter, or social series that helps your ideal member thrive.
Topics might include:
How to find the right coworking space
Tips for staying productive as a freelancer
Best tools for remote teams
When you consistently provide helpful, local content, you build trust. And that trust can turn into memberships.
Make the tour experience unforgettable
When someone walks through your doors for the first time, they’re evaluating everything. Not just the layout or Wi-Fi speed, but the vibe.
- Greet them warmly (by name, if you can)
- Give a guided tour, not just a walkthrough
- Introduce them to other members
- Offer a free trial day if possible
First impressions matter. Make yours count.
Track what’s working—and what’s not
Marketing isn’t magic; it’s testing. Use tools like Google Analytics, email campaign data, and Coworks’ built-in reporting to track where leads come from, what content drives clicks, and which offers convert best.
Then double down on what’s working and tweak what’s not.
Growing your coworking space isn’t about chasing every trend. It’s about delivering a great experience, telling your story clearly, and making it easy for people to say yes.
You already have what people need: a place to do meaningful work, around other great humans. Now it’s just about getting the word out—and making the welcome warm when they show up.
Want to see how Coworks can help? Book a demo today and discover how the right tools can help attract the members you need to grow your community.