--- title: Indie coworking spaces need to show up boldly. Here’s how. description: Discover ten strategies for indie coworking spaces to stand out, build community, and thrive, as shared by expert Cat Johnson. image: https://www.coworks.com/hubfs/Indie%20Cowowrking.jpg --- false Cat Johnson # Indie coworking spaces need to show up boldly. Here’s how. [ L Walker ](https://www.coworks.com/blog/author/l-walker) May 5, 2025 --- Listen to this article! 3:05 ![Cat Johnson headshot](https://www.coworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Cat%20Johnson%20headshot.png?width=250&height=250&name=Cat%20Johnson%20headshot.png) In a recent edition of her *Coworking Letter*, community-building expert [Cat Johnson](https://catjohnson.co/) shared a rallying cry for independent coworking operators.  Her message?  **It’s time to raise the volume on what makes indie coworking so powerful—and so different.** We caught up with Cat to ask why she felt so strongly about sharing this list now. “Big-brand coworking gets the spotlight, but it’s the indie spaces and brands doing the real work, building community, supporting local economies, and creating belonging,” she said. “If we don’t tell our stories, no one else will.” Here are the ten strategies Cat recommends to strengthen your coworking brand while lifting up the entire indie movement. ### 1. Share your origin story across your channels Your roots matter. Let people know how your space came to be, who it’s for, and what inspired it. ### 2. Talk about your “why”—a lot Your mission isn’t a one-time statement. Weave it into your social posts, tours, newsletters, and onboarding. ### 3. Spotlight local wins from your members From product launches to press features, show how your space supports real growth in your community. ### 4. Share what makes indie coworking different Operators like Sarah Travers of [Workbar](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sarahetravers_oh-no-they-didnt-an-industry-giant-is-activity-7322948091974684672-Y4OJ/) do this beautifully. Independence means agility, local flavor, and deeper relationships. Say it out loud. ### 5. Pitch your story to local media Reporters are always looking for meaningful stories. You’ve got one. Lead with purpose, impact, and connection. Cat even did a workshop on educating your local community. Here’s the [recap](https://www.coworks.com/blog/leaders-share-edcuating-local-community-in-coworking-convos). ### 6. Emphasize the power of local dollars When members join your space, they’re investing in their own community—not sending profits to a corporate HQ. ### 7. Own your indie identity Don’t try to mimic the big guys. You're not like them—and that's your edge. Make that loud and clear. ### 8. Go all in on local programming You know your city better than any national brand. Use that knowledge to create events and content that resonate deeply. Check out some ideas for [events](https://www.coworks.com/blog/ideas-public-events-at-your-coworking-space) at your space. ### 9. Be real about who you are Authenticity wins. Don’t stretch to be something you’re not. Celebrate your quirks and your community. ### 10. Create a space that feels like home At the end of the day, people want to belong. Your brand isn’t just visuals and taglines—it’s how your members feel when they walk through the door. If this list resonates with you—and you’re not quite sure where to start—Cat offers one-on-one **Clarity Calls** to help operators get clear on their voice, brand message, and content strategy. “Sometimes you need someone to help you zoom out and see your bigger picture,” Cat told us. “A clarity call is a mini-strategy session. We uncover your unique story and how to tell it in a way that connects.” You can [book a clarity call with Cat](https://calendly.com/catjohnsonco/clarity-call-with-cat) here and start building a brand that not only stands out, but draws people in. **Because when indie coworking thrives, communities thrive.** [Cat Johnson](https://www.coworks.com/blog/tag/cat-johnson) ## Similar posts Cool Coworking Space Spotlight ### [Building bridges with Kricker Innovation Hub at Shawnee State University](https://www.coworks.com/blog/building-bridges-with-kricker-innovation-hub-at-shawnee-state-university) Kricker Innovation Hub is how Shawnee University activates its student and entrepreneurial community in Portsmouth, OH. See how the director makes it... L Walker Jun 3, 2024 Cool Coworking Space Spotlight ### [Muskegon Innovation Hub is fertile ground for entrepreneurs](https://www.coworks.com/blog/muskegon-innovation-hub-is-fertile-ground-for-entrepreneurs) The Muskegon Innovation Hub at Grand Valley State University underwent a radical transformation and now serves student and local Michigan... L Walker Jul 9, 2024 How to use Coworks Software ### [How it works: Discounts and promo codes for coworking spaces](https://www.coworks.com/blog/how-it-works-discounts-and-promo-codes-for-coworking-spaces) Discover how to use discount and promo codes to boost membership and community engagement in coworking spaces, creating flexible and targeted offers. L Walker Sep 26, 2024 ## Give yourself the tour then get in touch. [Watch A Demo ](https://www.coworks.com/watch-a-demo) ![](https://www.coworks.com/hubfs/Group2.svg) ![](https://www.coworks.com/hubfs/Group2eye.svg) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "L Walker", "url" : "https://www.coworks.com/blog/author/l-walker" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-05T21:35:42.498Z", "datePublished" : "2025-05-05T21:35:42.000Z", "headline" : "Indie coworking spaces need to show up boldly. Here’s how.", "image" : [ "https://www.coworks.com/hubfs/Indie%20Cowowrking.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.coworks.com/blog/indie-coworking-spaces-need-to-show-up-boldly.-heres-how", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.coworks.com/hubfs/Coworks%20Main%20Logo-1.svg" }, "name" : "Coworks" } } ```