The coworking industry isn’t just a trend anymore—it’s a movement reshaping how people work. For freelancers, remote teams, startups and even big companies, shared workspaces are becoming the go-to choice for flexibility, community, and cost savings.
If you’ve been thinking about starting your own coworking space, now is a great time. But success doesn’t happen by accident. You need a clear plan, a welcoming environment, and a full-proof strategy to attract and retain members.
Here are some tips you can follow to build a coworking space people love—and keep coming back to.
- Evaluate the Demand and Choose Your Target Audience
Before you lease a building or buy furniture, you need to know if there’s a real demand for a coworking space in your chosen area. A beautiful office won’t pay the bills if no one wants to work there.
Start by doing market research.
- Check how many coworking spaces already exist nearby.
- Visit them as a guest to see what’s working for them and where they fall short.
- Use social media polls or online surveys to ask local professionals what they want in a shared workspace.
Define your audience clearly. Be clear if you’re aiming for remote tech workers, creative professionals like designers and writers, or small startups that need private offices. Your audience will influence everything—from your interior design to your pricing strategy.
When you understand the demand and who you want to serve, you can design a space that feels tailor-made for them.
- Decide Your Business Plan and Pricing
A coworking space is more than just a desk rental business—it’s a service model with multiple revenue streams. You need to map out your business plan early to stay profitable and competitive.
Here’s what to include in your plan:
- Membership options: Will you offer daily passes, part-time memberships, dedicated desks, or private offices?
- Pricing tiers: Research local rates and decide where you want to position yourself—budget-friendly, mid-range, or premium.
- Extra revenue sources: Think about stuff like meeting room rentals, event hosting, printing services, and even coffee sales, which can boost your income.
Be realistic about your costs and profit margins. If your prices are too high for your market, you’ll definitely struggle to attract members. If they’re too low, you won’t cover your expenses. A clear business plan keeps you focused and helps you adapt when the market changes.
- Find the Right Location and Negotiate a Fair Lease
Location is one of the most critical factors in the coworking business. The perfect space is the one which is accessible, visible and affordable for members.
When choosing a location, consider:
- Proximity to public transport so members can commute easily.
- Nearby amenities like coffee shops, lunch spots, and gyms.
- Parking availability for members who drive.
Once you find a space that fits your vision, negotiate your lease carefully. Landlords may be open to offering incentives like rent-free months, shared renovation costs, or flexible lease terms—especially if your coworking space will bring more foot traffic to the building.
Keep in mind that your lease will be one of your biggest fixed costs. Locking in fair terms from the start gives you more breathing room to grow your business.
- Design a Space People Want to Join and Stay In
The design of your coworking space isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly impacts productivity, comfort, and member satisfaction.
Create zones for different work styles.
- Quiet areas for focused work.
- Collaborative spaces with large tables for group projects.
- Breakout lounges for casual networking and relaxation.
Use natural light where possible, invest in ergonomic chairs, and choose durable, modern furniture. Plants, art, and color accents can make the space inviting without being distracting. Small touches like phone booths for private calls or a well-stocked coffee station can set your coworking space apart from the competition.
- Set Up the Right Tools and Systems to Run Smoothly
A successful coworking space is the one that manages your operations effectively. The right tools there help you save time, keep members happy, and avoid daily headaches.
Essential systems to put in place:
- Member management software for sign-ups, payments, and booking meeting rooms.
- High-speed internet with strong coverage across the entire space.
- Security systems like keycard access and CCTV for safety.
- Billing automation to avoid chasing payments manually.
These systems not only make your life easier but also create a smooth experience for your members, from their first tour to their daily work routine.
- Control Costs and Start Earning Before Launch
It’s tempting to overspend when you’re setting up a coworking space. However, if you want long-term success in any business, you must learn to manage your cost from day one.
Here are some tips to stay on budget:
- Start the space with essential furniture and equipment like chairs, desks etc, then upgrade as your membership grows.
- Consider second-hand or refurbished items to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
- Connect with local businesses for discounted stuff or sponsored amenities.
A great way to start this is to pre-sell memberships before your official opening. Offer early-bird discounts or lifetime perks to your first sign-ups. This gives you cash flow upfront and builds a committed member base before launch day.
- Build and Grow a Strong Community from Day One
People who join coworking spaces are not there for working on their desks like lone wolves, they’re looking for connection. The strength of your community will determine whether people stay for years or leave after a month.
Ways to foster community:
- Host networking events, workshops, or social gatherings.
- Introduce new members to others with similar interests.
- Encourage collaboration through shared projects or discussion boards.
The aura of your workspace should speak that you’re present and approachable. Your members should feel like you’re deeply invested in their success and they matter to you than monthly payments. A thriving community creates loyalty, which means lower churn and more word-of-mouth referrals.
Explore the Best Coworking Space in Town
Launching a coworking space requires planning, creativity, and the right support. You need to find the most suitable niche and create the space people love.
Ready to work in a place that inspires you every day? Join WorkPod and become part of a vibrant community where professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives come together to grow. We have flexible plans, modern amenities, and a supportive network. WorkPod offers a space perfect for your ideas.
Secure your spot today in Lahore’s best coworking space and start working the way you’ve always wanted.
