TLDR: how does one garner interest for a local co-working space before actually signing a lease, building out a space, etc?
There has been a thread or two regarding co-working spaces after MMM got his up and running. I think based on scratching my own itch of wanting an inexpensive spot (<$200) to hunker down and work from a few times a week my growing town might have a need. Nearest true co-working spots are 30-45min away (we-work type spots with open areas, conference access, break room, etc.). Currently there are a couple mom and pop type executive office suites with 20-30 small private offices that for the most part run at what I've observed to be near 100% occupancy with wait lists. I was in one of these but the cost, while reasonable (about $350/month including internet) they had really no vibe or shared desk spaces for freelancers. Catered mostly to independent attorneys, insurance agents, etc.
I think the market might be too small for a franchise co working company to come in but I think the numbers could work if I were to operate this as a small business. FYI, commerical rents in the area run around $15/sq foot.
How does one start a venture like this? I'm thinking a space like this could use a couple anchor tenants with private offices and then have a number of inexpensive memberships for drop in's.
Any ideas on starting a type of presale list? Facebooks/Google ads to collect potentially interested freelancers? Simple landing page type website with an artist rendering of the type of space I'm going for?