Find Tenants for Your Commercial Space

If you’re a commercial property owner, figuring out how to find tenants should be one of your top priorities as a property investor or owner. After all, without tenants, you won’t have any income from your property. Finding ideal commercial tenants can be tough, but it is critical to the success of your properties, but it doesn’t have to be. Below I go over my top 25 effective ways to find the best tenants for your commercial property investment.

Key Takeaways

  • Finding suitable tenants is vital for commercial property investment success and generating income.
  • Leveraging online platforms, hiring commercial real estate brokers, networking, and utilizing email marketing are effective strategies for reaching potential tenants and maximizing visibility.
  • Offering flexible lease terms, shared amenities, and referral rewards can make your commercial space more appealing to potential tenants, leading to long-term tenant retention.

#1 List Your Commercial Space Online

The first step to finding tenants is to list your commercial property online. There are a number of different websites that allow you to list your property, including Loopnet, Crexi, Property Shark, Craigslist, and more. Be sure to include plenty of photos and detailed information about your property.

These websites allow users to search by a variety of different criteria, such as location, price, square footage, and more. By listing your property on these websites, you’ll ensure that it’s seen by a large number of potential tenants. Be sure to include all the relevant information about your property.

Include photos and detailed information about the property, such as:

  • Square footage
  • Type of business that would be a good fit for the space
  • Include any special features or amenities
  • Additional details about the property type
Find Tenants for Your Commercial Space

#2 Hire A Commercial Real Estate Brokerage Firm

If you’re not comfortable listing your property yourself, you can hire a commercial real estate broker. The broker will list your property on their website and on the major listing websites. They will also actively market your property to potential tenants.

Hiring commercial real estate brokers is a good option if you don’t have the time or knowledge to market your property yourself. They can also provide you with advice on how to market your property and what type of tenants you should be targeting. They also have a good idea of how other properties in the area are being marketed and what type of tenants they are attracting.

However, it’s important to note that these firms typically charge a commission, which is typically a percentage of the lease value. When considering whether or not to hire a commercial real estate broker, be sure to factor in the cost of the commission.

#3 Networking

Business networking is another great way to find tenants for your commercial property. Networking can significantly boost your career or business. For instance, networking stats in Q1 2023 show that 37% of job seekers searched for job opportunities by asking for referrals and checking their current network.

Meanwhile, in 2022, a massive 54% of hires came from referrals. If you have connections in the business community, be sure to let them know that you have space available for lease. You never know when someone might be looking for a new space for their business.

In addition to networking with people you already know, you can also attend local business events. These events are a great way to meet new people and make connections. You can also hand out business cards with information about your property.

Some good business networking events to attend include Chamber of Commerce mixers, business association meetings, and trade shows.

#4 Email Marketing

Email marketing is a great way to reach a large number of prospective tenants quickly. In fact, 87% of marketers said email marketing is critical for their company’s success. You can use an email marketing service, such as Active Campaign, or Mailchimp, to create and send professional-looking emails. Be sure to include information about your property, such as photos, square footage, and rental price.

You can also use email to keep in touch with current tenants and ask them for referrals. If you have a good relationship with your tenants, they may be willing to help you find new tenants.

In addition to emailing prospective tenants, you can also email local businesses that may be looking for a new space. Be sure to include information about your property and why it would be a good fit for their business.

#5 Place High-Quality Signage On The Property

If your commercial property investment is visible from the street, be sure to place high-quality large (4’x4′ if possible) signage on the property. This will help attract the attention of potential tenants who are driving by.

According to Custom Neon, their polls found that high-quality signage greatly benefits businesses by attracting clientele, cultivating brand identity, and improving public perception.

Your signage should reflect your professionalism. It should display your company logo and the words “For Lease.” You can also include your phone number and website address. If you have a broker, you can include their information as well.

By adding this information, you strengthen the importance of having high-quality signage and the benefits it can bring to your commercial property in terms of attracting potential tenants and improving the overall perception of your property.

#6 Direct Mail or Brochures

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Another way to reach prospective tenants is through direct mail. You can send out postcards or flyers to businesses in the area, letting them know that you have space available for lease. Be sure to include information about your property, such as square footage, rental price, and any special features or amenities.

According to Postcard Mania, these statistics show that when direct mail and digital advertisements are combined, the business will yield an even higher response and return on investment! On average, direct mail campaigns that included digital links yielded a response rate increase of nearly 9% in relation to static campaigns.

If you’re not comfortable designing your own materials, you can hire a graphic designer to create a professional-looking direct mail piece.

If you want to take things up a level, you can direct people to a landing page or make use of trackable phone numbers so that you can see exactly how many people are responding to your campaign. This will help you figure out the ROI on your advertising spend.

#7 Offer Them an Irresistible Location

The way you position your offer is also critical. You should try to make it as irresistible as possible for prospective commercial tenants.

Some things you can do to make your offer more attractive include offering a free month of rent, discounted rent for the first year, or a mention of included amenities like parking or storage.

You should also highlight any unique features of your property that make it stand out from other commercial spaces. For example, if you have a lot of natural light, high ceilings, or a prime location, be sure to mention those things in your marketing materials.

#8 Secure the premises

Oftentimes, potential tenants are looking for a space that is safe and secure. They want to know that their employees and customers will be safe when they are on the premises.

One way you can show potential tenants that your property is safe and secure is by investing in security features. These features can include security cameras, alarm systems, and security guards.

Other properties in the area may not have these features, which can make your property more attractive to the right tenant.

Find Tenants for Your Commercial Space

#9 Offer building-wide High-Speed Internet & Wifi

In today’s world, businesses need high-speed internet and wifi to function. Many potential tenants will not even consider a space that does not have these amenities.

If you want to attract tenants to your commercial space, be sure to offer building-wide high-speed internet and wifi. You can promote this amenity in your marketing materials and on your website.

#10 Offer Flexible Lease Terms

Another way to attract potential tenants is by offering flexible lease terms. Many businesses are looking for space that they can lease for a short period of time, such as six months or one year. This gives them the flexibility to move if their business grows or changes. By offering flexible lease terms, you will be able to attract a wider range of businesses.

#10 Provide shared amenities

Another way to make your commercial space more attractive to commercial tenants is by providing shared amenities. These amenities can include a conference room, kitchen, gym, or lounge area.

By offering these amenities, you will be able to attract businesses that are looking for a more complete package. If you do this, a commercial tenant is more likely to renew their lease when it expires.

#11 Provide parking

Another amenity that businesses are looking for is parking. If you have a parking lot or garage, be sure to promote it in your marketing materials. You can also offer discounts for local businesses that lease space in your commercial building.

By offering parking spaces, you will be able to attract businesses that are looking for a convenient and affordable place to park.

#12 Offer referral rewards

If you have happy tenants in your commercial space, be sure to let them know that you appreciate their business. One way you can do this is by offering referral rewards.

Referral rewards can include a discount on the tenant’s next month’s rent, a gift card, or a free month of rent. By offering referral rewards, you will be able to encourage your tenants to spread the word about your commercial space.

#13 Survey your tenants

One way to find out what your tenants want and need is by surveying them. You can use a paper survey or an online survey tool, such as SurveyMonkey.

Be sure to ask your tenants about their overall satisfaction with the commercial space, their likes and dislikes, and any suggestions they may have for improvements. The survey results can help you make changes that will attract new tenants.

If you hire a property management company, have them send out the surveys for you. This will save you time and ensure that the surveys are sent to all of your tenants.

#14 Enhance The Interior and Exterior

If you want to attract new tenants, it is important to keep your commercial space in good condition. Be sure to regularly clean and maintain the interior and exterior of the building. You should also make any necessary repairs in a timely manner. In addition, you may want to consider enhancing the interior and exterior of the building. The will be additional costs, but it could be worth it if it helps you attract an ideal prospective tenant.

#15 Be Searchable Online

In today’s world, potential tenants are searching for commercial space online. Be sure to create a website for your commercial space and list it on online directories. You should also create social media accounts for your commercial space and promote your listings on these platforms.

#16 Engage Tenants in Conservation Efforts

Engaging tenants in conservation efforts is a great way to reduce expenses and show that you care about the environment. There are many easy ways to engage tenants in conservation efforts, such as providing recycling bins, encouraging the use of energy-efficient equipment, and offering incentives for conserving electricity. Some potential tenants might be interested in leasing space in a commercial building that is taking steps to protect the environment.

#17 Leverage Your Anchor Tenant

If you have an anchor tenant in your commercial space, be sure to promote it. An anchor tenant is a large and well-known tenant that occupies a significant amount of space in a commercial building.

The presence of an anchor tenant can make your commercial space more attractive to potential tenants. The anchor tenant can also provide support and stability for smaller tenants in the building. Also, they can help smooth out the leasing process with new tenants.

#18 Facilitate Cost-Savings

One way to attract tenants to your commercial space is by facilitating cost savings. There are many ways to do this, such as offering discounts on rent, providing energy-efficient equipment, or offering incentives for conserving electricity. Some potential tenants might be interested in leasing space in a commercial building that is taking steps to save them money.

#19 Understand Your Market

When you are marketing your commercial space, it is important to understand your target market. Who are you trying to attract? What do they need and want? What are their budget considerations? By understanding your target market, you will be able to create a more effective marketing strategy. You will also attract tenants that are a good fit for your commercial space long-term.

#20 Get Involved in the Community

One way to attract tenants to your commercial space is by getting involved in the community. There are many ways to do this, such as hosting events, sponsoring local teams or organizations, or participating in community service projects. Getting involved in the community can help you build a positive reputation for your commercial space. It can also help you attract potential tenants who are looking for a space in that community.

#21 Focus on Tenant Retention

Another important way to attract prospective tenants is by focusing on tenant retention. If you have a high turnover rate, potential tenants will be less likely to lease space in your commercial building. There are many ways to improve tenant retention, such as providing a good mix of amenities, offering competitive rates, and maintaining the property well. You can also focus on creating a community in your commercial space. This can help tenants feel more connected to the space and less likely to move out.

#22 Door knocking

Door-knocking is a great way to get in front of potential tenants and promote your commercial space. When door-knocking, be sure to dress professionally and have information about your commercial space available. You should also be prepared to answer any questions that the potential tenant may have.

#23 Cold calling

You might not think that cold calling will work in today’s high-tech world, but it can still be an effective way to reach potential tenants. A Keller Center Research Report from Baylor University analyzed more than 6,000 real estate cold calls and concluded that only 28% were answered, with just 1% converting to appointments. Digging into the study deeper, however, shows findings that support the fact that cold calling still has value.

When cold-calling, be sure to have information about your commercial space and your elevator pitch ready. You should also be prepared to answer any questions that the potential tenant may have.

By adding this research finding, you acknowledge the challenges associated with cold calling while still emphasizing its potential value in reaching prospective tenants. This provides a more balanced perspective and encourages readers to consider cold calling as part of their tenant acquisition strategy, despite the low conversion rates.

#24 Promote Your Commercial Space on Social Media

Social media is a great way to promote your commercial space. Be sure to create social media accounts for your commercial space and post regularly about your listings. You can also use social media to engage with potential tenants and learn about their needs.

#25 Provide a Tenant Improvement Allowance

Many businesses want a space that they can personalize to their liking. If you wish to attract these sorts of tenants, consider giving them a tenant improvement allowance (TIA). A tenant improvement allowance is money given to the renter by the landlord to assist them in customizing the space. Painting, signage, and adding new flooring are all possibilities with this funding.

Bonus tips: Follow up quickly

I know far too many business owners and commercial investors who never return phone calls. When you are marketing your commercial space, it is important to follow up quickly with potential tenants. If you take too long to respond, they may move on to another space. You should also be transparent about the prices, amenities, and features of your commercial space. Be sure to include all of the important information in your marketing materials.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Tenant Acquisition Strategies

To help you better understand the impact of various tenant acquisition strategies, we’ve compiled a table that rates their effectiveness and highlights the key benefits of each approach.

Tenant Acquisition StrategyEffectiveness Rating (1-5)Key Benefits
Listing Online4Reaches a wide audience, allows for detailed property information
Hiring a Broker4Professional expertise, targeted marketing
Networking5Personal connections, referrals, high conversion rates
Email Marketing3Cost-effective, targeted campaigns
High-Quality Signage4Attracts local attention, builds brand identity
Direct Mail/Brochures3Targeted local outreach, can combine with digital marketing
Offering Incentives4Attracts tenants, encourages long-term leases
Providing Amenities4Attracts high-quality tenants, encourages lease renewals
Community Involvement3Builds positive reputation, attracts local tenants
Tenant Retention Focus5Reduces turnover, attracts new tenants through referrals

FAQs

What is the most effective way to find commercial tenants?

Networking is hands-down the best way to find quality commercial tenants. By tapping into your personal connections and encouraging referrals, you’ll likely see a higher success rate compared to other strategies.

How can I make my commercial property more attractive to potential tenants?

To attract top-notch tenants, consider offering flexible lease terms, providing sought-after amenities, and keeping your property in tip-top shape. Offering a tenant improvement allowance can also be a game-changer for many businesses looking to customize their space.

Should I hire a commercial real estate broker to help find tenants?

If you’re short on time or not confident in your ability to market your property effectively, bringing a broker on board can be a smart move. They bring a wealth of expertise and can help you target the right audience for your space.

How important is online visibility when seeking commercial tenants?

In today’s digital age, online visibility is absolutely essential. Most potential tenants start their search online, so make sure to list your property on popular websites and consider creating a dedicated website to showcase your space in the best light possible.

What role does community involvement play in attracting commercial tenants?

Getting involved in your local community can do wonders for attracting commercial tenants. It helps build a positive reputation for your property, shows you’re invested in the area’s success, and can help you connect with potential tenants who are already active in the community.

The Bottom Line

As property owners, attracting and retaining tenants for your commercial space is critical for the success of your business. There are many ways to attract quality tenants, such as promoting your space on social media, door-knocking, or providing a tenant improvement allowance. By following these tips, you can find the best tenants for your properties.

This will improve your property occupancy and attract new tenants. By filling your space with quality tenants, you will not only improve your bottom line but will also contribute to the success of your community.

If you need to help you find commercial tenants to find commercial space, please contact me. I have the experience and resources to help you find the right tenants for your space.

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