A soft opening is a great way to start building your community, offering your services and testing operations before your space is fully launched. You can begin attracting members, receiving feedback, and even generating revenue while final preparations are still underway. Here are several steps on how to get started.
1. Set up the essentials
Connect the payment gateway to enable seamless online payments for all services and products.
Connect the access control system to automate physical access to the premises, ensuring a smooth first experience for early members.
Configure the basic settings of your network and location.
2. Add hot desks
While your space is not open yet, you can allow booking for future dates:
Set all dates as closed in the location schedule until your official opening day to avoid confusion.
Create a daily hot desk on the Desks page.
Create a promo code for a trial day to attract people to visit your space for free for the first time.
Post a link to this desk with a promo code on your website, social media, and ads. Interested customers can book their spot directly through the member portal or mobile app.
If your space isn’t photo-ready yet, use temporary stock images for the app content to create a better visual experience.
3. Set up first membership plans
Launch with a couple of simple membership plans to test interest.
Create your first membership plans, which you will offer to the first members.
Set up a promo code to offer a percentage off or a free first month. You will use it to make your initial offer more compelling and encourage your first customers to sign up. Highlight this on your website and social media.
4. Build early community
Start growing your network of founding members before launch:
If you already know people interested in joining, invite them as members now. Offer them a special discount on membership plans as a thank-you for being early supporters.
Promote a link to your member web portal where users can submit a "Request to join". Follow up with special offers for early adopters.
Ask early members to share feedback or post questions so they feel involved in shaping the space.
5. Announce your grand opening event
Use the Events page to schedule an event for your space's grand opening.
Create an event and enable the "Joining" option to collect RSVPs.
Enable the "Confirmation email" and add a custom welcoming message, mentioning that attendees will receive an exclusive offer on membership plans during the event.
Promote the event link across your channels. This gives users a reason to discover your member web portal and engage now — even before you officially open.
6. Keep everyone updated with Feed
Use the Feed page to keep your first community engaged and informed.
Share progress photos, design previews, and setup milestones to build anticipation.
Let followers know when new desks, plans, or features become available.
Ask questions, post polls, and create excitement around your space.
7. Focus on simplicity and clarity
Your goal is to minimize friction. Make every step easy and intuitive for your users. Ensure they can:
Understand how and when they can join.
Book a desk or sign up for a plan by themselves.
Attend your grand opening and get early perks.