In today’s tough marketplace, gaining a competitive edge comes down to the little things. Whether you’re looking to draw in new customers or looking to attract high quality tenants to rent your commercial space, there are a few low cost upgrades you can do to boost the curb appeal.
#1 Throw up a fresh coat of paint
There’s nothing like a new coat of paint to freshen up an older building. It’s a small change that will feel like a drastic improvement to you. Plus, it showcases your commitment to making sure your property looks its best — attracting the attention of customers and tenants alike.
#2 Partner with a local artist
Lansing and many surrounding communities have thriving arts communities. If your business is well-situated for foot traffic and you have empty space on a brick wall, for example, consider partnering with an emerging local artist to have a mural painted on your building’s exterior or a sculpture placed in your building complex. These not only add some color and intrigue to your property’s facade, but attract the attention of people driving and walking by. Passers-by may even stop to grab a selfie, giving you an extra opportunity to stay top of mind for new faces in the community.
#3 Install low cost, low maintenance landscaping
We know that not everyone has a green thumb, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of greenery to give your commercial property an image boost. If a professional landscaping company is in your budget, consider flower gardens that bloom at different times throughout the year so you can maximize your appeal throughout the warmer seasons. If you’re looking for low cost and low maintenance options, consider evergreen trees, shrubs or bushes that require minimal upkeep. Use tarp and mulch to cut down on the need for frequent weeding.
#4 Add amenities
Your property’s exterior doesn’t need to feel like a park or recreation field, but something as simple as a bench or bike rack can make your property stand out from the crowd, feel more inviting and be accessible to a wider variety of people. Put some thought into how to make these spaces enticing for business tenants, employees and customers. Don’t just plop a picnic table down, but consider how it fits with current landscaping features and whether or not it will get enough shade during the day to be an enjoyable spot.
#5 Update your signage
Your exterior signage is like your business’ first impression. It makes an important statement about your brand, your style and how you carry yourself in the marketplace — factors that are essential for business success, whether your property serves business to business or business to consumer markets. Faded coloring, broken or weak back lights, or even an outdated design can make your business front look drab and uninviting. Update your building signage so that it accurately represents what your business does, is large, visible, and easy to read.
Think this doesn’t apply to you because you own a multi-unit commercial property for rent? Think again. Naming your business complex helps with your property’s overall branding, keeping you top of mind for potential tenants and giving you purpose and position in the marketplace.
At NAI Mid Michigan, we’re here to help your commercial property maximize operational performance because when our businesses succeed, our community succeeds. Call us today to find out how we can help you with your commercial property management needs.
