What marketing approaches effectively pre-lease industrial buildings during construction?

Hello LandBank

Effective marketing approaches for pre-leasing industrial buildings during construction require a proactive, multi-channel strategy that combines targeted outreach, visibility-building, and stakeholder engagement. The goal is to secure tenants well before the building is completed, minimizing vacancy risk and accelerating revenue generation upon handover.

Here are the most impactful approaches:

1. Targeted Tenant Prospecting

  • Direct Outreach to Key Sectors: Focus on logistics, e-commerce, 3PLs, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing firms aligned with your site’s features.
  • Database Marketing: Leverage industry databases, broker networks, and CRM systems to contact site selectors, corporate real estate heads, and supply chain managers.
  • Built-to-Suit Offerings: Promote custom-fit design flexibility for long-term leases, highlighting readiness to accommodate specific operational requirements.
  • Lead Time Alignment Messaging: Market the project’s delivery timeline as strategically aligned with tenant expansion or relocation plans.

2. Broker and Industrial Park Partnerships

  • Broker Incentive Programs: Offer competitive commission structures and early commitment bonuses to commercial real estate brokers.
  • Co-Branding with Industrial Parks: If located within a recognized industrial zone or cluster, co-market with the park developer or association for enhanced reach.
  • Broker Open Houses and Site Tours: Host events at the site with visual construction progress updates and 3D walkthroughs of the final layout.
  • Broker Toolkits: Provide digital brochures, construction timelines, layout plans, and zoning permits in a ready-to-share format.

3. Digital and Visual Marketing Assets

  • 3D Renderings and Virtual Tours: Use high-quality architectural visuals, drone videos, and VR simulations to showcase the facility before completion.
  • Website and Landing Page: Develop a dedicated, mobile-optimized project page with specs, downloadables, FAQs, and inquiry forms.
  • Digital Ads and SEO Campaigns: Run geo-targeted campaigns on LinkedIn, Google, and industrial real estate listing platforms.
  • Construction Updates and Time-Lapses: Share progress regularly on social media and email newsletters to build trust and anticipation.

4. Signage and On-Site Promotion

  • Large Site Banners and Hoardings: Place prominent signage with project highlights, leasing contact details, and QR codes for virtual tours.
  • Visibility from Roadways: Ensure signage is placed to attract drive-by industrial traffic and potential operators scouting locations.
  • Temporary Marketing Offices: Set up a branded sales container or booth on-site with staff to handle inquiries and walk-ins.

5. Public Relations and Institutional Engagement

  • Press Releases and Media Coverage: Announce project milestones, anchor tenant signings, and key construction phases to business media.
  • Chamber of Commerce and Trade Bodies: Engage with local business associations to access relocation leads or cluster-based tenant prospects.
  • Industrial Trade Shows and Expos: Showcase the facility at targeted events with a focus on warehousing, logistics, or manufacturing infrastructure.
  • Incentive Highlighting: Promote tax benefits, SEZ status, or other regulatory incentives tied to the site location and leasing terms.

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