Let’s get something straight right away:
You do not need to be on social media to host a sold-out, profitable retreat.

Not now.
Not ever.

Listen, I’m 68 and have been in business since 1983, when I started practicing medicine. There was no internet back then. And I built a fabulous practice all through relationships and personal connections.

Of course, being on social media is a fast track to building your tribe. There’s no denying that!

However, if social media drains you… overwhelms you… or feels like a performance you never agreed to put on — opting out does not mean you’re doing something wrong. In fact, many retreat leaders thrive precisely because they refuse to play that game.

The key is understanding that retreats don’t fill because of algorithms. They fill because of relationships, trust, clarity, and genuine connection — and those things existed long before Instagram ever did.

Shift from “Visibility” to Presence

When you’re not on social media, the goal isn’t to be everywhere.

It’s to be present in the right places.

This means choosing environments where people are already curious and receptive to the kind of transformation your retreat shares. These are often slower, more intimate spaces — places where conversations unfold naturally, and trust builds quickly.

Think less “broadcasting” and more relational marketing, got it?

Focus on Depth, Not Volume

Without social media, your strategy shifts from reaching as many people as possible, to reaching the right people intentionally.

Instead of posting to hundreds or thousands of people who may or may not be paying attention, focus on a small, curated group of humans who already know you, trust you, or have expressed interest in working with you more deeply.

This often includes:

• Past clients and students
• Workshop or event attendees
• Warm leads who said, “Maybe later”
• Colleagues, collaborators, and referral partners

Your job is not to convince strangers.
Your job is to extend a clear, personal invitation.

The Power of the Personal Invite

If you only do one thing to fill a retreat without social media, let it be this: reach out personally.

This might look like:

• Thoughtful one-to-one emails
• Voice notes or short personal videos
• Phone calls or Zoom conversations
• Personalized messages that say, “I thought of you for this.”

This isn’t pushy. It isn’t awkward. It’s human.

For retreats especially, people often need to feel chosen, not marketed to. Personal outreach creates that sense of safety and belonging.

Speak Where Your People Already Gather

One of the most overlooked ways to promote a retreat — without social media — is speaking in aligned, real-world spaces.

This might include (depending on your niche):

• Independent bookstores (especially wellness, spirituality, or personal growth-focused)
• Libraries, community centers, or adult education programs
• Local wellness centers, yoga studios, or meditation spaces
• Nonprofits or membership-based organizations aligned with your work
• Business networking events

These don’t need to be big events. A short talk, workshop, or facilitated conversation on a relevant topic is often enough to spark interest. When people hear you speak and feel your presence, the retreat invitation becomes a natural next step.

Speak From Other People’s Stages

You don’t need to host your own event to be seen.

Speaking at someone else’s workshop, summit, conference, or community gathering allows you to borrow existing trust and place yourself in front of an already aligned audience.

This can look like:

• Guest teaching in another coach’s program
• Speaking at wellness or transformational events
• Leading a breakout session or experiential activity
• Being interviewed on stage or in a live setting

Often, retreat sign-ups don’t happen during the talk — they happen afterward, in conversations where someone says, “That retreat you mentioned… tell me more.”

Old-School Advertising Still Works (For Real.)

There is something beautifully effective about advertising where people already linger.

Many retreat leaders see excellent results from:

• Ads in local health food store magazines or community newsletters
• Flyers or postcards in bookstores, cafes, and wellness spaces
• Bulletin boards at yoga studios, co-ops, and holistic centers
• Local event calendars and free publications

These options are often cheaper, less competitive, and feel refreshingly human. The goal isn’t to say everything — just enough to spark curiosity and invite conversation.

Host Conversations, Not Campaigns

Instead of “launching” your retreat, start conversations around it.

You might host:

• A small in-person info night
• A living-room-style gathering
• A private Zoom Q&A or Ask-Me-Anything session
• A short experiential workshop tied to the retreat theme

These spaces allow people to feel into the experience, ask real questions, and build trust with you before committing. For many retreat leaders, this is where most sign-ups happen.

Leverage Word of Mouth — Intentionally

Word of mouth doesn’t just happen. It can be activated.

Let people know your retreat exists and invite them to share it with:

• Friends who would be a good fit
• Clients ready for something deeper
• Colleagues serving a similar audience

A simple ask like, “If anyone comes to mind for this, I’d love an introduction,” can open doors you didn’t even know were there.

Sheri’s Bottom Line

Refusing to be on social media doesn’t make you harder to find.
It often makes you more memorable.

Retreats are deeply personal experiences. They are sold best through presence, conversation, and trust — not constant social media ads.

So build your retreat around how you naturally connect.
After all, opting out of social media doesn’t have to be a limitation.
It can be a superpower IF you make it that way.♥️

With all my love, Sheri