3 Common Mistakes That Prevent Retreat Leaders from Selling Out (and How to Fix Them)

Leading a sold-out retreat is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting transformation for your students and clients—and yes, it can also bring in a significant income boost for your business. (Which, let’s be honest, is helpful for all of us service-based entrepreneurs!)

But if that’s the case, why do so many retreat leaders struggle to fill their retreats and special events?

The truth is, there are a few avoidable beginner mistakes that I see time and time again—and they’re costing people their dream events.

Over the past two years, I’ve taught more than 4,000 retreat leaders worldwide, and I’ve seen clear patterns in what works—and what doesn’t. And I don’t want you to make the same missteps that lead to cancelled or half-filled retreats.

So let’s dive in.

Mistake #1: Planning a Retreat Before Building an Audience

One of the most common pitfalls is planning a retreat without first building an engaged, trust-filled audience. Retreats are high-ticket experiences, and without a warm audience that already knows and trusts you, selling them becomes significantly harder.

You don’t need a massive following—just a small, loyal community that loves your work.

How to Avoid This:

• Build your community through smaller offers like workshops, mini-retreats, or weekend events.

• Offer ongoing value through email newsletters, a private group, or consistent social media content.

• Engage regularly and genuinely. Your community needs to feel connected to you long before you ask them to invest.

Mistake #2: Not Planning Far Enough in Advance

I’ll say it loud: You need more time than you think to plan and launch your retreat. Rushing the process or promoting too close to the event date is one of the biggest reasons retreats don’t sell out.

People need time to arrange time off, save money, and plan their lives around your event.

How to Avoid This:

• International Retreats: Plan 12–16 months in advance.

• Weekend Retreats: Give yourself at least 4–6 months.

• Mini-Events: Plan at least a quarter in advance.

• Announce early and strategically. Share the right details at the right time to build anticipation and give your audience a chance to prepare.

Mistake #3: Not Following a Strategic Marketing Plan

Even with an audience and plenty of planning time, your retreat won’t sell out without a strategic and proven marketing plan. Spoiler alert: posting it on Instagram once and hoping people sign up isn’t going to cut it.

How to Avoid This:

• Create a comprehensive marketing plan that includes email campaigns, social media, content, and possibly paid ads.

• Map out your launch in phases, including a strong pre-launch and early bird period.

• Offer tiered pricing and time-sensitive bonuses to encourage early sign-ups.

• Track your results and be flexible. Adjust what’s not working and double down on what is.

Final Thoughts

By avoiding these three common mistakes, you’ll put yourself miles ahead of most retreat leaders—and dramatically increase your chances of leading a sold-out, transformational event.

To recap:

• Build a warm and trusting audience

• Start planning well in advance

• Follow a clear and proven marketing strategy

So, be honest—are you making one of these mistakes? Maybe even all three?

No shame—just awareness. And awareness is the first step toward shifting things.

✨ I hope these insights support you in your journey to create powerful, profitable, and soul-aligned retreats.

With love and a deep bow,
Brockell