Your Retreat Website Should Attract or Repel—Nothing in Between

Retreat Planning Tips

Shannon Jamail

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Shannon Jamail

She is a best-selling author, podcast host, retreat leader, therapist turned mentor, Yoga Teacher trainer, and tequila connoisseur (not really, but she does enjoy sipping on a good pour).

Your website is more than just a digital brochure—it’s a filter. It should either attract your ideal retreat guests or repel those who aren’t the right fit. If it’s trying to please everyone, it’s likely resonating with no one.

The best retreat leaders are crystal clear about who they serve, and their website reflects that. This clarity helps fill retreats with aligned participants while weeding out those who may not be the right fit—saving you time, energy, and effort.

Why Your Website Should Repel Some People

That might sound counterintuitive. Why would you want to repel anyone when you’re trying to fill retreats?

Here’s the truth: Not everyone is your ideal guest. If you market your retreat as a space for deep spiritual healing, but someone is looking for a party weekend, they’ll end up dissatisfied, and so will you. The wrong participants can shift the energy of your retreat, drain your time, and even lead to negative reviews.

By making your messaging super specific, you ensure that only the right people feel drawn in—and the wrong people self-select out.

How to Use Website Copy to Attract & Repel

Your website copy should speak directly to your dream guest while subtly (or boldly) signaling to others that this isn’t for them. Here’s how:

Speak Directly to Your Ideal Retreat Guest

Your messaging should feel like a conversation with the exact person you want at your retreat.

Example of strong, clear messaging:
“This retreat is for women ready to reconnect with their inner power, deepen their spiritual practice, and break free from limiting beliefs. If you’re craving a peaceful escape with soul-nourishing workshops, sacred ceremonies, and like-minded women, you’re in the right place.”

+ This messaging attracts someone who is open to spiritual growth.
– It repels someone looking for a party weekend or casual vacation.

Be Clear About Who It’s NOT For

A powerful way to repel the wrong audience is to boldly state who your retreat is NOT for.

Example:
“This retreat is NOT for you if you’re looking for a generic getaway with sightseeing and tourist attractions. This is a deep, immersive experience designed for women ready to do the inner work.”

+ This sets expectations upfront and prevents misaligned guests from signing up.

Use the Right Tone & Vibe

The tone of your copy is just as important as the words themselves.

  • If your retreat is about empowerment and bold action, your copy should be strong and direct.
  • If your retreat is about peace and healing, your copy should be soft and inviting.

Example of a bold, high-energy retreat website:
“Are you ready to finally break free from the patterns holding you back? This retreat is for women who are DONE playing small and are ready to step into their full power. If you’re craving massive breakthroughs, adventure, and deep transformation, apply now!”

Example of a calming, healing retreat website:
“Escape the noise and reconnect with your true self. This retreat is a sanctuary for women who desire peace, reflection, and renewal. Through gentle yoga, guided meditation, and nature immersion, you’ll leave feeling refreshed, centered, and deeply restored.”

+ The first example attracts high-energy, action-oriented women and repels those looking for relaxation.
+ The second example attracts those craving peace and repels those looking for intense breakthroughs.

Use Images That Reflect Your Retreat Vibe

Your website images should visually reinforce who your retreat is for.

  • If your retreat is adventurous, use images of women hiking, doing aerial yoga, or in high-energy group settings.
  • If your retreat is serene, use images of soft candlelight, women meditating, peaceful landscapes, and slow, intentional movement.

This ensures that visitors feel the experience before even reading the details.

Make It Clear How People Can Work With You

Once you’ve attracted the right people, make it easy for them to take action.

  • Have a clear call to action (CTA): “Apply Now,” “Book Your Spot,” “Join the Waitlist.”
  • If your retreat requires an application, let them know why“We keep our groups small to ensure a high-quality, personalized experience.”
  • Make it obvious where to go next—don’t make them hunt for the next step!

Final Thoughts: Clarity Over Catch-All Marketing

The strongest retreat websites aren’t afraid to filter out the wrong audience. Instead of trying to attract everyone, they speak boldly, clearly, and intentionally to their dream guests.

If you’re struggling to fill your retreats, take a look at your website. Is your messaging clear? Does it immediately attract the right people while repelling the wrong ones? If not, it’s time to refine your copy and align it with your mission.

The clearer you are, the stronger your brand—and the easier it becomes to fill your retreats with the perfect guests.

Are you ready to refine your retreat marketing? Shoot us an email: would in**@mi**************.com.”>love to help!

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