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Social Media Decoded
Q&A: Selling, Events, and Next-Level Authority — How I Sold Out Retreats Using Instagram & Stories
00:08:48
In this episode, Michelle Thames answers listener questions on how to confidently sell, host successful events, and build next-level authority online. She shares her exact strategy for selling out multiple retreats using Instagram Stories—without a large following or paid ads.
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Michelle Thames
Again, I love to feature testimonials from past event attendees as story highlights and I like to show my face. Often people buy from people that they trust, and stories are the fastest way to build that trust. Here's a bonus tip. Save all of your stories related to your event in a highlight label retreat so that latecomers can still binge the content. Hey hey. Welcome to the Social Media Decoded Podcast, the Go to podcast for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to grow their brand, increase visibility and make more money without the overwhelm. I'm your host Michelle Thames, marketing strategist, business coach and the person who's here to give you the real no fluff strategies to help you succeed online. Each week I bring you expert insights, actionable tips, and real talk about what's actually working in social media and digital marketing. Whether you're just starting or scaling the six figures, you're in the right place. So grab your coffee or Matcha if you're like me and let's Dive into Today's Episode. Today we're doing a Q and A episode all about selling live events and how to use your authority to fill retreats and workshops. These are real questions that entrepreneurs like you have asked and I'm pulling back the curtain on what's worked for me, including how I sold out my retreats using just Instagram and Instagram stories. And yes, I'll share what I'm planning for my next event so you can come learn, connect and transform in person. So the first question is how do you sell out of your retreats without ads? Love this question. I get asked this every single time someone sees the photos of my sold out events. And here's the truth. 80% of my retreat sales came directly from Instagram, specifically reels and Instagram stories. I started planting seeds months in advance, I want to say six months out, talking about why the retreat would be transformational, who it was for and what people would walk away with. I used Countdown stickers, faq, some behind the scenes clips of me planning for the event, my previous events, and most importantly, I shared stories of past clients and past retreats. People don't just buy information, they buy transformation and community. Here's my tip. You want to start your promo early, show your excitement and create FOMO by highlighting what they'll miss if they don't come. The second question is how do you price and position a retreat or a live event so it feels premium? Great question. If you want people to pay premium rates for an event, you need to show premium value. Here's what I did. I clearly defined transformation. Not just what's included but what they'd walk away with. Clarity New Strategy Lifelong connections is what you get from our retreats. I created a limited intimate vibe. I cap retreats from six to eight people so each attendee gets personal attention. I also included bonuses like workbooks, follow up coaching and voxer and or slack access to add value beyond the weekend. I also positioned the event as the only opportunity for deep dive support at this level, creating some urgency. The next question that I received is what's your strategy for stories when selling an event? Here's the thing. Stories sale period. Okay, but only if you use them intentionally. So here's what I do. I like to use polls like would you come to a retreat in this place to start conversation months before even launching? I share planning and behind the scenes I share if I'm visiting any venues like for my events, travel prep and content ideas. Again, I love to feature testimonials from past event attendees as story highlights and I like to show my face. Often people buy from people that they trust and stories are the fastest way to build that trust. Here's a bonus tip. Save all of your stories related to your event in a highlight label retreat so that latecomers can still binge the content. The next question that I received is how can you use authority content to sell out of events or high ticket offers now? Great authority content bridges where your audience is now with where they want to go and positions you as the guy. Authority posts I use before launches go like this. It could be a myth busting carousel like three lies about building a profitable business. No one talks about reels explaining mistakes that your ideal client makes paired with your perspective lives or podcast episodes. Deep diving into the topics that your event will cover. The more your audience sees you as the expert, the more they will trust your event is the place that they need to come to get real results. And the last question that I received was what are you planning for your next event and why should we come? I am so glad you asked this. I am working on my upcoming in person event that's all about helping entrepreneurs just like you build authority, master visibility and leave with a clear action plan. And so the Elevate and Empower Live event is for women entrepreneurs and side hustle hustlers and those in leadership positions and roles who want to generate more income from their skills, right? It could be you want to do a consulting business. Maybe you have digital products. Maybe you have a digital marketing agency as well, and so you can expect a weekend full of powerful workshops, networking, collaborations, strategy sessions and a very luxe experience because you deserve more than just another boring business event where you're just passing out business cards. That is not what we're going to be doing at LFA and Empower. Okay, so if you want tickets to this event, it's happening November 1st, October 1st is the VIP night. We will be having a VIP dinner with the speakers and the sponsors and I'm super excited about that. And November 1st from 9 to 4 is the event day. If you are flying in. Yes, I have people flying in from Florida. I have people driving in from Missouri. I'm super, super excited. And so if you want to fly or drive in, I do have more information on the page where you can book an Airbnb. Hotels, airports, all the things. Okay, so DM me the word event on Instagram or get on the list. Okay, I want to share all the details with you. If you want, you know, to DM me on Instagram at Michelle Thames to get more information, I can send you the link so you can look at the VIP and also the tickets to the event as well for general admission. I will send those over. So one thing I know is that events can change everything. They change my life, my business, and the businesses of everyone who's joined me in person. Okay. Events. Getting in person, in the room is like no other. And if you want to master authority and visibility. Now, I don't want you to miss out on my free webinar happening on July 19, how to get seen and booked on Instagram, even with a small audience. Or you can go ahead and follow me on Instagram. Ichellelthames DM me the word challenge and get my free 7 day visibility challenge sent right to your inbox. Remember, your next level might just be one of in a way, let's make it happen. All right, that's a wrap on today's episode. You got some valuable insights and real strategies you can apply to your business right now. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love for you to do two quick things. First, take a screenshot, share it on Instagram and tag me Michelle L. Thanes so we can keep the conversation going. Second, if you found value in this podcast, it would mean the world to me if you left a rating and review on Apple Podcast or Spotify. Your support helps this show reach more entrepreneurs just like you. Oh, and if you want to support the show and fuel my matcha obsession, you can always buy me a coffee at the link in the show notes. Thank you for tuning in. Until next time, keep showing up, keep growing, and I'll talk to y' all in the next one. Peace.