How to Fill Your Workshops + Retreats Without Posting Every Day: The Latina Entrepreneur’s Guide to Ads, Funnels + Freedom
If you’ve ever poured your heart into planning a beautiful workshop, retreat, or event…
…only to have one person show up then you are so not alone.
For years, I thought getting people to sign up was about posting cute Canva flyers, DM’ing everyone I knew, and praying that enough people would say yes.
Spoiler alert: they didn’t.
And even when they did, they ghosted. 😩
That all changed when I stopped relying on Instagram and started building a simple system: one that uses Facebook + IG ads, email automation, and a short funnel to attract qualified leads who were ready to sign up and show up.
In this post, I’m breaking down the 3-part system I now use (and set up for my clients) to fill events without burnout, chasing, or daily posting a method grounded in some of the best digital marketing strategies in 2025.
Whether you’re hosting wellness workshops, financial education sessions, community gatherings, or retreats this is your roadmap.
My Before + After: From 1 Attendee to a Waitlist
Let me take you back.
The first time I hosted an in-person workshop, I spent weeks preparing. I was excited. I made graphics. I posted on Instagram. I personally invited people. I followed up. I reminded.
And after all that?
Only one person showed up.
I made the most of it (because one person still deserves magic), but let’s be honest: it was a gut punch.
What made it worse? After the event, I got DMs saying “I forgot!” or “Wait, when was that?” or “Let me know next time!” 🙃
So I did it again. But this time, I did it differently.
I ran paid ads on Instagram and Facebook. I set up my ads through Meta Ads Manager. I built a funnel using kit.com. I added email automation to follow up.
And guess what?
I filled the room.
And the best part? I spent less time marketing and more time pouring into the experience.
This is the exact system I teach and I’m breaking it down below.
Step 1: Set Up Ads That Actually Convert
Before you run any ads, you need your foundation in place. Most people skip this and it’s why their boosted posts flop.
Here’s what you need to have ready:
A verified domain connected to your Meta account
Events Manager with your Pixel correctly installed
A clean, professional Meta Ads Manager setup (not just boosting posts from IG)
A clear ad goal — ideally to collect leads first, not make direct sales
When your setup is right, Meta rewards you with better performance, cheaper ad costs, and more reach. This is crucial if you’re enrolled in a Facebook Ads Course or exploring Facebook ads training for beginners.
Pro Tip: Use Kit.com to create simple, mobile-friendly lead forms and landing pages that sync directly with your CRM. It makes your funnel smoother and increases conversion rates. If your Instagram ads are not delivering, the right landing page setup with Kit can make all the difference.
Step 2: Build the Right Audience (Not Just a Big One)
This part is so important.
Most of us grew up thinking we need more followers, but you don’t. You need better ones.
You want people who: - Can afford your offer - Align with your values - Actually show up
That means: - Stop creating content just to entertain - Start creating messaging that filters for quality and readiness
Here’s a real-life example:
Crystal, a childcare business owner, was stuck. Her town was small, her schedule was full, but her marketing wasn’t converting.
Here’s what we did:
- Ran hyper-local Facebook ads
- Spoke directly to busy moms
- Used a lead form that led to an automated email sequence
Result: Fully booked daycare. Constant waitlist. More time. More peace.
She now regularly asks, “Where can I promote my event for free?” and pairs organic outreach with paid ads on Facebook for consistent success.
Step 3: Automate the Follow-Up
Most people lose leads after the signup.
They forget to follow up, or send one reminder and hope it works.
Here’s what to do instead:
Create a thank-you page with event details
Send a confirmation email right away
Add 2–3 reminder emails leading up to the event
Include value and encouragement in those emails, not just logistics
I use kit.com for my funnel setup because it integrates smoothly and keeps things simple. Whether you’re looking to promote your event online, your workshop, or training program this step is essential.
Pro Tip: Add a countdown timer or personal story in your reminders to boost excitement and reduce ghosting.
Bonus: From Tiny Following to Sold-Out Trips
Let’s talk about Mariza, founder of Amigas on Tour.
She had under 300 followers and was promoting her Peru trip with little traction.
Together, we launched:
- A lead-gen ad campaign with interest-based targeting
- A landing page with clear offer messaging
- Automated follow-up emails with social proof and urgency
Within 7 days, she booked her first client. Now her trips fill before she even posts them publicly.
She’s a living example of how to promote tour packages and travel experiences using the best digital marketing strategies for small businesses in 2025.
Recap: The 3-Part Event Funnel That Works
Set up your ads — Start with structure, not desperation. Whether you’re investing in a paid ads course or hiring a freelance digital marketing expert near you, start smart.
Target intentionally — Speak to the people who are ready now.
Automate your follow-up — Let your emails do the heavy lifting.
This system frees up your time, reduces your stress, and gives you confidence that your event is going to fill with people who are aligned and excited to be there.
Let’s Build Your Funnel Together
You don’t have to do this alone.
If you’re:
Tired of last-minute signups
Over daily posting - Ready to scale with systems
Then it’s time to get support.
✨ Book a free discovery call and get your personalized lead generation plan.
Let’s build the strategy that brings you ease, alignment, and a full room.