Normalising a Circle That Didn’t Sell Out (And How to Grow Yours)
I ran a women’s circle over the weekend that didn’t sell out.
And you know what? I’m normalising that this happens sometimes!
Not everyone can make the exact date and time you set. Babysitters aren’t always available. People get sick. Life happens.
Guess what? I loved yesterday’s circle of seven women — and we had a fabulous time.
As I’ve shared before, small does not equal bad.
A Question I Get Asked Often
Recently, another facilitator asked me how she could promote her new circles.
So I wanted to share a few ideas with you too, in case you’re feeling a little stuck or unsure of where to start.
Simple, Heart-Centred Ways to Grow Your Circles
1. Attend local community events yourself.
Book tickets to other people’s offerings. This isn’t a quick-fix strategy — it’s about being part of your local community. If you want your circles supported, support others. Go to their yoga or dance classes. Make an effort and show up for their circles. Shop at their stores. Book a consult. Build real, genuine relationships.
2. Connect with other local business owners online.
Follow them. Share their work. Send them encouraging DMs. Do this without expectation — simply because their offerings resonate with you. I’ve always shared other women’s work, and it sets a tone of generosity. It also naturally leads to collaborations and mutual support.
3. Collect email addresses (with consent) and promote to previous attendees.
Circle regulars are more likely to return because they already know what to expect. Segment your emails so they feel personal and relevant. It’s can be more effective than trying to cut through the noise of social media.
4. Tell women about your next circle at the end of the current one.
Offer a return booking discount. Surprise your regulars with a free ticket occasionally. Show them they’re valued.
5. Run a bring-a-friend deal.
Women sharing your circles with their friends is the most powerful advertising there is. 2-for-1 deals work beautifully for this.
6. Share about your circle on Instagram more than once.
Yes, you’ll need to promote yourself more than you feel comfortable with. Use a mix of Stories, Reels, Carousels, and testimonials. Be ‘cringe’ (it’s not actually cringe). People need reminders. I can’t count how many times someone has said, “I forgot your circle was on — thanks for posting again!”
Use local hashtags like #ulladullacircle #ulladullawomen #southcoastnsw #southcoastwomenscircle.
Reframe selling as a service. If you don’t tell people about your circles, how will they find them?
7. Email local doulas, midwives, women’s health physios, and wellness practitioners.
Let them know you’re running circles. Ask if they’d be open to recommending you when their clients mention feeling isolated or needing community.
8. Test and tweak your copy and images.
Does your description reflect you? Is it clear and inviting? Would someone feel okay coming alone? Attending a women’s circle can be intimidating. Anticipate the nerves — speak to them in your promotions.
9. Optimise your website for local search.
If you have a website, use keywords like your location, women’s circle, themes, rituals, and activities. I call my circles Milton/Ulladulla Women’s Circles to reach a wider local audience.
10. List your event on Eventbrite.
People actively search Eventbrite for local events. It also provides an easy, secure payment system — essential for new attendees who don’t know you personally.
11. Create a Facebook event.
Even if you don’t use Facebook for much else, local event searches can bring new people in.
12. Share your event in relevant Facebook groups.
(Always check the group’s advertising policies first.) For example, we had a Wollongong region homebirth group with a Monday night ad hour — women booked my pregnancy circle through there.
13. Invest a small budget in Meta ads.
A little Facebook/Instagram advertising, with targeted location and interest settings, can get fresh eyes on your event. I ran a two-day ad and had 1500 views from new women outside my usual audience — and new bookings came through.
14. Ask your venue to promote your event.
If you’re hiring a space, ask them to share your event on their socials and newsletter. In return, share their events too. Be the community support you’d like to receive.
15. Put up flyers in real life places.
Health food shops, cafes, wellness centres, community noticeboards. Have a chat with the owner while you’re there — build connections in your town. If you want to build community, you’ve got to be part of it too.
Ready to Start Your Own Women’s Circle?
If this has sparked ideas or you’ve felt the call to create your own women’s circle, I’d love to invite you to join Together: Women’s Circle Facilitator Training.
It’s a warm, practical, self-paced program where you’ll learn how to create intentional, nourishing spaces for women — with confidence and authenticity.
You don’t need to be a certain kind of woman. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to feel the call.
