EP 289 Your Retreat Isn't the Problem. Your Messaging Might Be with Lucy Bedewi

You've created an incredible retreat.

 

Beautiful venue. Thoughtful itinerary. Amazing activities. Great food.

 

You post about it and people tell you:

 

"OMG, this sounds AMAZING!"

 

But they're not booking.

 

The problem might not be your retreat.

 

It might be your messaging.

 

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with brand messaging strategist and copywriter Lucy Bedewi, founder of My Write Hand Woman, to talk about the difference between words that sound pretty and words that actually make people take action.

 

Lucy has built her business around helping brands articulate what makes them different and create personality-packed messaging designed to sell, including sales pages that have generated six figures in revenue. mywritehandwoman.com

Your potential guest doesn't need another beautifully written paragraph about escaping the noise, reconnecting with their authentic self, and experiencing transformation in a magical sanctuary.

 

They need to understand:

 

Is this for me?

Do you understand what I'm struggling with or craving?

What will I actually get from this experience?

Why this retreat?

Why you?

And why should I book NOW?

 

Shannon and Lucy dig into retreat messaging, brand voice, benefits versus features, finding the language your customers actually use, personality in copy, AI-generated messaging, and some of the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make on their sales pages.

 

Because "That sounds amazing!" isn't the goal.

 

"This is for me. Where do I book?" is.

In This Episode You'll Learn

Key Takeaways

Good Writing and Good Copy Aren't the Same Thing

You can write something beautiful that does absolutely nothing for your business.

Good copy has a job.

 

It helps the right person understand what you're offering, why it matters to them, and what they should do next.

 

Your Retreat Isn't the Main Character

Your guest is.

 

Retreat leaders naturally want to talk about the venue, workshops, food, activities and itinerary.

 

But your potential guest is asking:

 

"What does any of this mean for ME?"

 

Your messaging needs to answer that.

 

Stop Selling Features

Morning yoga is a feature.

 

A sound bath is a feature.

 

Three nights at a gorgeous retreat venue is a feature.

 

The benefit is what those things allow your guest to feel, experience, change, or become.

 

That's what you're selling.

 

Specific Beats Pretty

Generic retreat language is everywhere.

 

Reconnect.

Transform.

Empower.

Align.

Heal.

 

They're not necessarily bad words, but without specificity, they tell your buyer very little.

 

Lucy emphasizes clear differentiation and articulating exactly why someone should choose your brand instead of leaving your value vague. mywritehandwoman.com

 

Personality Is Part of Your Brand

Your copy shouldn't suddenly sound like a completely different person because you're selling something.

 

The way you speak, think, teach, joke, challenge and connect can be part of what makes someone choose YOU.

 

AI Should Help You Sound More Like You, Not More Like AI

AI can be an incredible brainstorming and writing tool.

 

But generic input creates generic output.

 

Give AI your voice, opinions, stories, customer language, differentiators and point of view. Then EDIT.

 

"Sounds Amazing" Isn't Conversion

Compliments don't fill retreats.

 

If people consistently love the concept but don't take action, look at the messaging.

 

Do they know it's for them?

Do they understand the problem?

Do they want the outcome?

Do they trust you?

Do they understand what makes this different?

Do they know what to do next?

About Lucy Bedewi

Lucy Bedewi is the brand messaging strategist and copywriter behind My Write Hand Woman. She helps businesses develop clear, differentiated, personality-packed messaging and sales copy designed to turn potential customers into buyers.

Lucy has scaled her own business to multiple six figures, completed roughly 150 VIP copywriting days, and written sales copy that has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars. She is also the host of the Unicorn Messaging podcast. mywritehandwoman.com

 

Learn more about Lucy at My Write Hand Woman.

 

Instagram: @mywritehandwoman

LinkedIn: @lucy-bedewi

 

SPECIAL OFFER: Use code RETREAT for $50 off Lucy's event: https://www.theproximitymarketplace.com/ 

 

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

 

Join our Mastermind in Austin!

Learn to Host Retreats

Join our private Facebook Group

Get your legal docs for retreats

Join our LinkedIn Group

Apply to be a guest on our show

Get your retreat Audited. 

 

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

 

-------------

TIMESTAMPS

Meet Lucy, Messaging Strategist (00:00:50)
Lucy explains how messaging helps retreat leaders differentiate their offers and convert potential guests.

Effective Copy Versus Good Writing (00:02:11)
They discuss why copy should prompt action rather than simply sound beautiful.

Write for the Ideal Retreat Guest (00:04:11)
They explore focusing on guests’ needs and desired transformation instead of listing retreat features.

Specific Messaging and the Right Audience (00:05:26)
Lucy explains how precise language attracts suitable guests and avoids promising support for people the retreat isn’t designed for.

Using AI to Create Copy (00:07:23)
Lucy shares when AI can help with ideas and editing, and why authentic messaging needs human input.

Personality, Polarity, and Brand Trust (00:10:41)
They discuss how generic AI content and watered-down branding can undermine trust and repel ideal buyers.

Make Your Brand Attractive to the Right People (00:12:12)
Lucy encourages retreat leaders to stand by their values and use distinctive messaging to signal who their offer is for.

Retreat Leader Mastermind Announcement (00:13:15)
Shannon promotes her twice-yearly Texas mastermind, covering retreat business strategy and peer learning.

Let Your Content Attract or Repel (00:14:31)
They explain how authentic personality helps draw aligned guests and avoids trying to appeal to everyone.

Common Landing Page Mistakes (00:17:22)
Lucy says a landing page should create an online experience that reflects what guests will feel at the retreat.

What Positioning Means (00:18:16)
Lucy explains how to find a distinctive place in the market through an offer’s message, niche, and value.

Standing Out in a Growing Retreat Market (00:19:45)
They discuss increased competition and more discerning consumers making clear positioning especially important.

The Proximity Marketplace Business Carnival (00:21:45)
Lucy describes her Austin event, featuring interactive expert booths, one-on-one guidance, and an implementation lounge.

Why the Event Prioritizes Connection and Action (00:24:15)
They discuss the value of in-person conversations, collaboration, and completing practical work during an event.

Event Details and Listener Discount (00:26:08)
Lucy shares the November 12 Austin event details and a $50 ticket discount code for listeners.

Final Advice for Retreat Leaders (00:27:11)
Lucy encourages listeners to keep hosting retreats and embrace unusual ideas.