How to Design, Promote, and Run a Workshop That People Will Love

Workshops are a brilliant way to share your expertise, connect with people, and grow your business. But planning and running one can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start—or how to make it worth your time and effort. Here’s a practical guide to help you create a workshop that feels well-organised, engaging, and valuable for everyone involved.

Step 1: Designing Your Workshop

A great workshop starts with good planning. Here’s how to lay the groundwork:

1. Know Your Goals

Be clear about what you want participants to walk away with—whether it’s a new skill, inspiration, or confidence in a particular topic. Once you’ve nailed this, plan your content to deliver exactly that.

2. Structure Your Time

Break your workshop into sections. For example, start with an intro, follow it with hands-on activities or learning segments, and leave time for a Q&A or wrap-up. This helps keep the session manageable for both you and your attendees.

3. Create Take-Home Materials

A manual, worksheet, or bonus resource can give people something to refer back to later. It’s also a subtle way to keep your name and business fresh in their minds.

4. Make It Interactive

No one likes to sit and listen for hours. Include opportunities for group discussions, hands-on tasks, or brainstorming exercises. It keeps people engaged and helps them feel like part of the experience.

Step 2: Pricing Your Workshop

One of the biggest challenges is setting the right price. It’s important to make sure your time and effort are valued. Here’s what to consider:

1. Calculate All Your Time

Factor in every bit of work you’ll do, including:

• Preparing your materials and content at home.

• Driving to and from the venue.

• Setting up and packing down on the day.

• The actual time you’ll spend delivering the workshop.

For example, if your workshop runs for two hours but you spend three hours prepping and one hour driving, that’s already six hours of work to account for.

2. Add Venue and Material Costs

If you’re hiring a venue, buying materials, or providing refreshments, make sure those costs are included in your price.

3. Consider Your Expertise

Your knowledge and experience are valuable! Don’t undervalue yourself—price your workshop in line with the skill or insight you’re offering.

4. Benchmark Against Others

Research similar workshops in your area to get a sense of what others are charging. This can help you find a competitive yet fair price point.

Step 3: Practicing Your Workshop

No matter how much planning you do, it’s hard to get everything perfect the first time. That’s where a practice run can make all the difference:

1. Run It With Friends or Beta Testers

Gather a small group of trusted friends, family, or early supporters to test your workshop. Offer it for free or at a discount in exchange for honest feedback.

2. Gauge Your Timing

One of the hardest things to get right is timing. Practicing will help you figure out how long each section takes—and where you might need to trim or expand.

3. Refine Your Delivery

Running through your workshop in a low-pressure setting lets you tweak your presentation style, improve clarity, and spot anything that doesn’t flow well.

4. Test Your Materials

Make sure everything—manuals, handouts, tech, or props—works as intended and feels valuable to your audience.

Step 4: Promoting Your Workshop

Now that your workshop is ready, it’s time to get people signed up.

1. Leverage Social Media

Share behind-the-scenes prep, teaser content, or testimonials from your beta test. Create buzz by posting regularly in the lead-up to the event.

2. Collaborate With the Venue

Ask the venue to share your event on their social media or with their mailing list. It’s a win-win for both of you.

3. Use Discounts to Drive Sign-Ups

Offer an early bird discount or bundle pricing if attendees book with a friend. These small incentives can make a big difference.

4. Promote Locally

For in-person events, put flyers in local businesses or community spaces. You can also ask neighbouring businesses to help spread the word.

Step 5: Running the Workshop

The big day has arrived! Here’s how to make it a memorable experience:

1. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere

Set up your space to feel inviting and professional. Use branded signage or simple decor to help people feel comfortable and connected to your business.

2. Bring Products to Sell

If you sell physical items, bring them with you. Set up a small display so attendees can shop during breaks. People are much more likely to buy in person when they’ve had a chance to engage with you.

3. Encourage Feedback

At the end of the session, display a QR code linking to your Google Reviews page. A simple ask like, “We’d love your feedback to help us grow!” can lead to valuable testimonials.

4. Offer Discounts for Attendees

Give workshop participants an exclusive discount for future events or products. It’s a great way to thank them and encourage repeat business.

5. Collect Emails

Use a sign-up sheet or QR code to gather attendees’ email addresses. Follow up with a thank-you note, extra resources, or news about upcoming events.

Step 6: Following Up After the Workshop

Keep the momentum going after your workshop ends:

1. Send a Follow-Up Email

Thank participants, share any additional resources, and remind them about your next workshop or offer.

2. Share Highlights Online

Post photos, quotes, or key takeaways on social media. Tag attendees (if they’re comfortable) and the venue to keep the buzz alive.

3. Build Your Community

Add attendees to your mailing list (with permission) and send regular updates about your business or future workshops. Keeping in touch is key to turning participants into loyal customers.

Final Thoughts

Workshops are a fantastic way to grow your business while making a real impact on your audience. By designing your content thoughtfully, practising with a test group, and promoting strategically, you can create an experience that’s both rewarding and professional.

If you need help planning or promoting your workshop, Yellow Zest is here to help! From design to marketing, we can make your event a success. Let’s chat about how we can work together.