The Best Marketing Strategy For Your Mastermind Group To Go From Slow To Sold-Out

Feel like your mastermind isn’t growing even though you are working so hard? This one marketing shift could change everything.

If you’re running a mastermind and feeling like it's not growing as fast as you'd like, you’re in the right place. Finding the best marketing strategy for your mastermind can feel like a challenge with all the different tactics out there. But it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're experimenting with email marketing, live events, or Instagram stories, the key is figuring out what works best for you, your strengths, and the unique value your mastermind brings.

In this blog, we’ll show how you can choose the marketing strategy that aligns with your vision and goals. This comes from real-world insights from the six experienced mastermind hosts that I interviewed. From leveraging referrals to running Facebook ads, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. By the end of this episode, you’ll have clarity on which approach could help take your mastermind to the next level. Let’s talk about growing your mastermind in a way that feels both authentic and effective.

What Is A Mastermind Business Group?

Mastermind groups in the online coaching industry can have different connotations. They mean different things to different people. You can join several masterminds and have a different experience in each one. So first, let’s define what we mean by a “mastermind.”

A mastermind is defined as a group that gathers “like-minded professionals to get peer support, brainstorm ideas, and create accountability.” (Source: Science of People).

There is live interaction among all of the members. It’s not just a one-way like a traditional teacher-student scenario. You get the multiplier effect of not just working with one person; you get both peers and the leader guiding you.

“Everyone is sharing their experiences and expertise, not just relying on the leader to provide all of the value. It takes pressure off the leader and makes the program richer,” said Dallas Travers. She is the host of Coaches on a Mission podcast and leader of The Hive.

Business masterminds are often about more than just business. People are working through similar things in life, too. For example, Tricia Dege hosts the Mom Mastermind. She helps women change their perspective around the choices they have with work and motherhood.

Masterminds can take on different forms, depending on the goal. 

• Some will include a course as a supplementary resource, others do not.
• Some include a retreat experience, others do not.
• Some go through a curriculum, others do not.
• Some are capped at 20 people, others can be 150 people or more.

While there may not be a curriculum, masterminds should still have structure. It’s like agreeing to a code of conduct and other policies so people feel comfortable sharing and being real. 

Because often, if you share something that seems miniscule to you, “it’s actually really powerful for the whole group because we’re all sort of going through it in some way. It often ends up being the thing everyone gets the most out of,” said Lauren Armstrong, leader of the Projector Playground Mastermind.

What is the Primary Way You Market Your Mastermind?

There is no “right” way to market your mastermind. Every type of marketing “works”—you need to figure out what works best for you, your personality, strengths, and gifts. 

In fact, all of the contributors to the article market differently…and successfully! Here’s a look at a few of the different ways it can be done.

Email Marketing. Send regular, valuable content to your subscribers, and promote your mastermind to this engaged audience. Email marketing allows for personalized communication and is highly effective for conversion. One way to build your subscriber list through SEO and a small ad budget. SEO is free content that lives on your website, which can include blogs, embedded podcasts, and YouTube videos. These pieces of content link to a relevant lead magnet, which then builds your email list.

Get referrals. When your mastermind both gets results and is fun, then your members can become natural advocates. Encourage referrals by creating a referral program or affiliate system, rewarding members who bring in new participants.

Connect through IG stories. Utilize platforms like Instagram, particularly through stories and regular video content. Video allows your audience to connect with you on a personal level, building trust and rapport. Share insights, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and success stories related to your mastermind.

Run live events, like workshops and intensives. Hosting workshops, webinars, or intensives can be an effective way to showcase your expertise and the value of your mastermind. These events provide a platform for direct interaction with potential participants. 

Collaborate with others. Partner with others in your niche or industry. This can look like doing a freebie swap, running a workshop together, speaking on a podcast, or being a guest expert in their program. Leveraging each other's audiences can expand your reach and is a win-win for both of you. 

Run Facebook ads. Paid advertising on Facebook can be targeted to reach your ideal audience. You can run ads promoting your lead magnet, a Facebook group to nurture them and make sure they are a good fit before inviting them to join your mastermind.

Create a podcast. Hosting a podcast can position you as an authority in your field. Share valuable insights, invite guest experts, and mention your mastermind during episodes. Podcasting can help you reach a dedicated and loyal audience—and completely fill out your programs!

As you can see, the key to marketing your mastermind lies in finding the approach that aligns with your strengths and preferences—and that is why I created the 3M Funnel Roadmap, which is something I do on my Power Hours and with my DFY clients.

Rolling Enrollment or Launch Model?

There is no correct answer here—it depends on your goals and the environment you want to create. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of each so you can decide (or pivot to) the model that is right for you in this season. 

Pros of Rolling Enrollment:

• Flexibility: Rolling enrollment allows individuals to join when it makes sense for them, not when the cart closes, eliminating the urgency associated with fixed launch dates. 
• Continuous Growth: With rolling enrollment, your mastermind group can continuously grow. New members join as others complete their journey or leave, maintaining a dynamic and evolving community.
• Steady Income: This model often leads to a steady, predictable income stream since you're consistently bringing in new members.

Cons of Rolling Enrollment:

• Less Cohesion: Since members join at different times, there might be less group cohesion compared to a fixed cohort. It can be challenging to build the same level of intimacy and camaraderie among members.
• Management Complexity: Managing multiple entry points can be administratively complex. You'll need systems in place to onboard new members smoothly and integrate them into the existing group.

Pros of Launching:

• Intimate Cohorts: Launching involves forming cohorts with set start and end dates. This creates a strong sense of community, as members go through the program together, share experiences, and develop deep connections.
• Focused Attention: Members in a launch model receive dedicated attention during a specific time frame, making it easier for you, as the facilitator, to provide personalized support and guidance.
• Clear Milestones: The fixed duration of cohorts allows for clear milestones and goals. Members can see the progress they're making together.

Cons of Launching:

• Limited Entry Points: Launching means you have specific enrollment periods, which might not align with the timing of potential members. This can lead to missed opportunities if someone is interested but can't join during a launch period.
• Income Variability: Your income can be more variable with a launch model since it depends on the success of your launches. During non-launch periods, your revenue might dip.
• Pressure to Fill Cohorts: There's often pressure to fill each cohort to ensure a vibrant and engaging group. If you struggle with enrollment during a launch, it can be stressful.

Ultimately, the choice between rolling enrollment and launching depends on your goals, preferences, and the nature of your mastermind group. If you prioritize community cohesion and can handle the administrative aspects of rolling enrollment, it might be the right choice. On the other hand, if you want to create a sense of shared journey and can effectively market and fill your launches, the launch model might be more suitable. Some facilitators even experiment with a hybrid approach, combining elements of both models to find the right balance.

If you want to strategize your enrollment process and or get all the copy written for that, check out my Services Guide in the show notes to get started.

The Top 8 Most Common Problems That Masterminds Address

Here are some common problems that mastermind hosts often address:

1. Isolation: Many entrepreneurs and business professionals feel isolated and lack a supportive network. Masterminds provide a community where individuals can connect, share experiences, and find support from like-minded peers. Masterminds provide a safe space where participants can share their struggles, receive emotional support, and gain encouragement from others who understand their journey.
2. Accountability: Holding oneself accountable can be challenging, especially when working independently. Masterminds offer a structure that encourages accountability through goal-setting, progress tracking, and regular check-ins.
3. Lack of expertise: Business owners and professionals may face specific challenges for which they lack expertise or experience. Masterminds bring together diverse individuals with different skill sets, allowing members to tap into the collective knowledge and gain insights from experts in various fields.
4. Limited perspectives: When facing business problems, it's easy to get stuck in a narrow perspective. Masterminds provide a platform for participants to receive input and diverse perspectives from others, helping them see new possibilities and solutions.
5. Decision-making: Critical decision-making can be overwhelming, and having a group of trusted peers to bounce ideas off can be invaluable. Mastermind members can offer feedback, advice, and different perspectives to aid in decision-making processes.
6. Skill development: Masterminds often focus on personal and professional growth, providing a platform for skill development through workshops, presentations, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
7. Business strategy: Developing and refining business strategies is crucial for success. Mastermind groups facilitate strategic discussions, idea generation, and feedback, enabling participants to refine their business plans and identify growth opportunities.
8. Networking and partnerships: Mastermind groups foster connections and networking opportunities among members, leading to potential collaborations, partnerships, and business referrals.

Overall, mastermind hosts strive to create an environment that addresses the unique challenges and needs of their participants, fostering growth, collaboration, support, and problem-solving within the group.

The Best Marketing Strategy For Your Mastermind

Now that you know the best marketing strategies for your mastermind group that are out there…it’s time to decide which ONE is best for YOU. At the end of the day, finding the best marketing strategy for your mastermind is all about aligning with your strengths, the unique value of your group, and the needs of your audience. Whether it's through engaging email marketing, building relationships via referrals, or creating content that showcases your expertise, there’s no one-size-fits-all. The key is to experiment, find what resonates, and then refine it.

By embracing a strategy that feels authentic to you, not only will your mastermind grow, but it will also attract the right people—those who truly connect with your vision. As you've learned from the experienced hosts in this blog, marketing isn’t just about filling seats; it’s about building a community of aligned individuals who elevate each other.

Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Pick the strategy that excites you the most and start there. With consistency and heart, your mastermind can go from slow to sold-out in no time. If you're ready to feel more supported in marketing your group, download my services guide to craft and implement an intentional strategy that feels right for you!

Guest Contributors

Thank you to our guest contributors! 

Kate Kordsmeier

Lauren Armstrong

Jess Joswick

Tricia Dege

Dallas Travers

Selina Feng