How to Create and Sell Online Tickets for Events

Selling tickets online is a key part of managing events in most industries. Whether it’s a gymnastics competition, a dance recital, or a local swimming event, having an efficient ticketing system can streamline the process for both organizers and participants.

Here’s a guide to help you create and sell online tickets effectively.

We’ll explore:

• How to Create and Sell Online Tickets for Events
• Payment Options
• Alternatives to Eventbrite
• Improving communications with attendees
• Attendance Tracking
• Improve ticket sale conversion rates

How to Create Online Tickets

Creating online tickets for your event starts with choosing the right platform. With a tool like Activity Messenger, you can integrate event ticket sales, surveys, marketing, and SMS communication with attendees.

1. Customize your tickets: Personalize your tickets, including the event name, date, time, location, and price. You can also add special instructions, such as “Bring your printed ticket” or “Scan your QR code at the door.
2. Set ticket types: Offer different ticket types based on age, seating, or group pricing. This is perfect for events like contests, where family packs, student discounts, or VIP options can drive sales.
3. Automate ticket delivery: Once a purchase is made, make sure tickets are automatically emailed or texted and include a QR code to scan at the door.

Payment Options

Offering multiple payment options can make the buying process easier. Here are some popular payment options for selling tickets.

1. Offline payments: Some customers may prefer to pay in person with cash. You can still issue tickets online by marking the payment as “pending” until you receive payment.
2. Credit cards: Offering credit card payments is essential for online ticketing. You can integrate with platforms such as Stripe to securely process your transactions.
3. Interac e-Transfer: Interac is a popular alternative to credit card payments for Canadian users that allows attendees to send money directly from their bank account.

Compare payment methods

(Activity Messenger vs Eventbrite vs TutuTix)

	Activity Messenger (Interac)	Activity Messenger (Credit Card)	EventBrite (Credit Card)	TutuTix (Credit Card)
Processing fees*	1%	3.9% + 0,30$	6,4% + 1,29$	5% + 1,00$
Payout	Instant	1-3 days	5 days	weekly
Settlement	Automated**	Automated	Automated	Automated

*Includes all fees charged by registration software.
**Activity Messenger is the only registration platform that can automate Interac settlements.

Alternatives to Eventbrite

Many event organizers rely on Eventbrite for ticketing needs. But if you’re looking for a more integrated and cost-effective solution, Activity Messenger is a great alternative.

Unlike Eventbrite, which focuses primarily on ticketing, Activity Messenger offers a complete event solution with email marketing, SMS reminders, surveys and waiver management all in one tool.

By using Activity Messenger, you can avoid Eventbrite’s higher fees, especially for smaller events.

Improving communications with attendees

Improving communication with attendees will help you deliver the best possible event experience. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Event reminders: Send reminders via email or SMS to ensure attendees have all the necessary details, such as time, location, and what to bring. Include a copy of the ticket to make it simpler the day of the event.
2. SMS for last-minute communication: For urgent updates or last-minute changes, SMS is a real-time tool that can instantly reach attendees wherever they are.
3. Post-Event Survey: Send a post-event survey to collect feedback and insights to improve future events.
4. Post-Event Marketing: Engage attendees after the event by promoting future events or special offers.

Attendance Tracking

By using the ticket QR codes and a smartphone, you can make attendance tracking effortless. No manual tracking or expensive ticket scan machine. All you need is a smartphone.

• Scan Tickets with a Smartphone: At the event entrance, simply scan attendees’ tickets using your smartphone. Each ticket has a unique QR code, making it easy to confirm attendance in real time. This will mark them as “checked-in” in the system.
• Track Attendance Data: Post-event, you’ll have access to detailed attendance records. This can help you analyze trends and improve future events.

Improve Conversion Rates

Improving the conversion rate of your event ticket sales is essential to selling out your events.

Here are some strategies to keep in mind:

• Early Bird Discounts: Create a sense of urgency by offering discounted tickets to early buyers.
• Social Proof: Share testimonials and success stories from past events to build credibility and excitement.
• Retargeting campaigns: Use email and SMS retargeting to remind potential attendees who have expressed interest but haven’t yet purchased. An abandoned cart automation can do this for you.
• A/B testing: Experiment with different email subject lines or ticket offers to see what resonates best with your audience.

Get started in a few minutes

Selling online tickets for your events doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right platform like Activity Messenger, you can create custom tickets, manage payments, track attendance, and market your event all in one place.

From offering multiple payment options to integrating QR code scanning and bulk SMS reminders, you have all the tools you need to ensure a smooth and successful event.