by Every event organiser should know how to set up event registration. Since our readers come from all levels of event planning, we’ve created this guide for the uninitiated.
Read on to learn…
- What event registration software is
- Why you need it
- How to set up event registration in ten steps
- Tips for increasing registrations
What is online event registration software?
Many event organisers don’t have the time, expertise, or resources to set up fully fledged websites for their events. That presents a challenge when it comes to event registration.
Fortunately, there are a number of websites (like Billetto) that offer a solution to that problem. Online event registration sites allow you to create a landing page for an event, register attendees, sell tickets, and collect valuable data.
The best event registration websites also integrate with social media sites like Facebook. Many of them provide users with an app to manage their event bookings.
Your next event could break records
Create an event
What are the benefits of using online event registration sites?
It can get time-consuming and expensive to build a comprehensive, well-designed event website that offers the same functionality as free event registration software.
Here are just some of the many features you can expect from event registration sites:
- Create public and private events
- Set up a landing page with event information
- Set up waiting lists for big events
- Integrate with social media platforms like Facebook
- Add a website widget for event registration (e.g. WordPress)
- Create multiple ticket types, such as early bird
- Issue digital, printed, and mobile tickets
- Accept payment methods like credit cards and bank transfer
- Send out order confirmation emails
- Sell tickets on the door with the app
- Scan tickets and check-in guests with the app
- Get sales data and audience insights
… and much, much more. Make sure you check out all the features of different event registration apps before you commit to one.
Create an experience that inspires, connects and is remembered forever
Create event
How to set up online event registration in 10 steps
Now that you know what options you have for online event registration, let’s explore how you set it up to sell tickets for your event. We’ve put together a ten-step plan.
1. Identify your target audience
It’s important to think about your audience before you choose how to handle event registration. If they use Facebook, for example, you’ll need an event registration app that can integrate with it.
Tip: Read our guide on how to identify your target audience before you move on to step two.
2. Compare online event registration software
Once you know who you’re targeting and which features you need, you can pick a ticketing site. Make sure you look at other relevant factors, such as fee structure and online reputation.
Tip: We’ve already rounded up the best online event registration sites.
3. Create an account
Found the right app for you? Good. Now all you have to do is create an account. Most sites will offer free event registration as well as paid options.
Tip: Want to test it out? Head over to our sign-up page and create a free account with Billetto.
4. Create an event page
Create an event landing page and include as much information about the event as possible. Use the page to sell your event tickets and provide a call-to-action to maximise ticket sales.
Tip: Read our guide on how to write event copy to see examples of existing event pages.
5. Create your tickets
Once you’ve written killer event copy, you can create the tickets for the event. You can have free tickets, paid tickets, vouchers, early-bird discount tickets, last-minute sales, and more—depending on your needs.
Tip: Learn how to price tickets for your event to get maximum ROI.
6. Set up payment methods
Not all of your attendees will use the same payment methods. Make sure your app accepts bank transfers, card payments, and sites like PayPal. (Don’t forget to register your own details so you can get paid!)
Tip: See your options in our guide on how to accept online payments for events.
7. Register attendees
Now that everything is set up, you can direct your mailing list subscribers to your event page. You do have a mailing list, right? If not, now is a great time to start collecting email addresses.
Tip: If you’re just starting out, we’ve written a guide on how to build an email list.
8. Promote your event
It’s time to market your event…and boy do you have a lot of options here. You can hand out flyers in the streets, set up PPC ads on social media, run competitions, and much more.
Here are 10 ways to promote your event (click the link to read the corresponding guide):
9. Collect data and optimise
Once your event registrations start to pour in, you’ll get a wealth of data you can use to segment your audience, optimise your event, and sell even more tickets.
Tip: Learn how you can segment your target audience and retarget them with advertisements.
10. Build your brand and create awareness
With your event well underway, it’s time to look ahead. What will your next event be like? How can you make it bigger and better than this one? How can you reach more people next time?
Tip: Check out our guide on how to increase brand awareness to build your reputation.
How to increase event registrations
It’s all well and good to simply set up online event registration, but how do you get people to register? Here are a few final thoughts on how to boost event registration so you sell out the event.
Post and promote content
When it comes to increasing event registration, Facebook is one of the best marketing platforms. Promote images, videos, media mentions, competitions, and more to your audience.
Tip: Read about how you can use Facebook to retarget attendees who are on the fence.
Engage with your audience
The event truly begins well before its official date. Engage your audience from the first moment they hear about your event by asking questions and inviting them to participate.
Tip: Learn how to increase audience engagement before, during, and after your event.
Follow up after the event
The event isn’t over when the doors close. Now is the time to follow up, ask for feedback, and see how you can improve the next event to sell more tickets.
Tip: Use one of the many free event survey tools to gain audience insights.
Time to register
You now have a solid idea of how to set up event registration. Time to put it into action. If you know of any tips we’ve missed, feel free to share them in the comments below.