Planning an event comes with a long to-do list, and one of the most important decisions you'll make is which ticketing platform to use. The right platform can streamline your planning process, improve guest experience, and even boost your ticket sales. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for your event?
Here’s a breakdown of what to consider when choosing the best ticketing platform:
1. Know your event goals and needs
Before diving into platforms, get clear on what your event actually requires. Think about:
- How many attendees you expect
- Whether it's a free or paid event
- If you need multiple ticket types (e.g., VIP, early bird, group rates)
- Seating arrangements: General Admission or Reserved Seating
- Access control: Will you need scanning tools or QR code guest check-in?
Understanding these details will help you filter out platforms that don’t meet your needs.
2. Look for an easy-to-use interface
You shouldn’t need a tech degree to set up your event page. A good platform will let you:
- Build and publish your event quickly
- Make updates easily
- Monitor sales and performance in real time
Remember, it should be just as easy for your guests to use; simple checkout processes lead to more completed purchases.
3. Mobile-friendly is a must
More than half of ticket purchases are made on mobile devices. Make sure the platform offers a seamless mobile experience for both buying tickets and checking in guests at the event.
4. Customisation and branding
Being able to customise your event page helps build trust with potential attendees. Look for platforms that allow you to:
- Add your logo and brand colours
- Include custom ticket types and pricing options
- Personalise confirmation emails and messages
5. Transparent fees and secure payments
Pricing models vary between platforms, some charge per ticket sold, others have monthly plans. Make sure you understand:
- What you’ll pay per ticket or per event
- What your attendees will pay (any extra service fees?)
- Whether payments go straight to you or through a third party
Security is also key. Choose a platform that offers reliable, secure payment processing.
6. Marketing and analytics tools
A ticketing platform that integrates with your marketingtools can save time and help you sell more tickets. Look for features like:
- Email list integration
- Promo codes or referral tracking
- Social media sharing tools
- Real-time reporting and attendee data
7. Customer support that actually helps
Even the best systems can hit a snag. Choose a platform that offers solid customer support, ideally with dedicated account management, quick email response time, and a phone number so you can get hold of someone. Check reviews or ask other organisers about their experiences.
If you're still exploring your options, Emma is certainly one platform worth looking at. We offer customisable ticketing, mobile check-in, flexible pricing, and a clean, intuitive interface. Whether you’re running a larger-scale award show or multi-day conference, it’s worth checking out.
There’s no one-size-fits-all ticketing solution. The best choice depends on your event size, goals, and specific needs. Focus on finding a platform that works for you, not just the most popular name out there.
When done right, ticketing can be more than just a sales tool, it’s the first touchpoint of your event experience.
About the author
