Posted on May 15, 2025
Selling tickets for an event should be the easy part. But if you’ve ever dealt with messy spreadsheets, missed payments, or last-minute calls asking, “Where’s my ticket?”, you know it can get out of hand fast.
That’s why more event organisers are turning to online ticketing systems. These systems make it easy to create, sell, and manage event tickets from one place without confusion, delays, or paperwork.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create an online ticketing system step-by-step. Whether you’re hosting a corporate conference, a training session, or a live show, this post will help you get your ticketing sorted, clearly, securely, and professionally.
What Is an Online Ticketing System?
An online ticketing system is a digital tool that lets you create, sell, and manage event tickets through a website or app. Instead of printing physical tickets or tracking sales manually, you can do everything from one dashboard: ticket setup, payments, attendee info, and check-in.
Think of it as your ticket sales assistant. It keeps everything organised:
- It shows attendees how to register or buy tickets
- It collects their details
- It sends them confirmation emails and e-tickets
- It tracks how many tickets you’ve sold in real time
The best systems also offer extra tools, like QR codes for fast check-in, payment integration, and reporting features to help you understand what’s working.
You don’t need coding skills to use one. Most platforms walk you through the process, letting you build a simple registration page, set your ticket prices, and start selling in minutes.
Why You Need One for Your Event
Let’s face it, first impressions matter. Many attendees’ first experience with your event is the registration process. If that’s slow or confusing, it sets the wrong tone. A sound online ticketing system makes it easy for people to sign up and feel confident about attending.
Here’s why using one matters:
1. You Save Time
Manual tracking takes hours. An online system allows you to set it up once and let it run. You don’t have to send emails back and forth or worry about overselling.
2. You Look More Professional
When attendees get branded tickets, auto-confirmation emails, and calendar reminders, your event feels polished before it begins.
3. You Avoid Errors
No more double bookings or missing names. Everything is recorded in real time, so you always know who’s coming, what they paid for, and how to reach them.
4. You Make Better Decisions
The data you collect, such as how many tickets were sold, when people registered, and what types of tickets were most popular, helps you improve your next event.
5. You Keep Things Secure
With integrated payment gateways and digital check-ins, you reduce the risk of fraud or lost tickets. And yes, attendees will notice that too.
Learning how to create an online ticketing system that works smoothly from start to finish can transform the way attendees experience your events.
How to Create an Online Ticketing System (Step-by-Step)
An infographic showing how to create an online ticketing system
So, how do you set up a working online ticketing system for your next event? You don’t need to be a developer or hire a tech team. Just follow these steps:
1. Decide What Kind of Tickets You’ll Offer
Start with the basics:
- Will the event be free or paid?
- Do you need multiple ticket types (early bird, VIP, group passes)?
- Will there be limits on how many tickets each person can buy?
These details shape how your system should be set up. Knowing them early saves time and prevents rework.
2. Choose a Ticketing Platform or Tool
You have two options:
- Use an existing platform (like InEvent) that has everything built in: ticket types, payment processing, email confirmation, and check-in tools.
- Build your own (more control, but requires tech knowledge and setup time).
Choosing the right platform is one of the most important steps in understanding how to create online ticketing system that’s reliable and stress-free.
3. Create and Customise Your Ticket Options
Once you’ve picked a platform:
- Add your ticket types, prices, and availability windows
- Set quantity limits to avoid overbooking
- Add promo codes or discounts, if you’re offering any
Make sure the ticket descriptions are clear. People should know exactly what they’re paying for.
4. Set Up Secure Payment Integration
Allow attendees to pay online using trusted options like:
- Credit/debit cards
- PayPal
- Stripe
Always choose a payment method that supports your preferred currency and ensures secure transactions. Many ticketing platforms handle this part for you automatically.
5. Build a Simple, Branded Registration Page
This is where people will go to book tickets. It should include:
- The name and date of your event
- A clear explanation of each ticket type
- A “Register” or “Get Tickets” button that’s easy to find
Use your brand colours, logo, and fonts so the page feels consistent with your other materials. For events, check out our easy drag-and-drop website builder.
6. Collect the Right Attendee Information
Only ask for what you need. Most ticketing tools let you customise the form.
Examples:
- Full name
- Email address
- Job title or company name
- Dietary preferences (if food is included)
The simpler the form, the more likely people are to complete it.
7. Automate Email Confirmations and Ticket Delivery
Once someone registers, they should instantly receive:
- A confirmation email
- Their e-ticket (PDF or mobile format)
- A calendar invite (optional but helpful)
These emails can often be customised to include event info, contact details, and FAQs.
8. Set Up On-Site Check-In Tools
On the event day, you’ll need a fast way to check people in.
Your ticketing system should support:
- QR code scanning
- Real-time attendance tracking
- Badge printing (if applicable)
This helps you avoid queues, double check-ins, and confusion.
9. Track Ticket Sales and Make Data-Based Adjustments
From your dashboard, you should be able to see:
- How many tickets have been sold
- What types are most popular
- Who hasn’t completed registration yet
Use this info to send reminder emails, adjust pricing, or close off certain ticket types.
You might also like:
- How to Choose the Right Name Badge Printer for Events
- How to Promote an Event To Increase ROI
Features to Look for in an Event Ticketing Platform
Not all ticketing systems are built the same. If you want a tool that’s easy to use and makes your job simpler, keep an eye out for these features:
1. Easy Ticket Setup and Customisation
You should be able to:
- Create different ticket types
- Set limits and pricing
- Offer group discounts or codes
No coding needed. Just a clean, user-friendly interface.
2. Secure Payment Options
Look for built-in integrations with trusted providers like:
- Stripe
- PayPal
- Square
These make it easy for attendees to pay and easy for you to collect revenue securely.
3. Branded Registration Pages
You want your event to look professional. Choose a platform that allows you to:
- Customise your landing page
- Add images, colours, and branding
- Use your domain if possible
The registration page should feel like a natural part of your event, not a generic form.
4. Smart Email and Ticket Automation
Your system should send automatically:
- Confirmation emails
- E-ticket PDFs or QR codes
- Calendar invites and reminders
It saves you from manual follow-ups and ensures attendees feel informed.
5. Real-Time Reporting and Sales Tracking
See what’s working at a glance:
- Total tickets sold
- Revenue generated
- Best-selling ticket types
- Abandonment rates
This helps you make changes quickly, like adding an urgency banner if sales slow down.
6. Built-in Check-In and Badge Printing
On event day, your system should support:
- Mobile check-in tools
- QR code scanners
- Optional badge printers
This improves your front-desk experience and gives you live headcounts.
7. Integration with CRM and Email Tools
If you use software like HubSpot, Salesforce, or Mailchimp, choose a platform that connects easily. This allows you to:
- Send targeted campaigns
- Segment attendees
- Track post-event engagement
InEvent’s Online Ticketing Tools: What You Can Do
If you’re looking for a reliable way to manage event ticketing without getting buried in tech or admin work, InEvent gives you all the tools you need in one place.
Here’s what you can do with InEvent’s online ticketing system:
1. Create Flexible Ticketing Options
Whether your event is free, paid, or a mix of both, you can:
- Offer multiple ticket types (VIP, early bird, group passes)
- Limit availability by date or quantity
- Use promo codes and discount rules
- Enable waitlists when tickets sell out
Everything can be customised to match your pricing and access strategy.
2. Build a Branded Registration Experience
You don’t need a designer or developer to make it look good. With InEvent, you can:
- Use a drag-and-drop editor to build a landing page
- Add your logo, brand colours, fonts, and banners
- Embed registration forms on your website or email campaigns
This gives your attendees a smooth and familiar experience right from the start.
3. Collect the Right Data (Without Extra Tools)
InEvent lets you set up custom registration forms that collect precisely what you need, nothing more, nothing less.
You control the fields and the logic behind them, from job titles and LinkedIn profiles to meal preferences or session selections.
4. Accept Secure Payments and Automate Confirmations
Once a ticket is purchased, InEvent handles the rest:
- Sends confirmation emails instantly
- Generates e-tickets with QR codes
- Adds calendar invites and session links (for hybrid or virtual events)
- Supports secure payment integrations like Stripe and PayPal
No follow-up emails, no manual sending, everything is automated.
5. Manage Onsite Check-In and Badge Printing
On the event day, your team can:
- Scan QR codes with a mobile device or tablet
- Track check-ins in real time
- Print name badges on the spot (if needed)
You’ll always know who showed up, who didn’t, and when they arrived.
6. Track Sales, Revenue, and Attendance in One Dashboard
Want to know how your campaign is performing? InEvent gives you clear insights:
- Ticket sales in real time
- Revenue per ticket type
- Registration drop-off points
- Attendee breakdowns and engagement data
These reports help you learn and adjust before your next event even begins.
Final Tips to Maximise Your Ticket Sales
Even with the right tools, a few extra steps can help you fill more seats (virtual or physical) and boost results.
1. Start Early and Create a Deadline
Open your ticket sales well in advance. Then, set precise cutoffs:
- Early bird ends in 7 days
- VIP registration closes 1 week before event day
- Only 25 seats left
People respond to deadlines. Make sure they see them.
2. Use Social Proof
Share stats or testimonials:
- “Over 500 professionals already registered.”
- “Here’s what past attendees said.”
This builds trust and gives people a reason to commit.
3. Promote Across Multiple Channels
Don’t rely on one email or a single post. Share your ticketing page on:
- Email newsletters
- WhatsApp groups (if relevant)
- Your website and blog
Meet your audience where they already are.
4. Offer Group Discounts or Referral Rewards
Encourage bulk registrations by offering a discount for teams or friends.
Example: “Buy 3, get 1 free” or “Refer a friend, both get 10% off.”
It’s a small incentive that can lead to more sign-ups.
5. Remind People Without Spamming
Send gentle reminders before your ticket deadline.
Subject lines like:
- “Still thinking about joining us?”
- “This is your last chance to grab a spot.”
You don’t need to be pushy. Just helpful and timely.
Final Thoughts
Creating an online ticketing system doesn’t need to be complicated. Once you understand your event needs, the right platform can do the heavy lifting, from setting up ticket types to tracking attendance and revenue.
Whether you’re planning a small team event or a large conference, an online ticketing system gives you:
- More control over your setup
- A smoother experience for your attendees
- And real-time data to help you improve
If you’re ready to simplify your event planning and handle ticketing like a pro, InEvent has everything you need to make it happen.
Set it up once. Let it work behind the scenes. Focus on what matters: your event.
Related posts:
- 31 Event Management Tools for Any Organization
- What Are the 7 Stages of Event Planning?
About the Author / Chukwuebuka Mgbojikwe
