Sell Fundraiser Tickets Online: Strategies + Best Practices

Choose a ticketing platform that meets your event’s needs. Consider factors such as user experience, cost, and integrations. If you’re selling tickets online and IRL, a platform that handles both is key.

Things to think about as you choose your events platform:

• Interface: Ensure the platform simplifies event setup, ticket sales, and registration. If team members are helping, make sure you can manage access and permissions.
• Cost: Look beyond fees—consider the value you receive. Then, choose a platform that aligns with your financial constraints.
• Integrations: Does the platform seamlessly link with your existing systems? Consider APIs or integrations for efficient data management.
• Scope: Opt for a platform that can grow with you and accomodate events of all sizes.
• Ticketing ability: If  your nonprofit hosts galas and banquets, your platform should accomodate reserved seating, banquet seating, and table sales. Additionally, to help you sell as many tickets as possible, you’ll want your platform to enable a variety of ticket types.
• Support: Is the platform’s customer support accessible? Do they understand events? Are they there for you throughout the event process
• Event day: Ensure the platform offers dependable service. Can all your event day-of helpers access the guest list and check people in if there’s no WiFi?

Your event page is the gateway to your charity event’s existing and potential donors. Use it to present your cause and the event compellingly.

Event page essentials:

• Clear information: Ensure all essential event details are prominently displayed.
• Storytelling: Include images and text that capture your mission.
  
• Easy ticket purchase: Make the process clear and secure for ticket buyers. Give everyone the option to buy digital or printed tickets. Provide information on how people can buy tickets in person.
• Mobile: Many will access your page on their mobile devices. Be sure your event page is mobile-friendly!

Ticket pricing isn’t just about numbers—it’s a strategic tool that impacts your event’s success. Whether through early bird discounts, ticket bundling, or VIP packages, a tailored ticketing approach will help fill seats fast.

Ticket type basics:

• General admission: This baseline ticket is the entry point for budget-conscious attendees.
• VIP tickets: Elevate the experience. VIPs enjoy exclusive perks, such as reserved seating, backstage access, or meet-and-greets.
• Group tickets: Families or friends can purchase tickets together at a reduced rate.
• Special ticket types: Offer discounted tickets to specific groups, such as early bird tickets, student pricing, or special tickets for long-time donors.

Develop an event promotion strategy to reach potential attendees wherever they are.

Here’s how to maximize your impact:

• Your website: Create a dedicated event page. Include essentials such as the date, time, location, and performers. You’ll also need to add a strong call-to-action to buy event tickets. If possible, embed your platform’s ticket sales widget on your site.
• Email campaigns: Segment your messages based on past attendance, donation history, and interests. In your emails, emphasize how attending contributes to your cause. Don’t forget to incorporate eye-catching visuals!
• Social media platforms: Share updates and testimonials from previous attendees. Generate FOMO by reminding people when ticket types are on their way out. For example, if you offer an early bird ticket price, count down to the day that deal is over!
• Print and digital marketing: Place ads on relevant websites and social media platforms. Order printed posters and postcards with QR codes that direct people to your event page. Mail postcards and distribute posters throughout your community.

People attend fundraising events for a reason. Access that and you’ll increase sales. So, don’t just ask people to buy tickets—show them why they should want to! People buy event tickets because they’re passionate about a cause or it sounds like a great time.

When selling fundraiser tickets, emphasize both:

• Experience: Describe what attendees can expect. Highlight speakers, entertainment, and any unique features. In other words, make sure to communicate just how great your event is!
• Impact: Remind potential attendees that purchasing a ticket supports your mission. If you’re using the money for specific things, such as clothing for interviews, communicate that! Directly connect how purchasing event tickets makes a difference.

FOMO is a powerful thing. Whether through limited-time offers or word of mouth, you want people to feel like they just can’t miss your event.

Inspire fear of missing out through:

• Social proof: Share images and videos of past events on social media. Highlight moments of joy, engagement, and community. Potential attendees want to see real people having a great time while making a difference.
• Limited-time offers: Create early bird discounts or other temporary promotions. Encourage immediate action by emphasizing scarcity.
• Flash sales: Surprise your audience with sudden, short-lived discounts. A “24-hour flash sale because it’s Friday!” will help prompt immediate action.
• Scarcity messaging: Use phrases like “Limited time!” or “Seats filling up fast!” to remind people time and space are limited.
• Corporate packages: Help companies with their CSR commitments by targeting businesses.
• Community organizations: Partner with local clubs, schools, or nonprofits. Bulk ticket purchases, as well as other organizations and people advocating for your cause and event, create a sense of community support.

Attendee registration and data collection enhance event planning and lay the groundwork for future fundraising success. So, treat attendee data as a goldmine—it holds the key to building lasting connections with your supporters!

Here’s why efficient guest registration and data collection are key:

• Streamlined check-in: A smooth check-in process sets the tone for the entire event. QR codes on event tickets and mobile check-in mean shorter queues.
• Accurate count: Knowing your numbers and who’s checked in helps with things like seating arrangements and resource allocation.
• Enrich your donor database: Every attendee is a potential supporter. Collecting their information—names, emails, affiliations—adds valuable data to your donor database. Use this data for future fundraising campaigns, personalized outreach, and relationship building.
• Understanding preferences: Analyzing attendee data reveals insights into your audience. Knowing the age, location, and interests of your supporters will help you better tailor how you communicate.
• Post-event follow-up: Send personalized thank-you messages to attendees. Express gratitude for their support. You can also gather insights into their experience. What worked well? What can be improved?

In-person ticket sales ensure your event is accessible to all.

• Leverage your network: Empower volunteers and staff to sell tickets within their circles.
• Set up shop: High-traffic areas like local businesses and community events are prime real estate for ticket booths. You can also partner with local businesses to promote ticket sales.
• Offer incentives: Encourage immediate ticket purchases through early bird specials, group rates, and promo codes.
• Sell tickets at the door: By selling tickets on-site, you can create more opportunities for participation in your fundraising event. This approach allows for spontaneous additions and makes it easier for groups to join in.