How to Sign Up for Event Ticketing Software: Complete Setup Guide
A step-by-step tutorial for event organizers getting started with ticketing platforms
Signing up for event ticketing software is the first step toward successful ticket sales, but the setup process can seem overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from initial registration to selling your first ticket.
Before You Start: What You'll Need
- Event details (name, date, location, description)
- Ticket pricing strategy (types, prices, capacity)
- Business/payment information (for payouts)
- Brand assets (logo, colors, images)
- Email address for account creation
- Domain name (if using custom domain)
Step 1: Choose Your Platform
Research and Compare Options
Before signing up, evaluate platforms based on:
- Pricing structure: Percentage fees, flat fees, monthly costs
- Customization: White-label options, branding control
- Features: Mobile apps, analytics, integrations you need
- Support: Response times, availability, documentation
Use comparison tools and request demos to see platforms in action before committing.
Pro Tip
Many platforms offer free trials or free tiers. Start with a free account to test the interface and features before upgrading or committing to a paid plan.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Account Registration
Most ticketing platforms follow a similar registration process:
- Visit the platform's sign-up page
- Enter your email address and create a password
- Verify your email (check spam folder if needed)
- Complete your profile with name and organization details
For platforms like Dionysus, you can sign up directly at the admin portal. The process typically takes less than 5 minutes.
Security Best Practices
Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication if available. For team accounts, set up role-based access from the start to maintain security as you grow.
Step 3: Set Up Your Festival/Event
Create Your First Event
Once logged in, you'll typically see a "Create Event" or "New Festival" button. You'll need to provide:
- Event Name: Your festival or event title
- Dates & Times: Start and end dates, event schedule
- Location: Venue name, address, and capacity
- Description: Event details, lineup, what to expect
- Images: Logo, banner, promotional photos
Take time to write compelling descriptions—they appear on ticket pages and help drive sales.
Step 4: Configure Ticket Types
Set Up Your Tickets
Define your ticket types and pricing:
- General Admission: Standard entry passes
- VIP/Upgrades: Premium ticket options
- Early Bird Pricing: Discounted tickets for early buyers
- Student/Senior Discounts: Special pricing tiers
- Payment Plans: Installment options (if supported)
Set capacity limits for each ticket type to control sales. Consider tiered pricing to maximize revenue.
Pricing Strategy
Research competitor pricing and factor in platform fees when setting ticket prices. Remember that buyers see the total price including fees, so transparency builds trust.
Step 5: Configure Payment Processing
Set Up Payouts
To receive ticket revenue, you'll need to connect a payment processor:
- Stripe Connect: Most platforms use Stripe for secure payments
- Business Information: Tax ID, business address, bank account
- Verification: Identity verification may be required
- Payout Schedule: Understand when funds are transferred
This process can take 1-3 business days for verification. Set it up early to avoid delays when sales begin.
Important
Payment processing setup requires business documentation. Have your tax ID, business license (if applicable), and bank account information ready. Some platforms require verification before you can sell tickets.
Step 6: Customize Branding
Apply Your Brand Identity
For white-label platforms, customize your branding:
- Logo Upload: High-resolution logo files
- Color Scheme: Match your brand colors
- Custom Domain: Set up your own domain (e.g., tickets.yourfestival.com)
- Email Templates: Customize confirmation and reminder emails
- Checkout Pages: Brand the ticket purchase experience
Consistent branding builds trust and reinforces your event's identity throughout the attendee journey.
Step 7: Configure Settings
Fine-Tune Your Setup
Review and configure important settings:
- Registration Fields: Collect attendee information you need
- Email Notifications: Set up automated confirmations and reminders
- Refund Policy: Define your refund and cancellation terms
- Check-In Settings: Configure QR code scanning and entry process
- Analytics: Set up tracking and reporting preferences
- Integrations: Connect CRM, email marketing, or other tools
Step 8: Test Your Setup
Test Before Launch
Before going live, thoroughly test your ticketing setup:
- Purchase Flow: Buy a test ticket yourself
- Email Delivery: Verify confirmation emails arrive
- Mobile Experience: Test checkout on mobile devices
- Check-In Process: Test QR code scanning
- Payment Processing: Use test mode if available
- Refund Process: Understand how refunds work
Catch issues before real customers encounter them. Many platforms offer test/sandbox modes for this purpose.
Step 9: Launch Ticket Sales
Go Live
When you're ready to launch:
- Make Event Public: Ensure your event is visible to buyers
- Share Ticket Link: Distribute your ticket page URL
- Promote on Social Media: Share across your marketing channels
- Monitor Sales: Watch real-time analytics dashboard
- Customer Support: Be ready to answer buyer questions
Consider a soft launch to a small group first, then expand to full public sales.
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing payment setup: Set up payouts well before sales begin
- Ignoring mobile experience: Most buyers use mobile—test thoroughly
- Unclear pricing: Be transparent about fees to avoid buyer confusion
- Poor descriptions: Incomplete event details hurt conversion rates
- Missing integrations: Set up analytics and email tools from the start
- No backup plan: Understand refund policies and support processes
Next Steps After Setup
Once your ticketing platform is set up and sales are live:
- Monitor Analytics: Track sales trends, conversion rates, and revenue
- Optimize Pricing: Adjust ticket prices based on sales velocity
- Engage Attendees: Use email campaigns and push notifications
- Prepare for Event Day: Set up check-in stations and train staff
- Plan for Growth: Consider upgrading to Pro features if needed
Ready to Get Started?
Sign up for Dionysus and get your ticketing platform set up in minutes. Free to start, with transparent pricing and white-label options.
Sign Up FreeConclusion
Signing up for event ticketing software is straightforward when you follow a structured approach. The key is to take time during setup to configure everything correctly—from payment processing to branding—so you can focus on selling tickets and running your event once you go live.
Remember: Most platforms offer support and documentation. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions during setup. A well-configured ticketing platform becomes a powerful tool for managing your event and engaging attendees.