How to Sell Smarter, Stress Less, and Create a Seamless Experience – Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes
Planning an event is hard enough — from managing performers and vendors to promoting on social media and keeping the venue happy. But there’s one area where small missteps can have BIG consequences: ticketing.
From clunky checkouts to pricing pitfalls, avoid these five common mistakes to ensure your event doesn’t just run — it sells out.
❌ Mistake #1: Using a Complicated Checkout Process
Why it hurts:
Every additional step in your checkout increases drop-off. Long forms, required account sign-ups, or unclear pricing frustrate buyers — and they bounce before clicking “buy.”
How to fix it:
- Choose a ticketing platform with a mobile-optimized, 2-click checkout
- Allow guest purchases — don’t force account creation
- Display all fees upfront so there are no surprises at checkout
💡 Tip: Test your own ticket purchase flow on your phone. If it takes more than 60 seconds, simplify it.
❌ Mistake #2: Waiting Too Long to Launch Ticket Sales
Why it hurts:
Many organizers hold off on launching tickets until the event is fully finalized. But this wastes valuable marketing time and misses out on “early bird” momentum.
How to fix it:
- Open ticket sales 2–3 months out (or longer for large-scale events)
- Offer Early Bird pricing to create urgency and reward early buyers
- Start building buzz early — tease key speakers, music acts, or features
💡 Tip: You don’t need your full schedule to start selling. Just nail down the date, location, and your biggest draw.
❌ Mistake #3: Not Offering Multiple Ticket Types
Why it hurts:
If all attendees pay the same price, you’re leaving money on the table. Some buyers want more — others just want in the door. Flat pricing ignores buyer behavior.
How to fix it:
- Offer tiered options: VIP, General Admission, Early Bird, Group Rates
- Include perks like merch, drink tickets, or early access for higher tiers
- Use scarcity: “Only 50 VIP spots available!”
💡 Tip: Group and family pricing can increase overall sales by making it easier for groups to commit together.
❌ Mistake #4: Ignoring Mobile and Social Selling
Why it hurts:
Over 70% of ticket purchases happen on mobile — and social platforms are where many users discover events. If you’re not selling where they scroll, you’re missing your audience.
How to fix it:
- Use a mobile-friendly ticketing page with fast loading times
- Enable buy buttons or ticket links in Instagram bios, Facebook Events, and TikToks
- Track which social posts lead to sales so you can double down on what works
💡 Tip: Add a direct “Buy Tickets” button to every major social media profile.
❌ Mistake #5: Not Tracking or Following Up
Why it hurts:
Without data, you can’t improve. Without follow-up, you miss repeat attendees. Many event organizers forget to check what’s working — and forget about their audience after the event ends.
How to fix it:
- Use a platform that tracks sales by source (email, Instagram, website)
- Send reminder emails before the event and thank-you emails after
- Use post-event surveys to improve and promote the next one
💡 Tip: Offer a small discount or priority access to returning guests — loyalty builds your community.
✅ TL;DR: Ticketing Success Comes Down to This
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Complicated Checkout | Streamline the process, make it mobile-first |
| Late Ticket Launch | Start early, even if your full schedule isn’t ready |
| Flat Pricing | Offer multiple ticket types for different buyer types |
| Ignoring Mobile/Social | Sell where your audience scrolls |
| No Tracking or Follow-Up | Use data, send reminders, thank your guests |
Wrapping It Up
Ticketing may seem like just one part of your event — but it touches your marketing, revenue, and attendee experience. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll create a smoother journey for your guests and a stronger bottom line for you.
Want a ticketing strategy that’s smart, simple, and built for success?
Let’s talk — or check out our platform demo to see how we help events of every size sell out and stand out.
As always if you are looking for a great event to attend you can purchase tickets HERE.
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Amy has been a driving force at Afton since 2004. She proudly serves as the co-owner of Afton Tickets Inc (aftontickets.com) and Afton Shows (myafton.com), working alongside co-founder Ryan Kintz.
Amy's journey has been one of ground-up growth, playing an instrumental role in shaping our companies. Afton Tickets Inc. is at the forefront of a transformative shift in the ticketing industry, redefining the expectations of what a ticket company can deliver.
Beyond her role as a business leader, Amy's passion extends to empowering emerging music artists and advocating for improvements across the music and ticketing sectors. Her dedication fuels innovation and positive change.