Facebook events have become a popular way for people to organize and promote events. With Facebook’s large user base, events can easily reach a large audience. Many event organizers want to know if they can also sell tickets directly through the Facebook event page. Here is what you need to know about selling tickets through Facebook events.
Selling Tickets Through Facebook
Facebook does not have a built-in ticketing system for events. However, it is possible to sell tickets through a Facebook event by using third-party services and integrations.
There are several apps and services that can be connected to a Facebook event to enable ticket sales. Popular options include:
- Eventbrite
- Ticketfly
- Eventbank
- Ticketleap
- Tickettailor
These services allow you to create tickets with prices, make them available for purchase through the event page, and track ticket sales. The integration works by creating an RSVP option that links to the ticketing platform to complete the ticket purchase. You can also usually create discount codes and manage attendees through the integrated platform.
Benefits of Selling Tickets on Facebook
There are some key advantages to selling tickets directly through your Facebook event:
- Reach a wider audience – Your existing event guests and Facebook followers are notified about the event and can easily purchase tickets without leaving Facebook.
- Fewer steps for attendees – Attendees do not have to go to multiple websites to first RSVP and then purchase tickets. The tickets are right on the Facebook page.
- Lower fees – Some ticketing services like Eventbrite charge lower fees when tickets are purchased directly from Facebook versus their main website.
- Promote engagement – Allowing ticket sales on Facebook encourages guests to take action faster and increases the percentage that will actually attend.
Setting Up Ticket Sales on Facebook
The general process for setting up ticket sales through Facebook involves:
- Selecting a compatible ticketing service and creating an account
- Connecting the ticketing platform to your Facebook page
- Creating ticket listings and prices within the ticketing platform
- Configuring the RSVP option for the Facebook event to link to the ticket sales page
- Customizing options like discount codes and sending reminder emails to attendees
Most ticketing platforms have detailed instructions on how to integrate with Facebook and get your ticket sales page up and running.
Promoting Your Ticket Sales
Once you have your ticket sales configured through Facebook, you need to spread the word so people actually buy them. Some tips for promoting your ticket sales include:
- Create an eye-catching cover photo and event title to gain attention
- Share posts about discounted early bird pricing to encourage fast sales
- Make updates about featured speakers or activities to build excitement
- Use Facebook ads to reach more potential attendees outside your existing network
- Send email campaigns to previous event attendees to let them know about the event
Rules and Restrictions
Facebook does have some rules around selling tickets through events:
- You cannot require someone to purchase a ticket just to RSVP. RSVP must be free.
- Tickets can only be sold as optional add-ons to RSVP, not stand alone.
- Facebook’s terms prohibit promoting illegal, dangerous, or offensive events.
- Facebook takes a 30% platform fee on ticket sales in some circumstances.
Review Facebook’s Platform Policy and Commerce Policies for specifics. Also be sure your event and ticket sales comply with all state and federal regulations.
Alternatives to Selling Tickets on Facebook
Using Facebook ticket integration is a convenient option, but not the only way to sell tickets for your event. Some other options include:
- Using a ticketing platform like Eventbrite and promoting the event link on Facebook instead of ticket sales.
- Embedding an Eventbrite or other ticketing widget on your event website and linking to that site from Facebook.
- Using payment buttons/links from services like PayPal on your Facebook page to collect ticket fees.
- Selling tickets offline and requesting online RSVPs only through Facebook.
Tips for Successful Facebook Ticket Sales
Follow these tips to maximize success when selling tickets through Facebook events:
- Choose a ticketing platform that seamlessly integrates tickets sales with Facebook RSVPs.
- Make sure your event page content is robust and engaging to attendees.
- Offer early bird or promotional pricing to incentivize quick ticket sales.
- Market across social media, email, and other channels – not just Facebook.
- Send frequent event reminders and ticket sale deadline warnings.
- Provide excellent customer service for any ticket purchase issues.
- Follow up after the event for feedback to improve next time.
Pros and Cons of Selling Tickets on Facebook
Here is a summary of the key pros and cons to evaluate when deciding if Facebook integrated ticket sales are right for your event:
| Pros | Cons |
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Conclusion
Selling event tickets directly through Facebook provides a convenient way for attendees to RSVP and purchase admission in one place. While Facebook does not have its own native ticketing platform, third-party integrations like Eventbrite make it possible to handle event transactions completely on Facebook.
The key benefits of using Facebook ticketing include tapping into Facebook’s large user base for marketing and promotions, reducing steps for attendees to complete purchases, and leveraging lower platform fees. However, organizers should still prepare to market their event across multiple channels, not just Facebook.
By selecting the right ticketing partner, configuring customized promotions and settings, and diligently promoting the event across channels, organizers can successfully sell tickets through Facebook events and maximize turnout.