How to sell gig tickets online

To sell gig tickets online, set up an event page on a self-serve ticketing platform, link the direct checkout on your own channels, and scan entry codes at the door with a phone app. Choose a provider that charges a flat fee per ticket rather than taking a percentage of your total sales, and pass that fee to the buyer at checkout. Never leave sales entirely to the venue or a third-party promoter, because you lose access to customer contact details when you do.

Pick a platform

Most small venues and self-promoted DIY shows do not need main-stage ticketing contracts. You want a platform that lets you create an account, enter event details, and link a payment processor like Stripe or PayPal directly to your bank account.

Avoid platforms that hold ticket revenue until after the gig finishes unless the venue contract forces you to use their exclusive partner. Independent self-serve providers transfer funds as tickets sell, which helps pay venue deposits, sound engineers, or touring costs ahead of time. Check the pricing page on each provider's site to compare current flat fees against percentage charges, as rates change regularly.

Platforms charging a flat fee per ticket work out cheaper for heavy music gigs than platforms taking a percentage cut of every transaction. You should also check whether the provider allows ticket buyers to opt in to your mailing list during checkout. If a platform hides buyer data or keeps it behind a paid tier, move to another service.

Set up the event page

When setting up the listing, keep the form simple. Required fields should cover the buyer's name, email address, and quantity of tickets. Adding extra fields like street addresses or survey questions causes people to drop off before finishing payment.

Upload a clear image of your show flyer rather than a generic band logo. If you need to generate artwork quickly, you can use a free gig poster maker to format gig details cleanly for digital listings.

Write a straightforward description. List the door time, stage times if fixed, age restrictions, venue accessibility information, and support acts. State the refund policy clearly near the purchase button so buyers know what happens if a date changes or an act cancels. If the venue has strict age limits or requires physical identification at the door, put that text in bold directly above the ticket selection box.

Set up automatic email confirmations through the platform settings. The confirmation email serves as the digital ticket and should include the event address, door times, and the entry code or order number clearly visible at the top of the message.

Put the ticket link where people actually look

A ticketing page does nothing if potential audience members cannot find it instantly. Place the direct link in your social media profile bios, on event pages, and on your main website if you run one.

Do not send people to a general homepage or a bio link aggregator with dozens of competing buttons. Link directly to the specific event checkout page. When posting updates about the gig, include the direct address in the main text on platforms that allow links, or refer directly to the profile link on platforms that do not.

If you distribute physical posters or flyers to record shops and venues, add a printed QR code that links straight to the ticket page. Most smartphone cameras read QR codes directly from paper, allowing people to buy a ticket while looking at the flyer on a venue wall.

You can also submit your show details to online directories. If you promote heavy music events in the UK, you can list and promote a gig on Moshradar so local gig-goers find your event alongside regional listings.

Handle the door on the night

Before heading to the venue, download the platform's door check-in application onto your mobile phone or tablet and log into your account. Ensure the device is fully charged, and bring a portable battery pack. Venue basements and back rooms frequently have weak signal, so set the app to offline mode or download the full guest list before entering the venue.

Print a physical backup copy of the door list sorted alphabetically by surname. If phone batteries die or cellular networks fail completely, the door staff can cross off names manually on paper without slowing down entry.

Assign one specific person to manage ticket scanning at the door. Trying to handle merch sales, gear load-in, and ticket scanning simultaneously creates long queues and leads to missed entries. Give door staff clear instructions on handling secondary ticket transfers, guest list entries, and on-the-door cash or card payments if capacity permits.