With 71% of ticket buying occurring online, people are quite used to online registration. If you aren’t already using online registration for your event, it’s time to begin doing so, as it benefits both you, the nonprofit, and attendees. Let us explain.
Why it benefits you
As a nonprofit, you are using your event to source supporters and donors. Offering (or requiring) online registration to events you host allows you to log registrant’s contact information for use later. You can also offer the option to subscribe to your organization’s email newsletter within the registration form.
Online registration also can save you time and money, as it cuts down on the number of staff needed at registration during the event. It also can save money on extra paper needed for in-person registration. With fewer people needing to register in person, the check-in process also runs more efficiently.
Why it benefits attendees
Online registration benefit attendees in ways they don’t realize, both for purposes of scheduling and time management. Registering for an event online prior to the day saves the attendee the trouble of waiting in line to register at the event. In turn, this makes the check-in process run more smoothly for attendees as well.
How to do it
As you can see, using online registration for your nonprofit’s event can be very beneficial both for the nonprofit and the attendee. If you haven’t been using online registration for your events, begin doing so. If you’ve already been using online event registration but are looking to increase those registrations the next time you host an event, here are our tips.
Tip #1: Show attendees the benefits
In your posts on your website and social media channels about the event, be sure to mention how smooth your online registration process is. Also, mention the ways it will save attendees time when they first arrive at the event.
Tip #2: Offer a perk
Advertise a discount, such as 10% off the ticket price for online registrants, or a perk, like a gift card prize drawing for attendees who register online. Sometimes the extra incentive is all that is needed for people to commit.
Tip #3: Employ user-friendly software
If you want attendees to register online before your event, make sure the software you use for the registration form is simple and easy to use. Programs such as 4aGoodCause are quick for you to set up and easy for attendees to use.
Once you’ve got your online registration set up, be sure to check out our other tips on event promotion for nonprofits.
