If you’re looking to host an event, be it a small meetup or a large conference, having a smooth ticketing system is crucial. When I first ventured into selling event tickets using WordPress, I thought it would be a complex task.
But after experimenting with various plugins and tools, I realized how easy and seamless it can actually be. So, I’m here to walk you through exactly how to use WordPress to sell event tickets like a pro.
Trust me, by the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with everything you need to sell out your next event.

Why Use WordPress for Selling Event Tickets?
When I first started selling tickets online, I asked myself, “Why WordPress?” The answer was simple: flexibility and control. With WordPress, you have endless customization options, and the process is easier than you’d expect.
Instead of relying on third-party platforms that take a cut from your sales, you can manage everything on your own site.
Plus, using WordPress to sell event tickets integrates seamlessly with your existing website. You don’t have to send potential buyers away to another platform to complete their purchases—everything stays in-house, which leads to higher conversion rates.
Step 1: Choose the Right Plugin
The first step I took was finding the best plugin for selling tickets. WordPress offers several plugins designed specifically for event management and ticketing. After trying out a few, I found some plugins that worked like magic:
- The Events Calendar & Tickets: This plugin is my go-to. It’s extremely user-friendly and allows you to create events, manage ticket sales, and even set up recurring events. It integrates with WooCommerce, which makes the whole payment process seamless.
- WooCommerce Box Office: If you’re already familiar with WooCommerce, this is another great plugin. It turns your site into a full-fledged ticketing platform. It’s ideal for those who prefer to stick with WooCommerce for everything.
- Event Espresso: This is a premium option, but it offers powerful features like barcode ticket scanning, automated confirmation emails, and integration with payment gateways.

Step 2: Set Up Your Event
Once you’ve installed your chosen plugin, the next step is to set up your event. When I did this for the first time, I was surprised at how quickly it all came together.
Here’s what I did:
- Create a new event post: Most event ticketing plugins allow you to add a new event directly from the WordPress dashboard.
- Set up event details: I added the event name, date, location, and a brief description. You can also include other important details like event duration and any guest speakers or special activities.
- Add ticket options: This is where things get exciting! You can create multiple ticket types (like VIP, general admission, early bird). For each ticket, I added a price, available quantity, and sale end date.
Step 3: Integrate Payment Gateway
Now, let’s talk about payments. You want to make it as easy as possible for people to buy tickets. When I used WooCommerce, integrating a payment gateway was super easy. I just went into the settings and linked my PayPal and Stripe accounts. You can also use other payment methods based on your preferences.
If you’re using WooCommerce, go to:
- WooCommerce > Settings > Payments: From here, you can enable multiple payment methods like PayPal, Stripe, or direct bank transfer.
- Enable Security Features: Ensure your website is SSL certified. Trust me, nobody wants to enter their credit card info on an insecure website. This step builds trust and ensures that all transactions are encrypted.
Step 4: Customize Your Ticket Purchase Page
Here’s a secret tip that worked wonders for me: customize your ticket purchase page to match your event’s theme. People are more likely to buy tickets if the page looks professional and engaging.
I used Elementor to create a beautiful, easy-to-navigate ticketing page. With Elementor, you can drag and drop various elements like countdown timers, featured speakers, or even a highlight reel from previous events. This builds excitement and drives more ticket sales.
Step 5: Promote Your Event
Simply setting up the event page isn’t enough—you’ve got to promote it!
- Email Campaigns: One of the best ways I’ve found to sell event tickets is through email marketing. I use Mailchimp to send out emails to my subscribers. Make sure to segment your list so you’re targeting the right people. If someone attended a previous event, send them a special “returning guest” discount.
- Social Media Ads: Running targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram is another effective strategy. I usually create a custom audience based on the event location and demographic. This way, my ads reach people who are likely to attend the event.
- SEO Optimization: Don’t forget about SEO! When you’re creating your event page, optimize it for keywords related to your event. I always include the main event keywords in the title, meta description, and throughout the content.

Step 6: Automate the Process
Once your event and tickets are set up, it’s important to automate as much as possible. That’s where plugins like Zapier come in. I used Zapier to sync data between WordPress, Google Sheets, and my email platform.
Here’s how I automated my ticket sales process:
- Automated Confirmation Emails: Every time someone buys a ticket, they receive an automatic confirmation email with their ticket attached. No need for manual intervention.
- Automatic Reminders: I set up email reminders to be sent out 24 hours before the event. This keeps your audience engaged and ensures they don’t forget about your event.
Step 7: Check-In and Post-Event Engagement
On the day of the event, managing check-ins is crucial. I’ve found QR code ticketing to be the best option for a fast and efficient check-in process. Most plugins like The Events Calendar or Event Espresso come with a built-in check-in system that uses QR codes or barcode scanners.
After the event, don’t just go silent. Engage with your attendees by sending out follow-up emails. I typically send a “Thank You” email with a survey link or promotional codes for future events. This keeps your audience loyal and more likely to attend future events.
Final Thoughts
When I first started using WordPress to sell event tickets, it seemed overwhelming. But with the right tools and a little practice, it became a seamless part of my event planning process. Whether you’re hosting a small workshop or a large conference, WordPress offers everything you need to handle ticket sales like a pro.
If you follow the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll not only sell more tickets but also provide a better overall experience for your attendees.
FAQ’s
Can I sell event tickets directly on WordPress without using external platforms?
Yes, you can sell tickets directly on WordPress using plugins like The Events Calendar, WooCommerce Box Office, or Event Espresso. These plugins integrate seamlessly with WordPress and allow you to manage everything from ticket sales to payments.
What payment methods can I use to sell tickets?
You can integrate popular payment gateways like PayPal, Stripe, and even direct bank transfers using WooCommerce or the ticketing plugin of your choice.
Can I create different ticket types for the same event?
Absolutely! Most WordPress ticketing plugins allow you to create multiple ticket types (e.g., VIP, General Admission, Early Bird) with different pricing and quantities.
How do I ensure my ticket purchase page is secure?
Ensure your site has an SSL certificate for encrypted transactions. Most hosting providers offer SSL certificates as part of their packages.
Can I send automated confirmation emails after a ticket purchase?
Yes, most event ticketing plugins for WordPress include options to send automatic confirmation emails with the ticket attached.