If you’re running a ticketed event that has been postponed or cancelled, you must get your ticket sales back on track quickly. If you’re already on a tight budget, you may not be able to afford to pay for a new marketing campaign, but you can still use the same strategies you would use to promote a new event to bring back your sales tickets. This article will show you the best ways to sell your ticket when an event is postponed or cancelled.
1. Announce the postponement-
To announce the postponement of an event, you will want to make a public statement and use as many channels as possible to get the word out. Some options could include the following:
(I) Social media:
Make a post on all your social media accounts announcing the postponement and providing details such as the new date (if you have one) and any other important information.
If you are interested, you can take a quick look at how to strategically use social media for event marketing
(II) Email marketing:
If you have a list of email addresses for ticket holders, send out a mass email announcing the postponement and providing details such as the new date (if you have one) and any other important information.
Related: How to Sell More Tickets with Your Event Email Marketing
(III) Press release:
Consider issuing a press release to local news outlets and other media organizations announcing the postponement and providing details such as the new date (if you have one) and any additional important information.
Read More: How to Write A Press Release for An Event
(IV) Website:
Update your event website with a notice about the postponement and any relevant information, such as the new date (if you have one).
(V) Physical venues:
If the event will take place at a physical medium, notify the platform of the postponement and provide them with any updated information.
2. Communicate clearly with ticket holders
Clear communication with ticket holders is crucial to keep selling tickets alive for a postponed event. Ensure ticket holders are informed of the postponement as soon as possible and supply them with updated information on the new event date. Be sure to answer any questions or concerns they may have and provide clear instructions on how they can transfer their tickets or request a refund if needed. Regular updates and transparent communication will help to build trust and keep ticket holders engaged with the event.
3. Offer ticket holders to transfer their tickets
Offering ticket holders the option to transfer their tickets to the new event date is an excellent way to keep ticket sales alive. This will allow ticket holders to keep their tickets and attend the event at a later date rather than request a refund and not purchase new tickets. You can offer this option through your ticketing platform or directly contact ticket holders. Ensure to communicate the deadline for transferring tickets and any steps they need to take.
4. Consider offering refunds
Refunding can be an excellent way to keep selling tickets alive for a postponed event. If ticket holders cannot attend the event on the new date, you can offer them a refund. This may encourage them to purchase new tickets for the event once it has been rescheduled. A clear refund policy and communicating this policy to ticket holders are essential. Make sure to specify the deadline for requesting a refund and any steps ticket holders must take.
5. Create a guest chat space
Creating a guest chat space or forum can be a great way to motivate your audience and keep ticket sales alive for a postponed event. This can be a place for ticket holders to connect, discuss the event, ask questions, and share updates. You can also use the chat space to share updates about the event, such as the new event date or any changes to the event schedule. This can keep ticket holders engaged and excited about the event and encourage them to continue holding onto their tickets or purchase new ones.
6. Keep promoting the event
Utilise various marketing strategies such as social media, email campaigns and other channels to increase visibility and interest in the event. Keep audiences informed by regularly sharing updates and details about the event, such as schedule changes or additions. Create engaging content that generates excitement and anticipation. Consistent and persistent promotion is key to keeping the event at the forefront of potential attendees’ minds.
7. Offer incentives for early ticket purchase
Offering incentives for early ticket purchases is an excellent way to keep ticket sales alive for a postponed event. You can offer discounts or special perks for people who purchase tickets early, such as early access to the event or special seating. This can encourage people to buy tickets sooner rather than later and build excitement for the event. You can announce the incentives through social media, email marketing, or on your event website and specify the deadline for receiving the incentives. This can create a sense of difference and encourage more people to purchase tickets.
8. Share past photos
Sharing past photos of the event can be an excellent way to keep selling tickets alive for a postponed event. You can share photos on social media or your event website to show people what they can expect from the event and build excitement for the rescheduled date. You can also use the photos to showcase any changes or improvements you have made to the event since it was last held. This can keep ticket holders engaged and encourage them to continue holding onto their tickets or purchase new ones.
9. Create a sense of urgency
Creating a sense of urgency can be an excellent way to keep ticket sales alive for a postponed event. You can do this by offering limited-time discounts or bonuses for people who purchase tickets within a specific time frame. This can encourage people to buy tickets sooner rather than later and build excitement for the event. You can announce the incentives through social media, email marketing, or on your event website and specify the deadline for receiving the incentives. This can create a sense of particularity and encourage more people to purchase tickets.
10. Offer VIP packages
Offering VIP packages or special perks for people who purchase tickets can be an excellent way to keep selling tickets alive for a postponed event. You can offer VIP packages that include early access to the event, special seating, or other exclusive perks. This can create a sense of individuality and inspire people to purchase tickets. You can announce the VIP packages through social media, email marketing, or on your event website and specify the details and benefits of each box. This can help to build excitement for the event and encourage more people to purchase tickets.
11. Use social media
Using social media to your advantage can be an excellent way to keep ticket sales alive for a postponed event. You can use social media platforms to promote the event and engage with your audience. Share updates and behind-the-scenes content to keep people interested in the event and build excitement for the rescheduled date. Make sure to frequently engage with your followers and respond to any questions or comments they may have to build a sense of community and keep them engaged with the event.
12. Host a virtual event or webinar
Hosting a virtual event or webinar can be another excellent way to keep selling tickets alive for a postponed event. While the in-person event may be postponed, you can still engage with your audience and build excitement for the event by hosting a virtual event or webinar. This can be a great way to continue building anticipation for the event and keeping ticket holders engaged. You can promote the virtual event or webinar through social media, email marketing, or your event website and offer incentives for participating people. This can keep ticket sales alive and encourage people to continue holding onto their tickets or purchase new ones.
13. Offer payment plans
Offering payment plans can be an excellent way to keep selling tickets alive for a postponed event. You can provide payment plans for people who want to purchase tickets but may need more funds to have the available funds upfront. This can help to make the event more accessible and encourage more people to buy tickets. You can announce the payment plans through social media, email marketing, or on your event website and specify the details and terms of the payment plan. This can make it easier for people to purchase tickets and encourage more people to do so.
To maintain ticket sales for a postponed event, it’s important to clearly communicate with ticket holders and provide options such as transferring tickets to the new date or refunds. Additionally, promoting the event and offering incentives for early purchases can create a sense of urgency. Utilising social media, hosting a virtual event, and offering VIP packages and payment plans can also engage ticket holders and encourage them to hold onto or purchase new tickets for the event. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure the success of your event and maintain strong ticket sales.
