How to Easily Set Up Online Registration For Your Events

According to G2, over 85% of event organizers now use online registration systems to streamline the attendee experience and improve operational efficiency. For event planners, a robust online registration platform saves time, improves accuracy, collects valuable attendee data, and even boosts event attendance. 

Whether you’re organizing a small workshop or a large-scale conference, this guide will walk you through how to set up online registration for your event. We’ll also highlight industry best practices, essential features to look for, and tips for using platforms like Eventtia to optimize the experience for both organizers and attendees.

What Is Online Event Registration?

Online event registration is the digital process through which attendees sign up to participate in an event via a website, registration platform, or event management software. Instead of filling out paper forms or sending emails, participants can register instantly using a computer or mobile device, often in just a few clicks.

This system typically collects attendee information (such as name, email, organization, and preferences), processes payments if needed, and automatically sends confirmation emails or digital tickets. For event organizers, online registration offers a streamlined way to track signups, manage data, and personalize the attendee experience.

Why Is Online Event Registration Important? What Are the Benefits?

The registration experience is often the first touchpoint between your brand and your attendees. A smooth, fast, and user-friendly registration process sets the tone for what participants can expect from your event. Here’s why it matters:

Saves Organizers and Attendees Time

With online registration, attendees can register from anywhere, at any time, using their mobile devices or computers, eliminating the need to wait in long queues or manually fill out paper forms. Making registration as simple as possible is a great first step toward increasing your participation numbers.

For organizers, an online system automatically captures and stores attendee data in real time. That means no more hours spent manually entering information into spreadsheets, chasing down incomplete forms, or deciphering handwriting. In fact, according to data from Research Nester, 89% of businesses that use event technology say it saves them around 200 hours per year.

Collect Valuable Data During Registration

With the right online registration system in place, you gain access to detailed attendee information that goes far beyond names and email addresses. Online forms can be customized to collect demographics, job titles, industry sectors, preferences, and even intent, giving you a clear picture of who is coming and why.

This data is incredibly valuable for tailoring marketing messages, personalizing event experiences, and segmenting audiences for future outreach. A study by Freeman Data Solutions showed that 74% of event organizers use this data to inform strategy, objectives, and event planning. 

Reduces Event Registration Errors and Costs

Manual processes are not only time-consuming, they’re also prone to mistakes. Typos, duplicate entries, and lost forms can cause confusion and delay. Online registration minimizes these issues through built-in validation, auto-fill features, and real-time error checking.

Also, digital registration dramatically reduces costs. There’s no need to print forms, tickets, or mail confirmations. Everything can be done electronically, reducing registration-related costs by up to 25% and freeing up staff to focus on other priorities.

How to Create a Registration Link for an Event: 3 Options

Creating a registration link is essential to collecting attendee data and managing signups efficiently. Whether you’re planning a small community meetup or a large-scale conference, there are three main ways to create and share a registration link. Each option has its strengths depending on your event type, budget, and level of tech experience. Here’s a quick comparison:

Now, let’s break each of these down in more detail.

Use a Dedicated Event Ticketing and Registration Platform

The most robust way to create and manage a registration link is through a dedicated event registration platform like Eventtia. These tools provide end-to-end event management capabilities, including attendee tracking, automated emails, check-in solutions, and analytics.

With Eventtia, you can:

• Instantly generate a branded registration link 
• Collect detailed attendee information with customizable forms
• Integrate secure payment options
• Automate confirmation emails and reminders
• Offer real-time dashboards and reporting
• Manage ticketing and event access

To create an event registration link with Eventtia:

1. Create a new event in your Eventtia dashboard
2. Go to the “Registration” module and customize your registration form
3. Set up ticket types, pricing, and availability if needed
4. Publish the registration page and share the unique link with attendees
5. Use Eventtia’s built-in tools to track registrants, send reminders, and export data

As an example, here’s a look at a branded event page with a registration link that Cartier made using Eventtia. It includes easy navigation links to all the different sections of the page, and a registration link visible when the event was accepting RSVPs. 

Cartier Women’s Initiative Forum’s event page, made with Eventtia

Use Social Media for Event Registration Links

Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook offer native tools for event creation and promotion, and they’re great for increasing visibility and capturing quick RSVPs.

How to Create a Registration Link on LinkedIn:

1. Go to your LinkedIn homepage and click “Events” in the left sidebar.
2. Click “+ Create” and fill in your event details (title, date, description).
3. In the “Event format” section, choose “External event link”.
4. Paste the link to your registration page (from Eventtia, Google Forms, etc.).
5. Once the event is live, share it with your network and relevant groups.

Event creation on Likedin

The event can be found on LinkedIn (or shared as a post), and the event link leads to the dedicated event page, where attendees can register and learn more. 

How to Create a Registration Link on Facebook:

1. Go to your Facebook Page or profile.
2. Click “Events” > “Create New Event”.
3. Choose an Online or In-person format.
4. Under “Add ticket link,” paste your registration URL.
5. Publish the event and promote it via posts, stories, or ads.

Event creator window on Facebook

Use Online Forms to Collect Registration Information

If you’re running a simple or internal event and don’t need advanced features, tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey can get the job done.

How to Use Google Forms for Event Registration:

1. Go to Google Forms and start a blank form (or use a template)
2. Add fields such as name, email, company, dietary preferences, etc.
3. Customize the design and enable “Collect email addresses” under settings.
4. Click the Send button and generate a shareable link.
5. Shorten the link or create a custom URL using a tool like Bitly.

Google Forms event registration

To make it easy, there’s an event registration form template you can use when you first start to create your form. This contains many of the fields (all editable) that you may need for your form, and you can simply publish it when you’re done with the customizations. 

As well as Google Forms, there are several other options you can use for similar results: 

• Typeform: Offers a more engaging, user-friendly design.
• SurveyMonkey: Great for larger surveys and feedback collection post-event.
• Jotform: Offers pre-made templates for event registration and easy payment integration.

These types of forms are best for small team meetings, free local events, or situations where a simple RSVP is enough.

What to Look For in an Online Event Registration Platform

Whether you’re organizing a large-scale conference or an exclusive workshop, the platform you use should align with your goals and scale with your needs. 

Here are the key features to look for when evaluating event registration platforms:

Ease of Use

The platform should be intuitive for both your team and your attendees. You don’t want to spend hours setting up registration, nor do you want your users to abandon the process out of frustration. 

Look for drag-and-drop form builders, clean user interfaces, and minimal learning curves. Test the full registration flow yourself. If it takes more than a few clicks or seems confusing, it may frustrate your attendees too.

Advanced Registration Capabilities

Modern events need more than basic name and email fields. Your platform should let you add text boxes, dropdowns, checkboxes, file uploads, conditional logic, and more. This ensures you can gather everything from dietary restrictions to LinkedIn profiles seamlessly.

Group registrations are essential for B2B events, where one person may sign up multiple colleagues. Segmentation tools allow you to categorize attendees based on ticket type, organization, or demographics, enabling targeted communications and access control.

An integrated mobile app for check-in helps eliminate paper lists and speeds up entry. Platforms with QR-code-based check-in allow staff to scan attendees’ tickets, verify identity, and update attendance in real time, perfect for high-volume or multi-session events.

Event Page Builder

An embedded or standalone event landing page helps showcase the value of your event. The best platforms offer customizable page builders that let you add your logo, speaker bios, agendas, FAQs, and registration buttons, all without needing to write code. Look for mobile-responsive templates, countdown timers, embedded video, and SEO tools to improve discoverability.

Automated Communications Features

Your event platform should automate reminders, confirmations, and follow-ups via multiple channels. Choose one that supports email, WhatsApp, and SMS, especially for international attendees. Smart triggers like “send a reminder 24 hours before the event” or “send follow-up survey after check-in” are a bonus.

Internationalization

If you’re hosting a global event, or even one with international attendees, internationalization is essential. Look for a platform offering: 

• Multi-language: Let attendees view forms and emails in their preferred language.
• Multi-timezone: Show event times localized to the attendee’s region.
• Multi-currency: Accept registrations in different currencies and automate tax/VAT calculations where needed.

Personalization + Branding Capabilities 

Your registration experience should reflect your brand identity. Platforms like Eventtia allow you to:

• Add your logo and color palette
• Customize confirmation emails
• Personalize event pages for different ticket tiers or audience types

This boosts trust and recognition while giving your event a professional look.

Data & Reporting Features

The ability to analyze registration data in real time helps you adjust marketing efforts and report on ROI. Look for platforms that let you:

• Track registration by source/channel
• View demographic breakdowns
• Export data in formats like CSV or Excel
• Integrate with tools like Google Analytics or CRMs
• Monitor no-shows and attendance rates

Eventtia’s dashboards, for example, offer real-time metrics on registration performance segmented by custom fields.

Payments & Ticketing Options 

If you’re selling tickets for your event, your platform should:

• Support multiple payment gateways (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
• Handle refunds and discounts
• Offer tiered pricing and promo codes
• Accept international payments in multiple currencies
• Automatically generate and email invoices

This not only improves the user experience but also reduces your administrative workload.

Email Marketing Tools

A built-in email marketing module is a major bonus. Look for the ability to:

• Segment mailing lists by ticket type or behavior
• Send branded newsletters or drip campaigns
• A/B test subject lines or content
• Track open rates, click-throughs, and conversions

When integrated into your event platform, this saves you from needing a third-party email service.

Our Tips for the Best Online Registration Experience

Your registration experience is often the first direct interaction attendees have with your brand, so it’s important to get it right. Here are our top tips for creating a seamless, personalized, and impactful registration experience that drives conversions and leaves a lasting impression.

Personalization is Key

A generic registration form may work for some, but if you want to improve engagement and increase attendance, it’s essential to tailor the experience to your specific audience. Personalized forms help attendees feel seen and valued, which increases the likelihood they’ll complete registration and stay engaged with your event.

With a platform like Eventtia, you can create multiple registration forms based on attendee profiles. For example, you can set up one form for general attendees, another for sponsors, and a third for VIP guests. Each form can include unique questions, fields, ticket types, and confirmation messages.

Keep it Simple 

If your form is too long, confusing, or filled with irrelevant fields, users are more likely to abandon it. On the other hand, a smooth and straightforward process increases conversions and builds positive momentum heading into your event. Ask only for what you absolutely need at the first step of registration.

This often includes:

• Full Name
• Email Address
• Company/Organization (if relevant)
• Ticket Type or Session Selection
• Country or Time Zone (for virtual events)

You can gather more detailed information, like dietary restrictions, t-shirt size, or LinkedIn profiles, later in the process or via a follow-up email.

It’s also important to make your form as intuitive as possible, by: 

• Clearly marking mandatory fields so users don’t get confused.
• Ensuring field sizes match the expected length of input (e.g., a name field should be shorter than an address field).
• Avoiding unnecessary dropdowns or open-ended questions if you can provide structured options instead.
• Using conditional logic to only show fields that are relevant to a particular user’s choice or role.

Make it Memorable

Remember, your registration form is an extension of your event’s brand and personality. A memorable registration experience helps set you apart from the competition and builds anticipation around your event. Here’s how to make it stand out:

• Use bold, on-brand visuals: This could include branded banners, icons, or a color palette consistent with your website or promotional materials.
• Write with personality: Instead of default text like “Register Now,” consider playful, clever, or emotionally resonant language like “Join the Mission” or “Grab Your Spot.”
• Know your audience: Are your attendees corporate professionals or Gen Z creatives? Your tone, language, and design choices should speak directly to them.
• Add personal touches: This could be a custom thank-you message, animated confirmation screens, or branded downloadable tickets.

Emotional impact matters. People remember experiences that make them feel excited, welcome, or inspired, even before the event begins.

More Tips to Increase Online Event Registrations

Creating a smooth registration process is one thing, but if you want to boost attendance, you need to actively drive people to that registration page. Below are four high-impact ways to promote your event and maximize your online registration numbers.

Promote Your Event on Social Media

Social media is one of the most effective ways to drive traffic to your event registration page. With billions of users across platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), you can tap into your target audience where they already spend their time. For more specific tips, take a look at our guide on how to promote your event on social media.

Event marketing strategy on Instragram

Use Email Marketing

Email marketing offers one of the highest returns on investment for event promotion at $36 for every $1 spent, according to Litmus. It’s direct, personal, and ideal for nurturing interest from announcement to registration.

You might like to start by sending a launch announcement to your mailing list and setting up reminder emails for key dates like early-bird deadlines. If you use Eventtia, you can automate your email campaigns and personalize content based on user data collected during registration.

Offer Early Registration Discounts or “Early-Bird” Promos

Everyone loves a good deal. Offering an early-bird discount is a time-tested way to drive urgency and encourage people to commit sooner rather than later. Make sure the early-bird deadline is clearly communicated across all channels, and use countdown timers on your event website to reinforce urgency.

Use Speakers, Partners, Sponsors, and Influencers

It’s also important to use the networks of those involved in your event, like speakers, partners, sponsors, and influencers, to expand your reach and tap into new audiences.

Some ideas:

• Provide them with pre-written posts and trackable registration links.
• Ask speakers to mention the event in their newsletters or on their LinkedIn profiles.
• Encourage sponsors to share the event with their clients or communities.
• Work with influencers relevant to your industry to promote your event on their platforms.

Email Event template power by Eventtia

Find more tips in our guide on how to get sponsorship for your event. 

Wrapping Up: Boost Event Attendance with Memorable Online Registration

Your online event registration process is the gateway to your entire event experience. A seamless, personalized, and intuitive registration journey can make all the difference in attracting attendees, collecting valuable insights, and setting the tone for your event’s success.

In terms of how to set up online registration for your events, end-to-end event management software like Eventtia simplifies the process for both you and your attendees. With everything from customizable registration forms to automated communications and real-time analytics, Eventtia helps optimize every stage of your event planning, execution, and monitoring.

Ready to turn more clicks into confirmed attendees? Start building your online registration strategy with Eventtia today – book a demo to get started.