When you go to an event, the first thing you do is sign up. It doesn't matter if it's online, in person, or a mix of both. This is how you register, and it's usually the first time you come into contact with the event. Your event registration system is the first thing that attendees observe, so you better get it right! In fact,  the smoothness of an event registration system matters so much that it influences attendee turnout. How? If you excitedly open an event registration platform and click 'register,' you expect that you'll complete the process in what, a minute or two? What if it takes you much more time than that, and still you can't register? Either there's an error, or you're unable to understand a few fields. You'll most likely drop off. Imagine a hundred other people facing the same issue. The event will lose such a massive number of attendees! Which event organizer would ever want that? To prevent you from ever facing this situation, we have curated a few event registration best practices that you must use while setting up your event registration system.

Event Registration Best Practices: Key Mistakes To Avoid

The event registration best practices listed below mostly fix commonly seen registration slip-ups. But it's often the most common and overlooked mistakes that impact the entire event. Let's take a look!

1. Simplify Your Forms

Isn't it annoying when someone grills you with questions? Registration forms can feel the same. If they're super lengthy and intrusive, people might bail. If your event really needs specifics like meal choices or interests, go for it. But not every time. Like, for a big International Business Summit, with hotels and food, yes, get all the details. But for a short webinar? Name, email, and ticket type should be fine. Experts say a good rule is to shoot for no more than 25 questions. Here are some more pro tips to design your registration form well:

• Keep your forms easy to understand with clear labels and directions.

• Don't ask for the same info more than once. It's annoying!

• If you have long forms, show people their progress. Use progress indicator bars.

• Don't ask every question to everyone. For example, if someone needs a ride, ask only them about where to pick them up. Use conditional logic!

• Avoid using confusing abbreviations or jargon.

2. Optimize For Mobile Phones

People usually open any event registration platform on their mobile because that's quick and easy. So, your registration website and form should be mobile-friendly. What all does that include?

- Have your UI/UX team make the sign-up form work on all screen sizes. People don't want to zoom in and out all the time.

- Make the buttons big enough. Nobody likes tiny buttons that are hard to tap. Auto-fill is great for saving time.

- Add mobile payment options like Paytm and Google Pay to your form. If people get stuck at the last step, they might just give up.

3. Include Attractive Offers

Who doesn't want a bargain? How about giving early birds a special price to get folks to sign up quickly and spread the word? You could also cut prices for big groups, like companies or students. Besides discounts, think about tiered pricing for more sign-ups. Give people options! If it runs for 5 days, let them pay only for the days they plan to attend. Also, early bird discounts can be a sweet deal for organizers, too. They help event organizers get a clearer idea of how many people are coming, so planning gets easier. And let's be real, when people see a good deal, they spread the word, which can get even more people to sign up. This way, organizers can expand their reach too!

4. Work On Your Communication Plans

Life and work keep everyone busy, so your event might slip their minds. How do you make them remember? Simple: stay in touch! Some think a confirmation email is enough, but it's not! Use a drip email campaign to keep everyone updated before, during, and after the event.

Some more tips to keep in mind when getting sign-ups:

* Make your call to action interesting. Instead of the regular "Finish and Submit" button, use something more action-oriented, like  "Get Tickets" or "Save your Spot."

* Set up automated texts for important stages of your event. Text people when they sign up, pay, and a few days before the event.

5. Use Event Tech For A Smooth Experience

Ditch the paper if you're still doing event registrations that way! Tech can make ticketing and signing up super easy. Imagine setting up custom online spots, using QR codes for quick check-ins, and having self-check-in stations! It's all fast, easy, and spot-on, and it takes care of getting data and looking at the numbers. You hardly have to do anything, so you can spend time on the important stuff for your event. People coming will get more into it right away because your brand looks great with these custom apps and tools.

6. Choose Your Registration Platform Carefully 

Picking the right platform is one of the most important event registration best practices. A good platform makes signing up easy, quick, and stress-free for everyone. Look for one that:

- Lets you create forms that fit your event’s needs
- Works smoothly on phones and computers
- Connects easily with payment and contact systems
- Gives real-time updates and helpful data

This helps make both onsite event registration and on-spot event registration faster and more organized, so attendees have a smooth experience from start to finish.

Wrapping Up:

Easy sign-ups make events way better! When it's simple to join, more people come. Getting in should be a breeze, so everyone's glad they're there. A good event system also makes on-site registration faster. Simple forms, clear steps, and secure payments keep things rolling. A good event registration system saves time and trouble, which means everyone has a better time at the event.