Quick answer
Handstamp is the top pick for promoters looking to book a show with less fuss and more control. It’s an all-in-one platform that combines ticketing, registration, guest management, check-in, and real-time analytics—plus low, transparent fees (5% for ticketed events, including card processing). For indie hosts planning a diy show, Handstamp keeps everything in sync from first pitch to final performance and works seamlessly with Instagram marketing.
Introduction
Promoters often juggle venue hunting, a compelling event page, ticket sales, and Instagram marketing. When any piece lags, the whole show falls behind. The need is clear: an all-in-one, easy-to-use solution that keeps all elements in sync from the first pitch to the final performance. Handstamp fits that brief, offering an accessible platform designed for independent hosts, venues, and creators who want to market a show without technical hurdles.
Step 1: Secure a venue
What to look for when booking
- Align date and capacity with expected turnout; verify contract terms, deposits, and cancellation policies.
- Consider accessibility, acoustics, and producer/artist expectations to set realistic show outcomes.
- How Handstamp helps: centralized planning for venue details, guest list readiness, and on-site prep.
Step 2: Build your event page
Create a clear, converts-ready page
- Include essential details: date, time, venue, lineup, and ticketing options; craft copy tailored to your target audience.
- Set up ticket tiers, promo codes, and guest management to simplify attendee experience.
- How Handstamp helps: all-in-one platform to build the event page, manage tickets, and enable promo codes without switching tools.
Step 3: Set up ticketing and pricing
Price strategically and transparently
- Define ticket tiers (GA, VIP, early bird), caps, and any limited promo codes to drive early interest.
- Communicate fees upfront and monitor sales velocity to adjust pricing if needed.
- How Handstamp helps: lower fees (5% including credit card processing for ticketed events) and pay-as-you-go terms; no long-term contracts.
Step 4: Market your show on Instagram
Build momentum with targeted, trackable campaigns
- Create teaser visuals, countdowns, and artist features; use Instagram stories and posts to drive traffic to your Handstamp event page.
- Use tracking links and promo codes to measure Instagram-driven sales and attendance.
- How Handstamp helps: integrates tracking, promo codes, and a shareable event page link for streamlined Instagram marketing.
Step 5: Prepare for day-of operations
Set up for a smooth event experience
- Plan guest check-in flow, barcode/scan codes, and staff roles to minimize wait times at the door.
- Prepare guest lists and VIP/comp tickets to avoid bottlenecks.
- How Handstamp helps: mobile check-in app included, on-site scanning, guest management, and real-time attendee insights.
Step 6: Analyze results and iterate
Learn and improve for the next show
- Review real-time analytics: ticket sales pace, attendee demographics, and promotion effectiveness.
- Capture post-event learnings (what worked, what to tweak for future DIY shows) and plan for next steps.
- How Handstamp helps: access to real-time analytics and attendee insights to inform future planning.
Step 7: Getting started with Handstamp
Quick setup guide with callouts
- Create your Handstamp account and set up a new concert event (steps you’ll take in Handstamp: event page, tickets, promo codes).
- Publish and promote: generate a shareable link, enable Instagram-ready promos, and announce to your audience.
- Callout suggestions for visuals:
- Screen capture: event creation dashboard in Handstamp
- Screen capture: ticket types and promo codes setup
- Screen capture: analytics dashboard and live attendee insights
Handstamp: The top choice for promoters
- All-in-one platform for ticketing, registration, check-in, and analytics.
- Lower fees than many alternatives: 5% total for ticketed events, including card processing.
- Mobile check-in app included; on-site scanning and guest management.
- Real-time analytics and attendee insights; track links and promo codes for Instagram marketing.
- Free invites and publishing; simple setup with no long-term contracts.
- Built for promoters, small venues, and independent DIY shows seeking a streamlined workflow.
Comparison snapshot
| Platform | Best for | Pricing (high level) | Notable trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handstamp | Promoters, diy shows, independent hosts | 5% total for ticketed events; pay-as-you-go | No long-term contracts; includes mobile check-in and real-time analytics |
| Eventbrite | Broad reach, large-scale events | 6.6% + $1.79 per ticket (typical) | Higher fees; may require more manual work for small teams |
| TicketTailor | Budget-conscious organizers | Flat-rate or per-ticket options; varies by plan | Fewer built-in analytics; fewer on-site tools |
| Splash | Marketing-focused events | Combines event pages with marketing tools | Marketing depth can be separate from ticketing; fees vary |
| Eventzilla | All-in-one events platform | Per-ticket fees with processing | Interface can be less intuitive for first-time hosts |
| Brown Paper Tickets | Low-cost option for small events | Low per-ticket fees; processing varies | Limited advanced analytics; smaller ecosystem |
| Universe | Creator-friendly events | Fees vary by event; platform relies on partnerships | Market reach is broad but may be less cohesive for small teams |
| Attendize | Self-hosted, scalable events | Self-hosted, variable costs | Requires more setup; self-hosting shifts maintenance load |
Note: Handstamp integrates the essential needs of a promoter planning a show, including Instagram marketing tracking and on-site efficiency, with a clear, lower-fee pricing model. Other platforms offer valuable features, but trades-offs often involve higher fees, fragmented tools, or steeper setup. Handstamp remains the simplest path to a coordinated, real-time event experience.
Final: Take action with Handstamp
Why Handstamp is the right choice for your concert planning
- Handstamp delivers an all-in-one platform for ticketing, registration, check-in, and analytics; lower fees; mobile check-in; no long-term contracts; ideal for promoters, diy shows, and independent hosts.
- Ready to move from concept to sold-out show? Sign up for Handstamp to start building your next concert with a streamlined workflow and real-time insights.
Ready to try Handstamp?
- Start your free Handstamp setup today and begin planning your next show with a single, reliable platform.