WordPress es una plataforma de Open Source que proporciona un marco sólido para muchos tipos de sitios Web. Sin embargo, ofrece pocas características específicas de nicho. Si está buscando crear algo más que un simple Blog o sitio comercial, es posible que necesite tener acceso a más funciones.
Esto es válido si está buscando fomentar eventos por medio de de su sitio web. Deberá poder enumerar los eventos, proporcionar una forma para que las persons compren boletos, etc. Llevar a la práctica estas funciones desde cero lleva mucho tiempo, pero el complemento adecuado puede hacer que suceda en poco tiempo.
In this post, we will talk about the features you will need for your event website and how to choose the open source event management plugin. Let us begin!
Why You May Need an Event Management Plugin
Su sitio web puede ser una excelente manera de hacer correr la voz sobre los próximos eventos de todo tipo. Esto le permitirá alojar toda la información necesaria en un solo lugar y atraer nuevos asistentes potenciales por medio de del traffic of Search Engine.
Hosting events at the same time is a very scalable application for your site. You can simply list one or two events, or create a complete website based on the promotion and management of concerts, meetings, conferences, games, or some combination thereof.
However, in any scenario, you will need more features than WordPress can provide on its own. Don't get us wrong: WordPress is an excellent foundation for your event website. It is easy to use, flexible and secure. Despite this, you will want some additional features, such as:
- A way to show and organize your events
- A calendar where you can display all the upcoming events in one place
- Functionality to allow visitors to purchase tickets
- The ability to manage attendee information and records.
None of these are easy with a default WordPress installation, but they can all be surprisingly simple with the right plugin.
What to look for in an events plugin
En primer lugar, es inteligente buscar una solución de gestión de eventos de código abierto. WordPress en sí es de código abierto, lo que significa que su source code se puede modificar de la forma que desee. Lo mismo ocurre con la mayoría de los complementos de WordPress.
This is important because it means that you will have complete freedom about how your event website works. Even if you want to keep things simple right now, in the future you will have the option to modify features and functionality to suit your exact needs.
It's not hard to find event management plugins - there are plenty of free options in the WordPress plugin directory (just search for "event"), as well as premium offers from various developers. The trick is to choose the best one for your site.
An event registration plugin for WordPress can offer a wide range of functions. Let's quickly take a look at the most important features your chosen solution should have so you know what to focus on:
- A custom post type for events. Del mismo modo que un complemento de comercio electrónico como WooCommerce agregará una nueva opción de productos a su sitio, un complemento de eventos debería proporcionarle una forma de crear tipos de publicaciones de eventos. Esto le permitirá mantener sus eventos separados del resto del contents de su sitio (como publicaciones y páginas). A la vez, esto hace que be más fácil agregar información complementaria a cada event, incluidos precios y ubicaciones.
- A calendar of events. At the same time it is useful to have a calendar that shows all your events in one place. This makes it easier for visitors to see everything available, without having to search through many different pages. If they see an event on the calendar that sparks their interest, they should be able to click through to find out more about it.
- Ticketing and registration functionality. Unless all of your events are free, it makes sense to enable online shopping. People will be more likely to sign up if they can complete the entire signup process on your site. This functionality at the same time must be flexible, allowing you to set prices, offer different levels of tickets, etc.
Of course, there are other features that can come in handy. As an example, some plugins can at the same time provide the functionality to help you manage events. This could include a way to view and manage all attendees at an event and scan tickets. However, the above three features can be considered essential if you are looking to promote events through your site.
Choose the event management solution that's right for you
Once you know what you are looking for, choosing an open source event logging solution is not too difficult. In the next three steps, we'll walk you through the process.
Step 1: make a list of the features you want
This first step requires understanding exactly what you want to do through your site. This means answering questions like:
- What kind of events will you promote?
- Do you only need to list a few events or many of them?
- Are most of your events free or do they have a price?
- What kind of information do you need to provide potential attendees?
- How big will your events be and how much help will you need to manage them?
These answers will provide clues to the types of features you will need. As an example, if you plan to list regular large events, you will need a solid calendar and lots of management features. Other than that, if you are promoting a few small events here and there, your needs will be simpler.
At this point, you can go ahead and make a wish list of the features you want from your event management solution. In most cases, this should include the big three We discussed previously (a type of event posting, a calendar, and ticketing functionality). However, at the same time you will want to include any unique features of your site and your specific needs.
Step 2: decide if you want a free or premium solution
Si está familiarizado con WordPress, probablemente sepa que los complementos vienen en algunas variedades estándar. Algunos son gratuitos, mientras que otros tienen un precio adjunto. Muchos al mismo tiempo son de naturaleza freemium, lo que significa que tienen una versión gratuita y una premium.
The type of plugin you choose will largely depend on two factors:
- your budget. If you have little or no money to work with, a free add-on may be the safest bet. Apart from this, if your budget allows it, a premium add-on can be a worthwhile investment if you plan to earn money from your events. Depending on the plugin and tier you choose, this can cost you anywhere from $ 50 to a few hundred dollars.
- Your needs. As a general rule of thumb, premium plugins offer more advanced features than free alternatives. In this way, the best option will depend in part on how much functionality you need and whether you want to keep your event site simple or include complex functionality.
In several cases, a freemium plugin is by far the best option. This is because you can start at the free tier, without risking anything. You can learn how the plugin works and choose whether or not its core functionality will meet your requirements. Then you can upgrade if you decide you need access to a broader set of features.
As an example, let's see the Event Espresso add-on.
This event management solution has a lite version, Event Espresso Decaf, which is listed in the WordPress plugin directory. It includes ticketing and registration functionality, automated confirmation emails, and even apps that can help you scan tickets and track attendance during events.
Then there is the premium version, which at the same time is an open source option:
This includes additional features such as a robust event calendar and the ability to create multiple ticket and pricing options. Some of these functions can be achieved at the same time as separate plugins, which is another path you can take. With the right combination of a free plugin and a few plugins, you can usually get everything you need at a fairly low upfront cost.
Step 3: evaluate your list of plugins
Once you know what you are looking for, all that is left is to start exploring the market. You can check out the WordPress Plugin Directory, premium marketplaces like CodeCanyon, and independent developer sites (just do your research to make sure you're getting your plugin from a trusted source).
As you create a short list of event calendar plugins that you like, you'll want to evaluate each one carefully. To do this, you will need to consider:
- Feature set: Does the plugin provide all the essential functions on your list?
- Prices: Will the add-on fit your budget (including premium tiers and add-ons, if applicable)?
- Scores and reviews: What do other users have to say about the plugin?
- Compatibility: Is the plugin kept up-to-date and compatible with your version of WordPress (and your event's WordPress theme or other plugins)?
- Support for: Does the developer provide support for the plugin, ideally via multi-channel?
Finally, if possible, you will want to try an event management plugin before committing to it. If there is no demo available, get the free version and set it up on a trial website. Sometimes getting down to business with a plugin is the best way to determine if you will enjoy using it for the long term.
If you want to encourage high attendance rates for your events, you will need the right toolkit. A flexible open source solution will allow you to choose the features you need. This can be easily achieved by building your site with WordPress and extending it using the appropriate plugin.
What is your favorite event management tool? Let us know in the comment section below!
