Improve Eventbrite listings with optimized copywriting, stronger CTAs, and merch sales to double ticket sales for public media concerts.

How I Improved Eventbrite Listings & Doubled Ticket Sales

October 5, 2025 by

Russell Otway

Introduction: How to Improve Eventbrite Listings for Maximum Impact

When I first looked at how WDNA 88.9FM promoted its concerts, I realized something important: we weren’t taking full advantage of how to improve Eventbrite listings. They were treated like flyers instead of high-converting landing pages. The result? Low ticket sales, missed revenue, and giving away merchandise instead of generating sustainable cash.

By rewriting listings with persuasive copy, integrating audience feedback, and transforming old pledge-drive merchandise into cash sales, we doubled ticket sales and created a new revenue stream. Here’s exactly how I did it, and how you can apply the same approach.


Why You Must Improve Eventbrite Listings to Sell More Tickets

The Challenge at WDNA 88.9FM

Like many public media outlets, our listings were just names, dates, and generic descriptions. In a crowded market, that’s not enough. People scroll Eventbrite like they scroll Instagram — fast. If your event doesn’t grab them instantly, they move on.

Why Copywriting Matters More Than Ever

Your listing isn’t just logistics, it’s a sales page. Every headline, paragraph, and image must convince a stranger to buy a ticket.

Common Mistakes Public Media Orgs Make

  • Burying the event’s value under long bios.
  • Failing to highlight what the audience gets.
  • Weak calls-to-action like “Join us” instead of “Get your tickets today.”

Read our blog on Ghostwriting Jazz Album Reviews That Drive Recognition for another example of audience-first storytelling.


How I Improved Eventbrite Listings for WDNA

Writing Listings Like Landing Pages

The key was treating every Eventbrite listing like a conversion-focused landing page. I used:

Using Images & Design to Capture Attention

Strong visuals made the difference. Event posters, candid artist photos, and branded graphics increased clicks.

Testing Strong Calls-to-Action

Instead of “Tickets available,” I used:

  • “Reserve your seat before it sells out.”
  • “Get your tickets today and support live public media.”

Result: ticket sales doubled.

Learn more about our YouTube Growth & Authority services.


Adding Merchandise Sales Changed the Game

From Freebies to Real Revenue

Instead of just giving away mugs and tote bags during pledge drives, we started selling merch at concerts.

Immediate Cash Flow

Concert goers wanted memories, and merch gave them a tangible way to support the station.

Repurposing Old Inventory

That dusty box of old shirts and mugs? Cash in hand once presented at events.


Listening to Concert Goers and Listeners

Asking the Right Questions

I asked audiences: “What kind of shows do you want? What merch would you buy?”

Turning Feedback into Action

The answers guided programming and merch decisions.

Meeting Demand Leaders Didn’t See

Decision-makers were surprised by demand they didn’t know existed.

Check out our blog on Miami’s Street Food Revolution to see how audience feedback shapes successful campaigns.


Navigating FCC Rules While Expanding Online

Public radio has strict FCC requirements on-air, but here’s the secret: those rules don’t apply to digital platforms.

That gave us freedom on:

  • Social media
  • Websites
  • Apps
  • YouTube channels
  • Newsletters

I did what I couldn’t do on-air, within reason and in good taste, while still protecting brand assets.

“On-air we played by FCC rules — online, we innovated. By taking full advantage of digital freedom, we doubled ticket sales and protected our brand assets.”


The Veteran Edge – Creativity Meets Discipline

As a US Navy veteran, I combine discipline with creativity. In the Navy, details, deadlines, and execution mattered. That mindset helped me innovate under pressure—repurposing merch, rewriting listings, and driving sales.

When you hire a motivated veteran, you’re not just getting hard work. You’re getting someone who delivers results.


Key Takeaways for Leaders Who Want to Improve Eventbrite Listings

  1. Treat Eventbrite listings like landing pages.
  2. Use strong visuals and CTAs.
  3. Monetize merchandise.
  4. Collect and use audience feedback.
  5. Balance creativity with disciplined execution.

Explore Bold Copy Agency’s Value Proposition.


Learn the Copywriting Secrets That Boost Engagement

If this resonated, join me for a live webinar:

👉 Write to Engage: Copywriting Secrets for Public Media

You’ll learn:

  • How to improve Eventbrite listings that actually sell.
  • The psychology behind persuasive CTAs.
  • How to monetize merchandise.
  • Audience feedback strategies that fuel growth.

Seats are limited—reserve your spot today.


Conclusion + Call to Action

Eventbrite listings aren’t just event details—they’re revenue engines. When combined with merchandise and audience-driven decisions, they can transform public media revenue.

I’ve seen it firsthand at WDNA, and now Bold Copy Agency helps other leaders achieve the same.

👉 Ready to improve Eventbrite listings, double ticket sales, and monetize your events? Contact Bold Copy Agency today for expert copywriting and video-first thought leadership.


🔗 Sources to Improve Eventbrite Listings

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