How to Monetize Online Events in 2025 (10 Proven Strategies That Work)

There’s no denying it — online events are booming, and they’re here to stay.

One of the most significant advantages? No travel, no dress code, no physical venue. Attendees can join from anywhere — their living room, office, or even on the go.

With the rise of live streaming and everyone glued to their screens, virtual events are dominating how we connect, educate, and engage.

Thanks to platforms like WordPress, it’s easier than ever to host and monetize these events. Whether you’re running a fully virtual webinar, a hybrid conference, or a series of recurring workshops, there are innovative ways to turn every event into a revenue stream.

So, how do you do it?

In this guide, you’ll discover 10 proven strategies to make money by hosting events online — with tips for both beginners and pros. Let’s dive in!

📌 TL;DR – What You’ll Learn

• ✅ 10 monetization strategies for online events (both free and paid)
• ✅ How to use Eventin to manage ticketing, recurring events, and donations
• ✅ Proven methods to build recurring income from virtual and hybrid experiences

Online event monetization explained

Online event monetization refers to the strategies used to generate revenue from virtual or hybrid events.

Unlike traditional in-person events — where income typically comes from ticket sales or merchandise — online events offer a broader range of monetization opportunities thanks to their digital flexibility.

Whether you’re hosting a concert, online summit, or virtual networking event, the investments you make are usually centered around:

• Event technology – Tools like WordPress event plugins (e.g., Eventin) help you manage everything from ticketing to scheduling in one place.
• Digital marketing – Use social media, email campaigns, or paid ads to attract the right audience.
• Content creation – Bring in high-quality speakers, educational content, or entertainment that delivers real value.
• Feedback tools – Gather live feedback to improve future events and audience satisfaction.

But monetization isn’t just about making quick money — it’s about building a sustainable, trusted event brand. When your virtual events deliver consistent value, they naturally create multiple long-term revenue benefits:

• Brand credibility – Well-run events enhance your brand’s reputation and visibility.
• Recurring revenue – Profitable event formats can be repeated monthly or quarterly.
• Audience loyalty – Satisfied attendees often return or upgrade to premium sessions.
• Networking growth – Engage with global experts, sponsors, and industry leaders.

In short, online event monetization means turning digital participation into sustainable profit — using the right tools, audience insights, and growth strategies to create events that sell themselves.

10 best practices to make money by hosting events online

Hosting online events isn’t just convenient — it’s one of the smartest ways to generate income in today’s digital world. With just a laptop and internet connection, you can bring people together from across the globe and create multiple revenue streams from a single event.

Just like in-person events sell tickets or secure sponsorships, virtual events come with even more monetization options — from affiliate sales and on-demand content to recurring subscriptions and hybrid ticket models.

In this section, we’ll walk you through 10 proven strategies to make money by hosting online events. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your virtual event business, these tips will help you monetize more effectively — and sustainably.

1. Sell more tickets with tiered pricing and early bird offers

The foundation of any event, online or offline, often begins with ticket sales. In the virtual realm, where geographical barriers are erased, the potential for selling tickets becomes significantly vast. Whether it’s an expert-led webinar, a digital concert, or an online workshop, tickets serve as the gateway to these experiences.

Unlike physical venues, online events are not constrained by space. This means you can have attendees from all corners of the globe. Purchasing a ticket online and attending from the comfort of one’s home is a massive draw for many. This convenience can drive up sales significantly. Also, offering different ticket tiers allows you to cater to various audience preferences. 

For Effective Online Ticket Sales, what you can do is

• Give Early Bird Offers to those who commit ahead of time.
• Clearly communicate the value of your event. Let potential attendees know what they stand to gain.
• Providing a straightforward and trusted checkout process ensures that potential attendees don’t abandon their purchase midway.

When it comes to simplifying and optimizing the Registration and Ticket Sales process for online events, Eventin stands out. Integrated with WordPress, Eventin provides a seamless platform to manage and sell event tickets. 

2. Exclusive live events on social platforms

Social media isn’t just for sharing memes, photos, or updates anymore. It has evolved into a powerful platform for hosting live events. These events, when made exclusive or limited to a specific audience, can create a buzz and generate revenue.

Most people are already on platforms like Facebook daily. Hosting an event on these platforms reduces the friction for attendees since they’re already familiar with the platform’s layout and functionality. 

Social platforms come with built-in engagement tools like comments, likes, and shares, making it easier for attendees to interact in real time, enhancing their overall experience. When attendees engage with your event, their activity might show up on their friends’ feeds, giving your event organic promotion.

Creating an exclusive appeal:

• Limit the number of participants. The “fear of missing out” (FOMO) can drive quicker sign-ups.
• Announce special guest appearances or expert sessions that won’t be available outside of this live event.
• Offer attendees a sneak peek into something they wouldn’t usually see, making the event feel more exclusive.

So, to host successful live events on social platforms, you should-

• Use the social platform’s ad services or collaborate with influencers to promote your event.
• Encourage attendees to comment, ask questions, and share the event, driving more engagement and visibility.
• Even if the event is live, ensure there’s value for those who might want to revisit the content later or for those who missed out.

If you’re wondering how to handle your exclusive social media event seamlessly, Eventin is the tool you need. While the live event might take place on a platform like Facebook, the backend organization can be smoothly managed with Eventin. One of Eventin’s standout features is its capability to integrate with platforms like Google Meet and Zoom, and you can even navigate all your Facebook events easily.

No matter where your event is held – be it on Zoom, Google Meet – Eventin ensures all your attendee registrations and ticketing are consolidated in one place.

Also, forget manual follow-ups. Eventin can send automated reminders to attendees with direct links to the platform where your event will be hosted. With Eventin, you get a centralized database of all attendees, making it easy to manage participation, especially if you have limited slots.

3. Turn free events into revenue with sponsorships and upsells

“Free” might seem like a no-profit zone, but when strategized well, free online events can be a gold mine. Let’s dive into how offering zero-cost access can be a catalyst for multiple revenue streams.

It’s hard to believe but you can gain profit through free online events too. Free events are a great way to introduce your brand or service to a vast audience, paving the way for future conversions. Gather valuable attendee information, a treasure trove for future marketing efforts.

Also, no entry fee means more participants. A large audience makes your event attractive for various monetization strategies.

Monetization strategies for free events:

• Sponsorships: Brands are always on the lookout for platforms with a captive audience. Your event can be that platform. Charge brands to promote their products or services during your event.
• Affiliate ,arketing: Introduce products or tools during your event. Use affiliate links so that each sale made through your referral gets you a commission.
• Donations: Sometimes, if your content is valuable, attendees are willing to contribute voluntarily. A small donation button or a link can add up if many attendees chip in.
• On-demand content: Post-event, offer recorded sessions, additional resources, or workshops for a fee.
• Merchandise sales: If you have branded merchandise or relevant products, promote them during the event.
• Exclusive follow-up sessions: Offer in-depth, exclusive sessions or consultations post the main event for a charge.
• Advertisements: Just like TV shows have commercials, integrate short ad segments or banners during your event.

Wondering how Eventin can assist here too? Let me tell you that, Eventin isn’t just about ticketing. It’s about amplifying your event’s potential. With Eventin you can easily integrate promotional segments, whether it’s for affiliate products, merchandise sales, or sponsored content.

4. Monetize recorded events

In the world of digital content, nothing ever truly goes to waste. Once a live online event concludes, it’s not the end. In fact, it’s a new beginning – one where recorded events can become a continuous source of revenue. 

While reaching for a Global Audience, time zones can be tricky. What’s convenient for one part of the world might be midnight in another. Recorded sessions ensure everyone gets a chance to view them. Also, many attendees might want to revisit certain sections of your event for clarity or notes, providing another avenue for monetization.

Strategies to Profit from Past Events:

• Charge a nominal fee for access to recorded sessions. It’s like buying a movie ticket, but for your event.
• Create a library of past events and charge a monthly or yearly subscription for unlimited access.
• Offer recorded events as part of a package deal – maybe with additional resources, eBooks, or exclusive Q&A sessions.
• If you discussed products or tools during your event, use affiliate links in the description or as overlay links. Each purchase via your referral will earn you a commission.
• If your recorded event is hosted on platforms like YouTube, monetize through ads. Alternatively, get sponsors for your content.

When you’ve got a platform like Eventin, monetizing recorded events becomes simpler and more streamlined. You can control who gets access to your recorded content on your event’s page by creating separate events. You can also integrate affiliate links seamlessly within content descriptions or during registration, driving passive revenue.

But you need to understand what your audience wants more of. Eventin’s feedback mechanisms can guide your future content creation and pricing strategies.

5. Integrate donation systems

The power of generosity can’t be underestimated. Donations present a unique avenue for organizers to generate revenue, especially when the event is geared towards a noble cause or offers immense value to attendees. 

When attendees connect deeply with the content or cause of an event, they’re often willing to contribute financially out of appreciation or solidarity. Unlike fixed ticket prices, donations allow attendees to contribute based on their capacity and the perceived value of the event, sometimes leading to generous contributions.

So, you can host virtual events where donations are accepted (especially for charitable causes) can boost your organization’s reputation, leading to more trust and larger audiences in future events.

Strategies for effective donation integration:

• Always be clear about where the donations will go. Whether it’s to cover event costs, support a cause, or fund future events, transparency is key.
• Offer exclusive content, shoutouts, or other perks to donors. This not only encourages donations but also adds value to contributors.
• The process of donating should be seamless. Having clear calls to action and ensuring the donation process is straightforward will increase the likelihood of contributions.
• Recognize and thank your donors. This not only fosters goodwill but also encourages others to contribute.

You’d be amazed to know that Eventin allows for easy integration of payment options through Stripe and Woocommerce right within the event platform. Whether it’s a dedicated button or an integrated payment gateway, the process is smooth for attendees.

With Eventin, you, along with other event organizers, can keep track of all donations received, ensuring transparency and effective management of funds. Eventin provides flexibility in setting up donation options. Whether it’s fixed amounts, custom amounts, or tiered donations, the platform supports various donation models.

With its Twilio integration, Eventin can automate the process of sending out thank you notes or acknowledgements to donors, saving time and ensuring every contributor feels appreciated.

6. Generate revenue with recurring events

Consistency is key, especially when it comes to hosting online events. Recurring events, whether daily, weekly, or monthly, offer a sustainable model for generating consistent revenue. Regular events help in building a dedicated community of attendees who frequently engage, ensuring a steady audience base.

With events happening at regular intervals, there’s a predictable stream of income, making financial planning easier. And if you are consistently in the audience’s view, you can strengthen brand recall and position yourself as a leader in your niche.

Strategies to Boost Revenue with Recurring Events:

• Consider a subscription or membership model where attendees pay a recurring fee to access all events. This ensures a steady flow of income.

• Offer different levels of access. For instance, basic access could be free, but premium content or additional resources could be behind a paywall.
• With regular events, there’s a greater chance to secure long-term sponsorships from brands wanting consistent visibility.
• For loyal attendees, offer exclusive merchandise or resources related to the recurring event theme.

Watch the video to learn how you can create recurring events on WordPress–

Eventin’s feature for maintaining recurring events allows organizers to set events as daily, weekly, monthly, or even annually, ensuring smooth scheduling. Each of your recurring events can maintain consistent branding, creating a recognizable and professional look.

Again, Eventin ensures that your attendees never miss an event by sending out automated reminders through Email or WhatsApp for each recurrence.

As Eventin supports multi-tier ticket pricing, so for recurring events, you can offer different ticketing options like ‘Single Event‘, ‘Monthly Pass‘, or ‘Annual Subscription‘. Moreover, understanding attendee behavior is crucial. With Eventin’s detailed analytics report, track guest engagement and ticket sales to refine your strategy.

7. Tap into hybrid event potential

Hybrid event models are emerging as a game-changer in this era. Blending the best of in-person and online experiences, hybrid events offer unique advantages and revenue opportunities. 

Hybrid events cater to both on-ground attendees and a global online audience, significantly expanding the potential reach. Some might prefer the physical experience, while others may opt for the convenience of attending online. Hybrid events cater to both preferences.

With a broader reach and diverse audience, hybrid events are attractive for sponsors wanting to maximize their visibility.

Strategies to monetize hybrid events:

• Charge differently for in-person attendees (who get the on-ground experience) and online participants. Each offers unique value propositions.
• While the main sessions can be accessible to all, consider having exclusive content or workshops for different segments of your audience.
• For events with an expo or trade show component, offer virtual booths. This allows global brands to participate and reach out to attendees.
• Record the live sessions and offer them as on-demand content for a fee post-event.

Here comes Eventin to assist you again. Eventin effortlessly bridges the gap between physical and virtual, ensuring attendees, whether in-person or online, get a smooth experience. You can manage diverse ticket types – from in-person passes to online access. The platform’s multi-tier ticket pricing is perfect for hybrid events.

Also, Features like Eventin’s QR codes for attendees can be used both on-ground for quick check-ins and online for interactive sessions or exclusive content access.

For in-person meetups, you can now add a Visual Seat Plan with different ticket pricing for events. Eventin-Timetics integration has made it come true.

8. Boost event revenue with merch sales and exclusive offers

Integrating merchandise sales and special offers is pivotal in driving additional revenue. With the rise of the multivendor event marketplace, there’s a new avenue to explore. Event organizers can collaborate with multiple vendors to offer a diverse range of merchandise and exclusive deals. 

Multiple vendors mean a wider range of merchandise, catering to varied attendee tastes and preferences. By creating a marketplace with different vendors competing on the same platform, attendees might get more competitive prices and deals.

Thus, attendees enjoy the thrill of exploring diverse stalls and grabbing exclusive deals from different vendors.

Effective strategies for merchandise sales and special offers:

• Collaborate with vendors to create exclusive event bundles, combining products from different stalls at a special price.
• Promote top vendors or those offering limited-time deals to direct attendees toward high-value purchases.
• Make the shopping experience interactive with virtual stalls where attendees can ‘walk through’ and explore products.
• From T-shirts to mugs, design items that resonate with the theme or content of your event. These can become sought-after collectibles for attendees.
• Offer merchandise as part of a ticket bundle or at a discounted rate, even at your restaurants, to event attendees, encouraging them to purchase.
• Create urgency by offering merchandise or special deals for a limited time, driving immediate sales.
• Design a virtual space within your event platform where attendees can browse and purchase merchandise.

Eventin allows event organizers to convert their event management site into a thriving multivendor event marketplace. This means more choices for attendees and more revenue opportunities for organizers. Now you can easily manage multiple vendors, keeping track of sales, offers, and inventory in one consolidated dashboard.

Also, Eventin’s compatibility with WooCommerce, seamlessly integrates your online shop with the event platform, making the buying process smooth for attendees. Eventin supports payment gateways like Stripe, ensuring secure and quick transactions for all merchandise sales.

9. Benefit from on-demand videos and promotions

In this competitive era of brand promotion, catering to the audience’s convenience has become paramount. While live events offer real-time interaction, there’s a growing demand for on-demand videos that attendees can access at their leisure. Couple that with strategic promotions, and you have a potent combination for sustained revenue generation. 

Not everyone can match their schedules with live event timings. On-demand videos ensure that your content reaches them when they’re ready.

Again attendees might want to revisit certain sessions or share them with peers, and having on-demand content allows for that. Even after the live event concludes, you can continue to earn by selling access to the recorded content.

Strategies for effective on-demand video monetization:

• Offer some sessions exclusively as on-demand content, making them available only to premium ticket holders or for an additional fee.
• Combine on-demand videos with other resources like e-books, exclusive interviews, or merchandise for added value.
• Offer limited-time access to certain video content at discounted rates to create urgency and drive sales.

With Eventin, seamlessly integrate recorded sessions into your event platform, offering attendees a central hub for all content. You can decide who gets to view your on-demand content. Whether it’s free for all attendees, premium ticket holders, or an entirely separate purchase, Eventin gives you the control.

You can also understand viewer patterns, which sessions are most popular, and how your on-demand content performs over time, all through Eventin’s comprehensive analytics dashboard. You can also give access to multiple users in different roles to submit events on your website with Eventin’s Frontend Event Submission feature. 

10. Offer exclusive online sessions

Beyond the standard fare, there’s a burgeoning demand for exclusive online sessions. These sessions offer attendees unique insights, deeper engagement, and a touch of exclusivity. Exclusive sessions often cover niche topics in-depth, providing attendees with comprehensive insights that general sessions might not touch upon.

By limiting the number of attendees, these sessions can offer a more personalized experience, fostering meaningful interactions. And since they’re exclusive, these sessions can command a higher ticket price, adding to your revenue stream.

Make the most of exclusive online sessions:

• Collaborate with industry experts or thought leaders to helm these sessions, boosting their appeal.
• Incorporate Q&A sessions, workshops, or real-time problem-solving segments to engage the audience further.
• Offer attendees package deals that include access to exclusive sessions, along with other event perks or merchandise.

With Eventin, creating and managing exclusive online sessions is straightforward. You can set attendee limits, schedule sessions, and even manage waiting lists if needed. Sell tickets for your exclusive sessions directly through the Eventin platform. Set different pricing tiers, offer early bird rates, or even provide discount codes.

After the session, gather feedback through Eventin. Understand what attendees loved and where you can improve, ensuring that your future exclusive sessions are even more sought-after.

Final words

Making money is never an easy job. However, understanding how to make money hosting events online can open you up to a wide range of alternatives and techniques. With the digital revolution, online events have found a new shape. And using the advanced features of Eventin, you can greatly simplify and boost your event monetization efforts. 

Now that you know how to make money hosting events online, let me tell you how to save money, too! You can enjoy mind-blowing sales on Eventin throughout the entire year, so hurry up and choose Eventin and take the first step toward conducting profitable online events.

🎯 Start Monetizing Your Events with Eventin

Eventin is your all-in-one toolkit for selling tickets, creating recurring events, running hybrid experiences, collecting donations, and more. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling big — Eventin turns every event into a money-making machine.

💡 Trusted by 230+ five-star reviewers on WordPress. Start today – no coding needed.

🎟️ Try Eventin Free

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I earn money from WordPress?

   Yes, you can earn money from WordPress by setting up e-commerce stores, offering freelance services, starting a blog with ads and sponsored content, or selling digital products and online courses. Eventin can help you set up and manage single or multivendor events. 

2. Can you make money putting on events?

   Absolutely! You can make money from events by selling tickets, securing sponsorships, offering virtual or in-person merchandise, and providing exclusive content or experiences for attendees. Add Eventin to your WordPress site and easily set ticket pricing and other financial transactions for each event. 

3. How do you host a money-making event?

   To host a money-making event, plan your content well, market effectively to your target audience, set up a reliable ticketing system, offer valuable sponsorships, and ensure a memorable experience for attendees. Also, track your finances with Eventin to have crystal clear money management.