Aim: By the end of this guide, you'll be able to successfully put a Production on sale to visitors.
Understanding How the Dashboard Prepares Your Work
The Dashboard Does the Heavy Lifting
The good news: most of the technical work is done automatically for you! Here's what happens behind the scenes:
When you sync with your Event or ticketing system, or manually upload :
- The Dashboard automatically creates Productions and Events
- Essential information is already populated: ID, Title, Dates, Times, and Genres
- Events are set to off-sale status by default (safe mode - nothing goes live accidentally)
- Availability updates run regularly in the background to keep everything current
- Some information syncs once (like the initial Production details)
- Other information updates every time to keep things current
- This ensures your Dashboard always reflects what's in your ticketing system
Your Role: Adding the Marketing Magic
The Dashboard handles the data, you handle the storytelling. Your job is to add:
- Compelling marketing copy
- Eye-catching images
- Additional context that makes people want to book
Think of it this way: The Dashboard builds the foundation, you make it sell.
Need to create a Production Manually? See our Productions Guide then return to Step 1 below.
Step 1: Complete Your Production Page
Production Pages use a template layout, so all Productions have the same structure. Any blank fields simply won't display on the front end (no empty spaces will appear).
Key Fields to Complete
Description Part 1
- This is your main content area
- Include the primary marketing copy about the production
Side Note to Description Part 1
- Use this for "Need to know" information
- Examples: Age restrictions, ticket information, accessibility details
SEO Section
- Use this to override the default SEO settings
- Good practice: Customize meta titles and descriptions for better search visibility
Embed URL
- Add links to external content
- Examples: Spotify playlists, podcasts
Properties
- Control where the Production appears on your site
- Set visibility rules for different pages
Content Library
- Store repeatable content for Production Pages
- Examples: Relevant location information, targeted messaging for on-sales/memberships
Media Gallery
- The first image you add becomes your Hero image
- Additional images create a carousel
Step 2: Review Your Events
Events are automatically added with the Production. Most event data comes from your ticketing system and requires minimal updates from you.
Two Critical Settings
Group
- Controls the Visibility and Bookability of the Production
- Defaults to the Group decided during your implementation
Status
- Controls the Button status (what Visitors see)
- Defaults to a not visible
Step 3: Put Your Production On Sale
You have two options for making your Production available:
Option A: Individual Event Changes
Change the Group and Status in each individual Event.
Option B: Bulk Changes (Recommended)
Navigate to Event Metadata > Statuses/Groups and bulk change the Group and Status for multiple Productions or Events at once.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn't My Event Showing?
If your Production isn't visible after following the steps above, check these common issues:
Check the Season
- All Productions and Events must fall within valid dates in a Season
- If you don't use traditional seasons (like 24/25), create one "catch-all" season with an end date far in the future
Check the Group
- Is the Event in a Visible Group?
- Verify the Group settings allow public visibility
Managing High-Traffic On Sales
Understanding the Queue System
Peppered has a built-in Queueing module that is always on to protect your site from unexpected traffic spikes.
Examples of unexpected traffic:
- An artist suddenly posts on Instagram
- A production is featured on TV
For Expected High Traffic
To manage expected high traffic:
- Set the queue to 0 - this creates a waiting room
- Use Queue messaging to communicate with waiting customers
- Make the waiting experience clear and informative
Fair Use Policy
Remember that Peppered operates on shared infrastructure, so there's a fair use policy in place. Communication about high-traffic events helps everyone.
Quick Reference Checklist
Before putting a Production on sale, confirm:
Want to know more
- Productions - Overview of all the available fields in a Production, including how to link to People, Stories and Suggest other Productions
- Events - Overview of all the fields in an Event
- Queueing - How to set up and manage your queue
Need Help? Contact the CultureSuite support team if you encounter any issues not covered in this guide.