Marijuana marketing is an ever-evolving industry that requires constant adaptability to stay current. With the legalization of cannabis in several states, there is an increased need for marijuana businesses to develop effective marketing strategies to attract local customers and stand out in a congested market.
This article will discuss the best local marijuana marketing strategies you can implement to grow your cannabis business. We’ve got you covered from optimizing your website for local search to leveraging social media platforms. So, let’s get started!
Optimize your website for search engines.
One of the most critical local marijuana marketing strategies is optimizing your website for search engines. Search engine optimization (SEO) helps your website rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs), making it easier for potential customers to find you online.
Create a Google My Business listing to optimize your website for local search. This free tool from Google allows you to manage how your business appears on Google Maps and search results. You must provide key information such as business name, address, phone number, and website URL.
Another way to optimize your website is to include local keywords in your content. Local keywords are search terms that geographically target your area. For example, if you run a cannabis dispensary in Los Angeles, your keywords might be “Los Angeles dispensary.”
Leverage social media platforms.
Social media is an excellent tool for local marijuana marketing. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter allow businesses to engage with their customers more personally.
To get started, create social media profiles for your business and post regular updates to keep your audience engaged. Share news about your dispensary, upcoming events, new products, and special offers. You can also run social media ads to target local customers.
Attend local events and sponsor programs.
Attending local events and sponsoring local programs effectively increase brand awareness and attract new customers to your dispensary. Look for relevant events in your area, such as music festivals, art shows, or cannabis conventions, and consider becoming a sponsor.
When attending events, bring your business cards, flyers, and other promotional materials to give to potential customers. You can also host your events and invite the local community to participate.
Collaborate with local businesses.
Collaborating with local businesses is another great marijuana marketing strategy. Look for other businesses in your area that you can partner with, such as coffee shops, restaurants, or yoga studios.
You can offer your products in exchange for promoting their business in your dispensary. For example, you could discount customers at a local coffee shop when they purchase from your dispensary. You could also collaborate on events or online promotions to reach your audiences.
Offer loyalty programs and discounts.
Offering loyalty programs and discounts is an excellent way to encourage repeat business and attract new customers to your dispensary. You can offer discounts to first-time customers, military, seniors, and medical patients.
You can also create a loyalty program that rewards customers for repeat business. Offer customers a free product after a certain number of purchases or provide discounts on their next visit.
Start by creating a local SEO strategy.
Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for any online business, but it’s particularly important for CBD business owners. If you want your website to appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs), you need to optimize your content for popular keywords and phrases, such as “CBD oil near me” or “CBD store in [name of your city or town].” To get started, you must research and identify popular local keywords and incorporate them into your website content, meta descriptions, and blog posts. You can also claim your business listings on Google My Business, Yelp, and other online directories to increase your visibility to local customers.
Leverage social media platforms.
Social media is one of the most effective tools to promote your CBD business locally. Identify the social media platforms on which your target audience is most active and create a presence. You can create a Facebook page, Instagram account, LinkedIn profile, or Twitter account to share updates about your business, offer promotions and discounts, and answer customer inquiries. Social media is also a great way to engage with your followers and build a community of loyal customers who can help spread the word about your business.
Create educational content
CBD is still a relatively new product in many areas, so education can go a long way in getting people to try your products. Create blog posts, social media content, or videos explaining the benefits of CBD for certain health conditions or showcase how your products are made. You can also provide recipes, tips, and tricks to help customers use your products more effectively. You can establish credibility as a CBD expert and build customer trust by creating educational content.
Partner with local influencers
Influencer marketing is another effective strategy that can help you get your CBD products in front of more people. Identify local influencers in your area with a significant following and align with your brand values. Reach out to them and offer them some of your products in exchange for a review or social media post. This can increase your reach and get your business in front of a new audience.
Attend local events and festivals.
Local events and festivals are a great way to get your CBD products in front of a new audience. Look for events related to health and wellness, such as yoga festivals, 5K runs, or farmers markets, and set up a booth to showcase your products. You can also offer samples or demos to encourage people to try your products. Attending these events not only helps you generate more sales but also allows you to connect with potential customers and learn more about their needs and preferences.
FAQ
What are the different types of cannabis marketing strategies?
Build your cannabis commerce strategy around the right audience. According to our study, the cannabis demand can be divided into four major segments: Baby Boomers, Frequent Customers, Affluent Families, and Acceptors. To guarantee your piece of the cannabis market pie, you’ll want to develop specific marketing techniques around your targeted segment.
Is local compliance a problem in legal cannabis markets?
Local compliance presents a considerable marketing challenge in legal cannabis markets. State ordinances differ from one market to the next. Some are more severe than others. In Maryland, cannabis ads of any kind are banned.
How do you market a cannabis business?
You can use the following techniques when marketing your cannabis business:
- Leverage marijuana-friendly ad websites like Mantis, Traffic Roots, RevOffers, etc.
- Make an online store and website for your brand.
- Optimize keywords for SEO.
- Member with influencers.
- Guest post.
- Provide solutions on forums and Q&A sites.
- Familiarize your readers.
Is cannabis marketing a challenge?
Cannabis commerce is challenging but can be made easier using the right marketing strategies based on client behaviour and how your target audience investigates your products. Build your cannabis marketing strategy around the right audience.
