Are you struggling to get your brand out there? Is your cannabis store not as successful as it should be? Maybe digital marketing for cannabis is what you are missing. Read on for 7 digital marketing tips to grow your cannabis business.
Did you know that digital marketing can help expand your reach, attract more prospects, increase sales, revenue and profits? I know it can be tricky and confusing with the laws on advertising cannabis. But there are some organic ways for you to reach customers with digital marketing.
What exactly is digital marketing?
Digital marketing, also known as online marketing, is where you can promote your brand to connect with potential customers using the internet and other forms of digital communication.
Digital marketing includes email, social media, and web-based advertising, including text and multimedia messages as a marketing channel. Here is a list of the best digital marketing tips for your cannabis business.
Website
A website is essential for any dispensary or cannabis business owner. That website should have the products you are selling with photos and a way for customers to buy them online. People like to buy from the comfort of their own homes; they also like to see what they are buying with a picture of the product.
Additionally, capitalize on blog posts on your website that tells consumers about your products.
Lastly, customer ratings on the site allow shoppers can leave a comment and rate your business. The better ratings, the more people will shop at your store and your business will boom.
Having an email listing of your customers is the key to your business. So, have a concrete plan for obtaining them, whether it’s providing an email when they enter your website or asking shoppers for an email address after purchasing products. Email lists allow you to follow up with an email that offers them a discount or lets them know about new products.
Social Media
Social media is becoming essential to business as much as everyday life.
Social media gives customers a backstage pass into your company. They can see what products, promotions and specials you have going on. Using Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are ideal for reaching your customers with eye-catching content. Strong social media channels can help build relationships with customers so they can see what your business has to offer. Keep in mind that social pages need daily updates. Try to reply to comments that your consumers leave on your social pages.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is important to your business, and also, focusing on developing excellent SEO will help get traffic from free, organic search results in search engines. In other words, this is a powerful tool for making your website easy to find on the internet when someone types in keywords.
Customer Reviews
The more positive reviews you have, the more likely customers will come back, and you will gain more buyers. Studies show that 72 percent of people don’t make a buying decision unless they can read reviews. So, you must prioritize how you are going to get reviews. You can email your customers asking them to rate their recent purchases. You could also have a section on your website that allows buyers to leave a comment. Social media is a great place for people to comment about and strain of cannabis they bought.
Keep in mind that you should respond to all reviews, whether it’s good or bad. Honestly and openness shows customers you care and value the customers’ opinions and want to continue creating a positive experience for everyone.
Google Maps
You want people to find your cannabis store, and adding your store to Google Maps can help bring new customers to your business. Here is a step-by-step guide.
- On your computer, sign in to Google Maps.
- You can add your business in 3 ways: Enter your address in the search bar. On the left in the Business Profile, click Add your business.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish signing up for your Business Profile.
Third-Party Directories
Another important aspect of marketing your cannabis business is third-party websites and directories. These third-party directories can help with the growth of your brand. There will be a bigger chance people will see your store name and help gain new customers. It is as simple as listing your store name, address, phone number and don’t forget the URL to your website. Try to find directories that have a strong, positive reputation.
Two of the top cannabis directories are:
- Leafly
- Weedmaps
Across Canada, many Cannabis stores are opening up. For some marketing, your business can be challenging. However, it might not hurt if you hire someone experienced in Digital Marketing to ensure you’re doing everything correctly without getting yourself into any legal troubles.