Even with the restrictions on Google and Social Media advertising, there are effective dispensary marketing strategies that can get your business noticed on the internet. Working with an experienced cannabis marketing agency helps you grow your leads and increase traffic to your store.
Google and Social Media
The restrictions on product advertising don’t prevent you from putting your business in various directories which will boost your search results. Update your Google My Business, Facebook, Yelp and Better Business Bureau information so that when customers search for “dispensary near me” your business comes up. Include as many pictures as possible on platforms that allow it.
Instagram and YouTube are great for cannabis social media posts such as product education and instructional or fun videos that will inspire online conversation and shares. Update your dispensary social media with promotions and special deals for local customers.
Facebook and Google Restrictions
Facebook prohibits ads that promote prescription, illegal or recreational drugs. Similarly, Google places restrictions on CBD and cannabis marketing. Their policy prohibits substances that alter mental states. When marketing your dispensary on social media, it’s a good idea to work with a cannabis marketing agency to understand the rules and federal regulations on dispensary marketing.
Dispensary Directories
Weedmaps, Leafly and LeafBuyer are dispensary directories that rank highly. These services can be quite costly but will definitely draw more attention to your business.
Seattle-based Leafly gets 40 million view per month.
Weedmaps offers searches for dispensary storefronts, medical marijuana doctors and related information.
At Leafbuyer, users find a streamlined dispensary-finding process.
Your Website Can Drive Organic Traffic
Is your website as dynamic as your competitor’s site? Here’s what you need to attract and keep visitors on the page:
- An up-to-date menu with all your products listed and professional photography. Dispensary customers typically browse online before visiting a local dispensary.
- Email opt-in. Ask for contact information for deals and promos so you can add visitors to your marketing funnel.
- Google Map showing the location of your dispensary and how to get there. Make it easy for customers to get to your business.
- Current product promotions displayed immediately and prominently.
As part of your cannabis marketing strategy, include a promotions calendar so customers can schedule their visit around their favorite products.
Local SEO
When marketing a dispensary, you must appear within the top three results on Google Maps. To do this, optimize your dispensary information on Google My Business. Fill out every possible field with complete and accurate information.
Post a lot of pictures, your full business name and correct location information. Don’t forget your hours of operation.
Here’s another tip. The Name, Address and Contact Info have to match exactly on Google My Business, Yelp and other directories where you can promote the business if not necessarily the product. Even slight variations such as “First” versus “1st” Street can cause issues in search results for your business.
Cannabis Marketing Agency
Partner with a social media marketing agency focused on cannabis dispensaries. At Sooner Marketing Solutions, we offer the following services for marketing a dispensary:
- Pay-Per-Click
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Social Media Marketing (SMO)
- Web Design Services
- Video Production
Contact us today to discuss a winning strategy for cannabis marketing and the skills and knowledge to increase traffic and sales for your business.
