Are You Looking for a Reliable Way to Market Your Cannabis Business?
If you run a cannabis business, you already know how tough the market is. The rules are confusing, platforms are strict, and competition keeps growing. Many owners spend money on marketing but don’t see real results. Why? Because they are making the same mistakes again and again.
We’ve worked with cannabis businesses across Canada and the U.S. and have seen first-hand where most owners go wrong. The good news? Once you know these mistakes, you can avoid them and build a strategy that actually works.
Here are the 10 costly marketing mistakes cannabis business owners keep making — and how you can fix them.
1. Relying Only on Instagram
Instagram is great for showing your products, but it’s risky. Accounts get banned or shadowbanned without warning. Imagine losing all your followers overnight.
- Mistake: Building your whole brand only on Instagram.
- Better Way: Spread your presence. Use your website, email list, Google Maps, and other safe platforms. If one account gets suspended, your business won’t vanish.
2. Running Ads the Wrong Way
Google and Facebook don’t allow direct cannabis ads. Many owners try anyway and lose their ad accounts. This not only wastes money but also blocks future campaigns.
- Mistake: Spending blindly on ads without checking compliance.
- Better Way: Invest in SEO, local search, native ads, and compliant strategies. Work with agencies who know cannabis restrictions.
3. Ignoring Local SEO
Most cannabis buyers search online with “near me.” If your dispensary, grow shop, or clone business doesn’t appear on Google Maps, you lose customers to competitors.
- Mistake: Not optimizing for local SEO.
- Better Way: Claim your Google Business Profile. Add updated hours, photos, menu, and encourage reviews. This builds trust and visibility.
4. Weak Branding
Too many cannabis brands look alike. Green leaves, copycat names, and generic packaging don’t stand out. Customers don’t remember them.
- Mistake: Copying competitors instead of creating identity.
- Better Way: Develop a strong brand story, unique design, and consistent tone. Make your brand memorable, not forgettable.
5. No Email or SMS List
Social media is not permanent. If your account disappears, how will you reach your audience? Without an email or SMS list, you’re at the mercy of platforms.
- Mistake: Not collecting emails or phone numbers.
- Better Way: Offer discounts, guides, or updates to grow your subscriber list. Once you own your list, you control the connection with your customers.
6. Not Tracking Results
Marketing without tracking is like driving blind. Many owners spend money but don’t check where the sales come from.
- Mistake: No Google Analytics, no GA4, no tracking tools.
- Better Way: Install GA4 and GTM. Measure what brings traffic and sales. Cut what doesn’t work and double down on what does.
7. Breaking Compliance Rules
Each region has strict cannabis marketing rules. Some owners break them without realizing. That leads to account suspensions, warnings, or even fines.
- Mistake: Posting lifestyle content, promotions, or claims that are not allowed.
- Better Way: Learn the rules for your province or state. Stay compliant while creating creative, engaging campaigns.
8. Poor Content
Customers today want value. Blogs, guides, FAQs, and reviews help them make decisions. Weak product descriptions or no content at all push them away.
- Mistake: Posting random content or none at all.
- Better Way: Create helpful blogs, strain reviews, how-to guides, and care tips. Good content builds authority and helps your site rank higher.
9. Ignoring Reviews
Reviews are gold for cannabis businesses. They influence buyers and boost your local SEO. Many owners don’t ask for reviews or reply to them.
- Mistake: Not managing online reviews.
- Better Way: Ask happy customers to leave feedback. Reply to both positive and negative reviews. It shows professionalism and builds trust.
10. Choosing the Wrong Marketing Partner
Not all marketing agencies understand cannabis. Many owners hire cheap services that promise quick results but fail. Some even use black-hat tactics that put your business at risk.
- Mistake: Hiring agencies without cannabis experience.
- Better Way: Work with cannabis-focused experts who know compliance, SEO, and growth strategies. Real results come from real experience.
Why This Matters
The cannabis industry is not like any other. It’s regulated, competitive, and still misunderstood by mainstream platforms. One wrong move can cost you customers, revenue, or even your business license.
But when you avoid these mistakes and follow a clear plan, you can:
- Build a strong, trusted brand
- Show up on Google when people are searching
- Keep your accounts safe and compliant
- Grow sales without wasting money
Ready to Avoid These Mistakes? Hire Us Today.
We specialize in Local SEO and digital marketing for the cannabis industry. Our team has solid experience, proven results, and real client success stories. We know the challenges cannabis owners face — and more importantly, we know how to overcome them.
- We’ve helped dispensaries rank higher on Google Maps.
- We’ve saved businesses from ad bans by using compliant strategies.
- We’ve built strong online brands with loyal customer bases.
Don’t let costly mistakes hold your business back.
👉 Contact us today and get a marketing strategy built for cannabis growth. Your competitors are already investing in SEO, branding, and compliance. Don’t get left behind.
Hire us today and grow your cannabis business the right way.
