Bye, 2022. ✌️
It’s been nice, but we’re ready to move on to a fresh year.
Working in marketing, we’re always looking ahead to anticipate the next big thing and keep up with the latest best practices for cannabis marketing.
2023 is no exception. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, so does the need for marketing that keeps up with consumer demand.
In this post, we’ll look at some of the trends and strategies likely to dominate cannabis marketing in 2023:
Growth, growth, and growth
The US cannabis market is expected to reach $40 billion in 2030. Legalization is spreading across the US, with more states legalizing and decriminalizing cannabis.
Cannabis marketing needs to be ready to handle the growth. This means getting creative and developing strategies that are flexible and adaptive to the changing landscape of the cannabis industry.
Many platforms like Facebook and Instagram are unfriendly to cannabis content, so it’s important for cannabis dispensaries, stores, cultivators, and companies to choose marketing agencies specializing in cannabis to maximize their earning potential and reach.
At Kush Media Group, we understand the unique nuances of cannabis marketing, and specialize in strategies that account for the constantly changing regulations, market trends, and consumer preferences.
Take notes from the alcohol-industry playbook
The cannabis industry can learn a lot from other “vice” products like alcohol, cigarettes, and tobacco. While those of us who know are “in the know” about the fact that cannabis is far less harmful than these, the strategies used for marketing can still be adapted and applied to cannabis.
For example, the use of celebrity endorsements and influencers has been extremely successful in alcohol advertising, and can also be used in cannabis marketing.
Brands are positioning themselves to elevate the “cannabis” brand and redefine the lifestyle associated with its use. Weedmaps and Curaleaf are excellent examples of two brands setting themselves up as industry leaders by elevating canna culture, breaking stigmas, and challenging old stereotypes.
In 2023, we expect cannabis marketing to take a page from the alcohol industry playbook and continue to develop creative, innovative, and effective ways to market cannabis.
Product innovation expands
The types and variety of cannabis products are growing exponentially. From flower to edibles, topicals to concentrates, pre-rolls to vape pens, there’s something for everyone in today’s complex cannabis marketplace.
Cannabis brands are reaching non-smokers in record numbers. A decade ago, 80% of all product sales came from flower. That number is now at 47%. For example, cannabis beverages are having a major moment right now. 50% of sales from cannabis-infused seltzer came from complete cannabis newbies.
Pet owners even give their furry family members CBD dog treats and oils.
And with product innovation comes the need for creative marketing.
We’re likely to see more companies creating unique and inventive products and services, and creative marketing tactics to reach new customers.
The retail experience and purchasing products are also getting easier. Cannabis stores are using their websites to make online shopping easier, and cannabis delivery businesses bring product right to the customer for extra convenience.
This is a perfect example of why a badass website isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.
Digital marketing agencies specializing in the cannabis industry know how to curate the perfect e-commerce experience for businesses to maximize their earning potential without violating laws or upsetting the almighty payment processor.
Cannabiz marketing gets smart
Marketing in this industry is a little different. Social media is on the table but not ads on social. And, if you say the wrong thing on social, you might lose your whole account in a snap.
Some canna-businesses are tapping into billboards and signage that don’t have regulatory limits. But the ROI on these methods is hard to measure.
SEO and a killer website have become foundational.
If your customers can’t find you online, you miss out on many potential sales.
59.5% of all website traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out on a huge chunk of potential customers.
Not only is it effective, but it’s also measurable. Your website visitors, clicks, email marketing metrics, and conversions can be tracked and used to optimize your marketing efforts.
Digital marketing tailor-made for cannabiz
Coming up dry on your cannabis marketing ideas?
Need help optimizing your website and spreading your reach?
Totally stumped on social media and SEO?
No worries, that’s where digital marketing agencies specializing in cannabis come in to help you establish your brand and get the word out.
At Kush Media Group, we have decades of experience helping cannabis businesses grow, reach their customers, and make the most of digital marketing.
We understand the unique challenges that come with marketing a cannabis business and are here to help.
If you’re looking for a creative and effective way to get your message out, give us a shout! We’d love to help you make the most of cannabis marketing in 2023 and beyond!
