5 Ways Dispensaries Can Outshine Their Competitors

1. Make It Easy for Customers to Find You

The first step towards enhancing your dispensary's competitiveness is making it a breeze for customers to find you, both in-person and online. A multi-store locator on your site or cannabis mobile app serves as a digital compass, guiding customers straight to your door from wherever they might be.

But don't stop there! Optimize your store’s local SEO to pop up on Google Maps when users search for key phrases like “Dispensaries near me” or “weed near me”. 

Sure, being listed on marketplaces like Weedmaps can give you a temporary boost. But remember, their benefits typically dwindle once you stop paying for monthly listings or bidding for top spots - plus the news is, they’re raising prices 4x for certain markets. For sustainable visibility and searchability, nothing outshines investing in your platforms.
 

2. Secure Exclusive Vendor Agreements

Another savvy move to ramp up your dispensary's competitive edge is by featuring unique and exclusive products. You can do this by striking up vendor agreements for the sole rights to sell certain items. This air of exclusivity could transform your store into a must-visit dispensary for cannabis users seeking out fresh experiences.

Alternatively, why not create your signature brand? This not only sets you apart from the rest but also hands you the reins on quality control and pricing. Yes, it may require a heftier investment, but maintaining as much exclusivity as you can with your vendors is key. It helps you showcase a product range that won't be found in every other dispensary in town.

3. Foster Unforgettable Experiences

People are drawn to memorable experiences, not just products. So how about crafting unique interactions that engage your customers beyond the simple act of purchasing?

In-store, hold educational sessions about various cannabis strains, their uses, and benefits. Online, you could offer virtual store tours, host Q&A sessions with industry experts, or even introduce gamified shopping and loyalty programs through a dedicated cannabis mobile app.

To further strengthen community ties, why not host local events such as cannabis tasting sessions or themed parties at your dispensary? These immersive experiences not only give customers more reasons to frequent your store but also foster deeper connections with your brand and fellow enthusiasts.

4. Invest in New Sales Technology

Technology plays a pivotal role in boosting business competitiveness. For dispensaries, this could entail investing in a robust Point of Sale (POS) system that simplifies operations, inventory management, and sales tracking.

Additionally, using customer relationship management (CRM) software can aid in understanding your customers more effectively and personalizing their shopping experience. Finally, enhance this with your dispensary's dedicated cannabis mobile app, which integrates shopping, rewards, and marketing to foster a seamless sales journey and an overall improved customer experience.

Here are the benefits of having a dedicated mobile app for dispensaries:

• It offers ordering experiences similar to those of 7/11 or Starbucks.
• It provides customized tech in the palm of your customer’s hands.
• Mobile push notifications can be used to announce daily deals and reminders.
• AI-powered selling tools can help increase average cart values through upselling.

Digital punch cards can enhance referrals, purchases, and customer retention.


 

5. Cultivate a Strong Online Presence

Last but not least, don't underestimate the power of a strong online presence. A robust online presence can start by having a website, a high-converting mobile app, social media content, and positive online reviews, which can significantly sway potential customers' perceptions of your dispensary.

Research underscores the power of reviews and brand perception in buying decisions. For instance, 93% of consumers stated that online reviews impact their purchasing choices. Additionally, studies reveal that real-life customer reviews have a profound influence on purchasing decisions, with 87% of consumers acknowledging their impact.

These data highlight why dispensaries should prioritize enhancing their online visibility and reputation - as with any business in this millennium. Positive reviews can bolster brand perception and trust, ultimately swaying purchasing decisions. By leveraging this opportunity, dispensaries can differentiate themselves from competitors and deliver exceptional customer experiences.

By implementing these strategies, your dispensary can become more competitive. Remember, success in the cannabis industry isn't just about selling products; it's about creating an experience and building relationships with your customers. 

So stay innovative, stay unique, and most importantly, stay true to your brand!

Related:

• Cannabis App Buying Tips for Dispensaries
• 10 Ways To Use Cannabis App Push Notifications
• Beat The Competition with Geofencing

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Disclaimer: Tips, advice, and insights provided on this blog are intended for informational purposes only and should be considered as recommendations and/or market news. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and ensure compliance with federal and state laws before making any business & marketing decisions pertaining to their own dispensaries and promotional channels. Digital Awesome will not be held liable for any damages or penalties incurred as a result of following the advice or information presented in this blog.