How to Pick the Best Cannabis Marketing Agency

1. Understand Your Brand’s Needs and Goals

It is essential to first understand what cannabis marketing agency to look for which is why it is critical to first understand what the brand’s goals are. 

Is your loyalty mobile app brand new, and are you trying to generate hype and users? Or maybe you want to expand brand awareness and try bringing customers to your dispensary or promote products. Set your goals and KPIs which you will use to measure effectiveness. 

Also consider your budget and whether you are looking for a general agency or one that specializes in marketing tools like mobile app marketing, SEO, text marketing, social media, or influencer marketing.

2. Look for Cannabis Industry Expertise

Cannabis marketing is one of the industries with limited marketing options, so it depends on experience. Consider working with marijuana marketing agencies that have been in the cannabis space before, and has the track record to maneuver the industry's advertisement barriers to deliver tangible growth. An experienced agency should be able to present you with a portfolio of several successful cannabis campaigns. 

Bonus points if they’ve worked with brands that align with your own goals and style.

3. Evaluate Their Marketing Approach

A successful cannabis marketing agency understands the need for a multifaceted strategy. They should excel in capturing organic traffic through local SEO, helping your brand stand out in local searches to attract nearby customers. Look for agencies that focus on building your brand and driving sales with a direct-to-brand approach, rather than relying solely on cannabis marketplaces like Weedmaps or Leafly.

Modern marketing tools are essential for staying competitive, so ensure the agency can leverage solutions like weed loyalty programs, cannabis mobile apps, text marketing, and push notifications. Additionally, they should be able to support offline initiatives such as roadshows, dispensary events, and community outreach efforts to create meaningful, in-person connections.

Depending on the type of help you need, assessing their list of services and experience is important. Some agencies specialize in specific areas, while others offer a more comprehensive, full-service approach. Review their capabilities carefully before making your choice.

4. Check Their Reputation

An agency’s reputation in the industry can tell you a lot about their expertise. Research their LinkedIn posts, blog posts, webinars, and other educational content. Are they contributing valuable insights to the cannabis space? Agencies that participate in industry events or collaborate with cannabis associations often bring a wealth of knowledge and credibility to the table.

5. Review Feedback & Past Work

Client testimonials and case studies can provide valuable insights into an agency’s effectiveness. Look for reviews that highlight measurable results, such as increases in SEO rankings, mobile app downloads, or loyalty revenue. Genuine testimonials from clients within the cannabis industry carry more weight than generic endorsements. So if possible, reach out to past clients to get a firsthand account of their experiences.

6. Assess Communication Styles

Clear communication is key to a successful partnership. A trustworthy agency will offer regular updates, transparent reporting, and a collaborative workflow. 

Before signing on, ask about their communication style and how they ensure alignment on goals and strategies. A good weed ad agency will prioritize keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.

7. Ensure Compliance Expertise

The cannabis industry operates under a complex web of local and federal regulations. The cannabis marketing agency you choose must be well-versed in the laws specific to your market. Ask about their process for staying compliant and how they adapt to changing regulations. This expertise will help you avoid costly legal pitfalls while maintaining a competitive edge.

8. Consider  Cultural Fit

Your cannabis marketing agency should understand and reflect your brand’s values. Evaluate their ability to connect with your target audience and their enthusiasm for your mission. A strong cultural fit can foster better collaboration and creativity, ultimately leading to more successful campaigns.

9. Request a Custom Proposal

The best weed agencies will take the time to craft a tailored strategy for your brand. Request a custom proposal to get a sense of their approach and initial recommendations. A thoughtful proposal will demonstrate how well they understand your unique needs and whether they’re the right partner for your business.

10. Compare Options 

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, create a comparison chart to weigh factors like expertise, cost, services, and testimonials. Schedule interviews with your top contenders to dive deeper into their processes and ensure they align with your vision. Trust both the data and your instincts when making the final decision.

Final Tip

Finding the right cannabis marketing agency can elevate your brand and set you apart. With the right partner, you’ll not only navigate the complexities of cannabis advertising but also achieve your business goals more efficiently.

At Digital Awesome, we work with award-winning cannabis marketing agencies and software providers to boost dispensary sales and help retailers and brands stay compliant and competitive. 

Whether you’re launching your new loyalty mobile app or looking for a comprehensive marketing strategy, our trusted partners like PufCreativ, Cannabis Creative Group and Happy Cabbage are ready to help. 

See a complete list of our partners here. 

Explore custom mobile app integrations here.