The popularity of cannabis products has far exceeded its original connotation with the 70s and is now widely used by people from different walks of life. In fact, roughly 150 million people consume cannabis, which equates to 2.5% of the world’s population.
Despite the interest in cannabis, there are still frequent challenges in creating successful cannabis websites. But your website may not be achieving its goals because it lacks five must-haves that can help drive sales.
The first thing to consider when creating your website is emphasizing age restrictions for use of cannabis products. This is important when upholding the guidelines of the Cole Memorandum, in which the document states that minors cannot consume any cannabis products.
It is also a great look for your company in showing that you are maintaining federal and state regulations and are only doing business with those who can legally consume the product.
Furthermore, you should create a distinction between recreational users and patients that require cannabis products for medical purposes. After asking the customer if they are of age to use cannabis, question how they are using the product.
There are also many cannabis experts online that will encourage websites to create two different pages depending on if the user is using cannabis for recreational or medical purposes. Each site will portray the product that is most appropriate for the user, such as having different photos.
So long as you keep in mind how varied your audience can become, then your website will attract many different kinds of people.
After the user chooses how they want to use cannabis, your next task is making sure your content is accommodating for both types of uses. As many have said before, cannabis sites focus their content around different kinds of strains. It is wise to choose both target audiences and brand each version of your site accordingly to satisfy both of them.
Thus, when customers choose which type of user they are, the site they are taken to should have specific strains that are suited for them.
When patients visit your site, present the option to search different strains depending on their symptoms. Have them select the symptoms that are bothering them and then let your system come up with strains that can solve the problem.
Concerning recreational users, let them choose how they want to experience the cannabis product. Have options ranging from relaxation to being focused. Then introduce strains that can let them have their desired experience.
Now comes the main part of your website, the actual selling of your cannabis supply. The first rule of thumb is showing your customers the cannabis product and selling it without any hassle.
Show them the product not just through words, but also through clear visuals. For each product, display clear and crisp photos. Include videos and also share social media content that is promoting the cannabis product. Next, show user reviews for each item. Do not use your words to prove the item’s effectiveness. Instead, let the product speak for itself.
Give the user the option to add each item to their cart promptly. If your site is not an ecommerce type, then have a feature where users can find a local dispensary that sells their desired item, or include your affiliate links.
For this step, become as accommodating as possible when giving users the chance to purchase these cannabis products.
Since cannabis is an industry with many restrictions, it is integral that your customer knows the history of these products as they are perusing your selection.
First, weed products are considered illegal substances at the federal level, but many states have pardoned its illegality for recreational and medical use. Only local and state-specific marketing is allowed for cannabis products, making it hard to market your website but not impossible.
Secondly, you must always be up-to-date with studies concerning weed. Be honest with your consumers. Having unfounded claims about cannabis can lead to blow-back from your community and will harm your reputation.
With this knowledge in mind, promote the education of weed by detailing the origins of cannabis, its different types, and the effects they produce in the body. Another idea is establishing an FAQ that answers common questions that people have about these products.
A CBD or marijuana education blog section of your website establishes you as an authority in your field and also eases many of the worries that consumers may have around the purchase of a substance that was probably illegal in their lifetime.
There is controversy in advocating for federal legalization of cannabis products on websites that are selling them for profit. However, it is a safe bet that those who are selling cannabis products are strong proponents of wanting the product legalized on the federal level.
If you earnestly believe in the cause, then place links on your website to other organizations fighting for legalization. For instance, provide links to advocacy resources such as the MPP, and get in contact with local legislatures for their support.
Do not feel pressured fighting for advocacy. If you do not want to involve yourself in politics or do not have a strong passion for the topic, then by all means, focus on selling your product.
There are multiple ways to approach your cannabis website. While these five tips are a good starting point, the next step is to put them in practice and show your customers that you are willing to provide them with good service. For more help on making your websites, then reach out to us. Nothing would make us happier than helping you become successful.