Cannabis Marketing Trends in 2023

Brands and stores can significantly benefit from gaining more exposure through partnerships with well-known corporations. These alliances are becoming more common as cannabis use becomes more mainstream.

Cannabis marketing is challenging now. More states legalize adult marijuana every year. The cannabis industry continues to hope for reform as the government stalls. Emerging markets are increasing, but mature markets have intractable issues. It's a contradiction that no one misses; even powerful businesses are cautious with marketing spending. Cannabis entrepreneurs realize they must make every dollar count and that many traditional marketing methods, including social media and paid Google advertisements, are still unclear. In a competitive industry, brands must invest more in marketing. The workers have to be cautious and plan to avoid issues. They're looking for innovative strategies to attract customers and increase market share.

Third-party marketplaces will rule: Online buying skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many don't want to stop. Most first-time cannabis buyers buy online—third-party marketplaces are where brands meet potential customers. They attract visitors and showcase products that may pay more to be at the top of a menu. Third-party markets are vital to cannabis sales, even if some brands dislike them. Small brands can participate in engagement because it can be done on any budget. Weed companies will use experiential marketing to entice new customers. Dispensaries and consumption bars also hold craft evenings and karaoke to attract additional partygoers.

Video marketing will rule: Fun and engaging video content is crucial as TikTok and other apps gain popularity. Good, shareable movies are popular. Censorship and shadowbans make selling cannabis challenging. Many producers are employing code phrases, exchanging marijuana for broccoli, or minimizing obvious shots like dabs or bong hits to circumvent the algorithm. It can be spectacular if done well. Consumers and budtenders will learn and participate. Real-life brand activations will increase. Try to recreate the product's real-world experience. One viral video can make someone famous overnight. Video requires SEO too. Google rewards sites with video links because web traffic comes from videos.

Partnerships attract newcomers: Adults no longer buy cannabis. Shop employees must meet customers where they are as more people from different backgrounds visit and curious marijuana users learn more. 

Cannabis entrepreneurs and government reform will unleash the floodgates. Working with well-known companies boosts brand and retailer visibility. As cannabis use rises, so do these agreements. One-time marketing campaigns can reach many individuals and may be easier to execute than significant deals like the ones above. They are working with a non-cannabis company to create a new product to gain publicity.

Influence marketing: Influencer marketing will be the primary strategy for cannabis brands and stores in 2023. Cannabis-consuming Gen Z and Millennials live online and are more inclined to try a product or service recommended by their favorite influencer. Cannabis producers charge a lot to operate together, but the ROI is usually good. A paid advertising and partner agreement could boost interaction hours after a social post. Cannabis enterprises may promote their products and stores with cannabis-loving influencers—influencer marketing campaigns nationwide as corporations realize their benefits.

KPIs will alter drastically: Most marketing teams prioritize internet traffic and engagement. Analytics tracks these KPIs, but the platform will undergo a significant overhaul affecting everything. Marketing teams will discuss internet traffic differently. It examines customer lifecycle events. Marketers will need to rethink KPIs due to this new data perspective. Weed firms are used to significant upheavals. Adopting the new method is another step on a long path where regulations and markets change. Small marketing spending must be allowed. Operators must differentiate in an increasingly crowded market.