Let’s be real for a second—marketing your dispensary doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg. Sure, cannabis marketing has its own set of challenges—hello, legal restrictions—but that doesn’t mean you need a massive budget to make waves. In fact, there are plenty of low-cost ways to get your dispensary noticed without selling your soul.
We’re all about keeping things simple and effective, so grab your favorite strain, kick back, and let’s dive into 10 creative, budget-friendly marketing ideas that’ll make your dispensary stand out in a crowded market.
Let’s face it: word of mouth is still king. But instead of waiting for customers to spread the good word, why not help them out? Implement a referral program to encourage your customers to send their friends your way.
A solid referral program can do wonders when it comes to cannabis businesses. Referral programs can increase customer retention by 25-30%. So, offer up a little incentive—maybe a discount, a freebie, or even a loyalty point for each successful referral. Keep it simple, and watch your loyal customers do the marketing for you.
Social media is free. Let that sink in. And we’re not talking about just posting product shots (although those have their place). Create engaging, cannabis-focused content that sparks conversation. Behind-the-scenes shots, budtender Q&As, customer stories, and even fun cannabis trivia are easy ways to connect with your audience.
Plus, did you know 73% of customers purchase a product based on social media recommendations? Post consistently, use relevant hashtags (#cannabiscommunity, #weedstagram, #dispensarylife), and interact with your followers. Don’t just sell—engage.
Local partnerships are pure gold. Find complementary businesses (coffee shops, yoga studios, local breweries) and team up for cross-promotions. Maybe you offer their customers a special discount, and they return the favor.
It’s a low-cost way to build your brand’s presence within the local community. Nearly 60% of cannabis consumers say they’re likely to visit a dispensary based on local recommendations—so tap into your neighborhood’s vibe and watch your customer base grow.
Alright, listen up—people love free stuff. So why not throw a little in-store event to draw a crowd? Whether it’s a budtender demo, an educational session on cannabis consumption, or a simple product launch, events get people excited and talking.
Plus, cannabis consumers are 43% more likely to visit a dispensary if they’re attending an event. It doesn’t need to be expensive—think small and meaningful. Toss in some free swag, and you’ve got yourself an event that drives foot traffic and builds relationships with your customers.
You don’t need to blow your budget on fancy ads to reach your customers. If you’ve been gathering emails (and we hope you have), you’ve already got a solid foundation for marketing. Use your email list to share updates, new arrivals, promotions, and even educational content.
Email marketing has an ROI of 4200%, which means for every $1 you spend, you’re getting back $42. So, make sure you’re sending out consistent, relevant content to keep your customers engaged. Pro-tip: segment your list so you can tailor your messages. Nobody likes a generic email.
Educational content is a great way to build trust and show off your expertise in the cannabis world. Whether it’s blog posts, infographics, or even Instagram stories, create content that speaks to your customers’ needs. Answer their questions, explain the benefits of different strains, or walk them through how to use a vaporizer.
Not only does it position your dispensary as a knowledgeable resource, but 76% of consumers prefer learning about products through content over ads. So, educate, don’t just sell. Your customers will thank you (and keep coming back).
If you’re not on Google My Business yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a free listing that makes it easy for customers to find you when they search for local dispensaries. Plus, 76% of people who search for something near them visit a business within a day.
Claim your profile, add relevant details, keep your hours updated, and ask your loyal customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews boost your search ranking, and we all know how important local SEO is when it comes to cannabis businesses.
Another low-cost, high-reward tactic: launch a loyalty program that rewards your repeat customers. Whether it’s points for every purchase or exclusive discounts for frequent shoppers, make your regulars feel special.
Loyalty programs have a proven track record—customers who are part of a loyalty program spend 67% more than non-members. So, create a simple program that encourages people to come back and make those repeat purchases.
Let’s be honest: people love a good deal, especially if it feels like it’s about to slip through their fingers. Limited-time offers create urgency, and urgency leads to action. Whether it’s a flash sale on specific products or a discount on a customer’s next visit, make sure you’re leveraging the power of FOMO (fear of missing out).
It’s a super simple and low-cost way to spark a rush of sales. 40% of shoppers say they’ll buy more if they feel the deal is time-sensitive. So don’t be afraid to drop those time-limited deals every now and then.
Your customers are some of your best marketers. Encourage them to share photos of your products, their cannabis experiences, and their visits to your dispensary. You can even incentivize it with a small discount or entry into a giveaway.
User-generated content (UGC) builds trust and provides social proof, showing potential customers that real people love your brand. UGC drives 6x higher engagement than branded content, so start asking your customers to tag you and share their experiences.
Marketing your dispensary doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Get creative, leverage what you already have, and focus on what works. Whether it’s a referral program, hosting in-store events, or using email marketing, there are plenty of low-cost ways to get your dispensary noticed.
Now, go ahead and try some of these ideas—and watch your dispensary grow without blowing your budget.
So, what are you waiting for? Ready to get started? Let us know which low-cost marketing tactic you’ll be trying first! 💨