7 Proven Tips to Boost Cannabis Dispensary Online Sales

Running a cannabis dispensary in today’s market means juggling compliance, competition, and customer expectations—all while trying to boost your bottom line. If your online sales aren’t where you want them to be, it’s time to step up your game.

This no-nonsense guide breaks down 7 proven strategies to increase your online sales, backed by stats and insights to keep it real. Whether you’re a digital novice or already have a sleek website, these tips will help you optimize, convert, and grow.

1. Make Your Website a Conversion Machine

Your website is your digital storefront. If it’s slow, clunky, or hard to navigate, you’re leaving money on the table.

Quick Wins:

• Optimize for Speed: 40% of visitors will abandon a site that takes more than 3 seconds to load.

• Mobile-First Design: Over 70% of cannabis consumers use their phones to browse and buy online. If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re missing out.

• Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Make it obvious where customers should click—whether it’s “Shop Now,” “Order Delivery,” or “See Our Deals.”

Pro Tip:

Test your site like a customer. Is it easy to find products? Can you checkout in under two minutes? If not, fix it.

2. Invest in SEO That Works

If your dispensary doesn’t show up on Google’s first page, you’re invisible. Period. Search engine optimization (SEO) is the key to getting found online.

How to Nail It:

• Target keywords like “cannabis delivery near me” or “best dispensary deals [city].”

• Use local SEO strategies by claiming your Google Business Profile and listing your dispensary in local directories.

• Write blog content that answers common customer questions, like “How to Choose the Right Strain.”

Stat to Know:

93% of online experiences start with a search engine. If you’re not investing in SEO, you’re handing customers to your competitors.

3. Offer Irresistible Deals and Discounts

Cannabis customers love a good deal—especially online. Discounts can drive repeat business and help you stand out in a crowded market.

Ideas to Try:

• First-Time Buyer Discounts: Hook new customers with 10-20% off their first order.

• Loyalty Programs: Offer points for every purchase that can be redeemed for discounts or freebies.

• Flash Sales: Create urgency with limited-time deals like “20% off edibles for the next 24 hours.”

Stat to Know:

A 2023 survey found that 64% of cannabis consumers said discounts influence where they shop.

4. Simplify the Checkout Process

Nothing kills a sale faster than a complicated checkout. Make it easy for customers to buy, or watch them bounce to a competitor.

Must-Haves:

• Accept multiple payment methods, including cannabis-friendly options like ACH or digital wallets.

• Offer guest checkout—don’t force customers to create an account.

• Show shipping and delivery options upfront to avoid surprises.

Stat to Know:

26% of shoppers abandon their carts because of a long or confusing checkout process.

5. Leverage Social Proof to Build Trust

Cannabis customers often rely on reviews, testimonials, and ratings to decide where to shop. If you’re not showcasing your satisfied customers, you’re missing out on easy conversions.

How to Do It:

• Highlight 5-star reviews on your homepage and product pages.

• Add a testimonial section to your site or feature user-generated content (like Instagram posts) from happy customers.

• Respond to negative reviews professionally to show you care.

Stat to Know:

88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

6. Run Targeted Ad Campaigns

While cannabis advertising has its restrictions, you can still use platforms like Google, programmatic ads, and even social media (with careful targeting) to drive traffic to your site.

Best Practices:

• Use geo-targeting to focus on areas where you’re licensed to sell.

• Highlight promotions, new products, or delivery services in your ads.

• Retarget website visitors who didn’t complete their purchase.

Stat to Know:

Retargeting can boost conversion rates by 70%, making it one of the most effective ways to turn browsers into buyers.

7. Optimize for Local Delivery and Pickup

Delivery and curbside pickup have become staples for cannabis dispensaries, especially post-pandemic. If you’re not promoting these services online, you’re falling behind.

Tips to Shine:

• Make delivery and pickup options visible on your homepage.

• Use a scheduling tool so customers can select delivery times.

• Offer free or discounted delivery for orders over a certain amount.

Stat to Know:

65% of cannabis customers prefer delivery or pickup options over in-store shopping.

Bonus Tip: Partner with a Pro

Managing a dispensary website is no small feat. If your online sales strategy needs a boost, partnering with a cannabis-focused web agency like Tokin Digital can make all the difference. From SEO to e-commerce optimization, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts

Boosting your online cannabis sales doesn’t have to be rocket science. By improving your website, investing in SEO, simplifying checkout, and offering killer deals, you can see real results.

The cannabis industry is growing fast, and customers expect a seamless online shopping experience. Give them that, and they’ll keep coming back.

Need help getting your website up to speed? Contact us at Tokin Digital, and let’s turn your online sales into a high-performing revenue stream.

Let’s get to work—and get you selling!