As the cannabis industry continues to expand, competition is increasing, and it's becoming more challenging to stand out from the crowd. That's where a cannabis marketing agency comes in.
Agencies will help create and implement strategies to promote your brand and products, and their expertise can make a significant difference in a brand's success. However, finding the ideal cannabis marketing agency for your brand can be difficult, especially if it's your first time.
Below are some tips to help you find the perfect fit for your brand and precautions so you don’t get duped.
Research the Agency's Experience and Expertise
When it comes to finding the ideal marketing agency, experience and expertise are crucial. You want to work with an agency that has a proven record of success in the cannabis industry.
Look for an agency that specializes in cannabis marketing and has experience working with brands similar to yours.
Ask for case studies, references and 3rd party reviews to see how they have helped other brands achieve their marketing goals.
The best is to make sure they cannabis marketing agency you are considering has video testimonials from current clients as these are difficult to fake. Fake written case studies and reviews are unfortunately a reality with less reputable agencies in 2024.
Consider the Cannabis Marketing Agency's Services
Marketing agencies offer a range of services, from social media management to SEO and PPC advertising. Determine what services your brand needs and find an agency that offers them.
Do not go into a conversation with an agency not knowing what services as you could be sold something you really don’t need that will not help your business increase revenue.
To determine what agency services you need start with your most urgent problem. Are you have trouble finding new customers? Then you have an acquisition problem and most likely need something like SEO or paid advertising.
Are you finding it difficult to increase customer LTV and repeat purchases? The most liely you have a retention problem and should focus on email marketing, cross selling products and customer experience.
Look for a company that can offer a thorough marketing plan that incorporates both acquisition and retention marketing strategies.
A good agency will collaborate with you to create a unique marketing strategy that is tailored to the requirements of your brand.
Evaluate the Agency's Communication and Collaboration
When collaborating with a cannabis marketing firm, communication and cooperation are crucial. You want to work with an agency that is responsive and easy to communicate with. You don’t want to be left in the dark as to what is benign worked on.
Look for an agency that assigns a dedicated account manager to your brand, so you have a single point of contact. Communication should happen in business channels and be structured according to projects and teams. The best platform for this in our opinion is Slack.
Also, consider an agency's collaboration process. A good agency will work closely with your team to ensure that your brand's voice and messaging are consistent across all marketing channels.
Check the Agency's Industry Connections
The cannabis market is still rather young and is always changing. A marketing agency with strong industry connections can provide your brand with valuable insights and opportunities.
Look for an agency that is active in the cannabis community and has relationships with industry influencers, media outlets, and other relevant stakeholders.
Consider the Agency's Pricing and ROI
Marketing agencies can be expensive, so it's essential to consider your budget when choosing an agency. However, don't base your choice solely on pricing. It's crucial to consider an agency's track record for delivering an ROI to its clients.
Look for an agency that can provide you with measurable results that justify the cost. A good agency will be transparent about its pricing and ROI and will work with you to develop a marketing plan that fits your budget.
Its important to remember that an ROI can take time to appear on your balance sheet, especially for services like SEO. The marketing agency you go with should propose a plan to achieve reasonably quick wins while results compound.
Look for an Agency That Understands Compliance
The cannabis industry is heavily regulated, and marketing regulations can be complex. Look for an agency that understands compliance and can ensure that your brand's marketing efforts comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
A good agency will have experience navigating compliance issues and can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Consider the Agency's Creative Approach
A creative approach can make a significant difference in your brand's marketing success. Look for an agency that can bring fresh and innovative ideas to the table.
A good agency will develop a creative strategy that sets your brand apart and captures the attention of your target audience.
Conclusion
Finding the ideal cannabis marketing agency for your brand requires careful consideration of several factors. Remember, a good agency will work with your brand to develop a customized plan that meets your specific needs and delivers measurable results.
Partner with a cannabis marketing agency that helps your brand grow predictable recurring revenue through data analysis, content marketing, SEO, and email marketing.
Let Maaly be your trusted partner to achieve your business goals. Contact us today to get started!