Introduction into

Word of Mouth Marketing

Word-of-mouth marketing (WOMM) is one of the oldest and most reliable forms of marketing. Take note: WOMM overlaps but is not the same as "word-of-mouth" (the naturally occurring effect of providing superior products and service). These days, word-of-mouth marketing is a component of any well-rounded cannabis dispensary content marketing strategy.

WOMM involves deliberately and proactively encouraging your customers to spread the word -- to be your "brand ambassadors." It's one of the most powerful and inexpensive ways to bring in business.

WOMM can entail getting your customers to recommend your dispensary to a friend or acquaintance. It may include rewarding regular customers who promote your dispensary (see more on loyalty programs). Of course, it all starts with your budtenders: ensure they provide exceptional customer service -- they're friendly to everyone and are knowledgeable about the products you offer (and how to best use them).

Why is it important?

85% of small businesses get customers through word-of-mouth
84% of consumers say they either completely or somewhat trust recommendations from family, colleagues, and friends about products and services – making these recommendations the highest ranked source for trustworthiness.
74% of consumers identify word-of-mouth as a key influencer in their purchasing decision.

15 Tips to Boost WOMM

Here are 15 ways to boost your dispensary’s word-of-mouth marketing:
Create a customer loyalty program.
Provide excellent customer service.
Be friendly. Use customers’ first names when possible. Make people feel welcome and comfortable.
Thank your customers for their business. Everyone likes to be appreciated, and customers are no exception. 
Return calls as promptly after you’ve made the sale as you did before.
Keep in touch with customers and prospects by email.
Address negative reviews and complaints proactively.
Sell great products.
Offer to be a speaker or give seminars at conferences, industry meetings, and libraries.
Get involved in your community and be visible in your market. (Join networking groups and industry groups.)
Be Active in Social Media. Use Facebook, Twitter, Google + and LinkedIn to engage with your customers.
Include social share buttons to your website and email messages.
Publicize any publicity you get.
Get visible. Make your business name and phone number easy to find and visible.
Thank people who refer business to you.

Let’s take an in-depth look at each digital marketing channel.

Given the unique position of the cannabis industry, we’re only covering the digital marketing channels that are permitted to use by ancillary businesses, brands, dispensary owners, mobile applications, producers, processors, and websites. There is a legal gray area when marketing cannabis companies, and you should regularly reference the laws within your state before starting any campaign.

Content Marketing

Content Marketing

E-mail Marketing

E-mail Marketing

Reputation Management

Reputation Management

Social Media

Social Media

Video Marketing

Video Marketing

Dispensary Marketing

Dispensary Marketing

Influencer Marketing

Influencer Marketing

PPC Advertising

PPC Advertising

Search Engine Optimization

Search Engine Optimization

Voice Search

Voice Search

Local Marketing

Local Marketing

Mobile Marketing

Mobile Marketing

Text Message Marketing

Text Message Marketing

Public Relations

Public Relations

Word of Mouth

Word of Mouth