Local SEO is a crucial part of any digital marketing strategy. This is because search engines reward businesses with a physical presence by ranking them higher in organic and map packs when users perform searches that include a specific location. For dispensaries, this means they need to appear highly in both of these listings to attract users and drive foot traffic.
Keyword research is the first step to optimizing a dispensary local seo website for local search. Using tools like Google’s Keyword Planner, SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz can help determine what terms and phrases users are searching for when looking for cannabis retailers in their area. Identifying these keywords is important because it allows you to tailor content on your website to the needs and preferences of your target audience.
Optimizing your website for local search starts with ensuring your Google Business profile is claimed, complete, and optimized. This includes providing accurate, up-to-date information on your physical address and hours of operation as well as photos and videos. It’s also a good idea to encourage customers to leave reviews on your Google Business page as this can positively impact your rank.
Another key element of local search is claiming and enhancing your listings on cannabis industry platforms, such as Leafly and Weedmaps. Having your cannabis store listed on these sites gives you the opportunity to rank for both organic and map pack results when users search for a particular strain or product. Additionally, these platforms provide valuable social proof for prospective clients.
On-page SEO is the process of optimizing various aspects of your website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). It includes factors such as site structure, URL optimization, and mobile friendliness. Ensure your website is easy to navigate and loads quickly to improve user experience and boost SEO.
Creating compelling, localized content is a great way to build your brand narrative and engage with your community. This can be done through blog posts on topics such as local marijuana laws, community events, or even local success stories of people who have benefitted from your products. Additionally, you can add interactive tools to your website such as a quiz that recommends products based on your users’ preferences or a virtual tour of your dispensary.
With mobile searches having surpassed desktop searches, it’s more important than ever for dispensaries to focus on optimizing their websites for mobile use. This is because mobile searches tend to be more immediate and task-oriented, such as finding a nearby dispensary to purchase cannabis products from. Additionally, mobile-optimized websites are more likely to appear in local search results than those that are not.