20 Marketing Tips for your 420 Event!

In preparation for the upcoming 4/20 holiday, dispensaries have a unique opportunity to cultivate customer excitement and elevate brand awareness. This comprehensive guide equips you with a potent blend of marketing strategies designed to transform your dispensary into the go-to destination for this day of cannabis celebration.

Social Media Marketing

Let's start with the social media stratosphere, where you can cultivate a thriving online community. We'll equip you with the knowledge to spark social media magic through follower campaigns, interactive quizzes, and live video sessions. These captivating tactics will not only generate excitement but also forge a path to brand loyalty that will leave a lasting impression. 

1. Run a social media follower campaign.  Turn your in-store presence into a follower magnet!  Set up a scannable QR code linking to your social media profiles. To sweeten the deal, host a giveaway exclusive to new followers. It's a win-win: easy connection for customers and a growing online community for you!
2. Social Media Countdown: Since it's a competitive day, get a head start by generating excitement early. Tease upcoming deals and subtly hint at exclusive offers for your followers on 4/20. Remember, it must be compliant with Instagram's guidelines.
   • Pro tip:  Utilize Instagram's “Add Reminder” Feature for feed posts. You can create a post teasing your 4/20 deals and utilize this option. When followers tap the bell icon, they can set reminders for a specific date.
3. Interactive Quizzes & Polls: Turn interactions with your followers into learning opportunities! Encourage them to ask questions, share their thoughts, and participate in discussions. This valuable feedback allows you to educate them on relevant topics while understanding their needs better.
4. Go Live!: Go live on social media and unveil your newest in-store arrivals! It's a chance to showcase these awesome products and spill the tea on exclusive deals you've got brewing. Don't forget to leave time for a Q&A session – answer their burning questions and get the conversation flowing. Plus, you can flip the script and ask them what they'd love to see next or what current products are their current faves!
5. Tag Your it!:  Don't forget the tagging power!  Urge your customers to share their experiences by tagging you on social media. It's a double win: you score free, authentic content of the event, and they get to be part of the action (and maybe even win something!). Plus, to show your appreciation for the tag, offer a sweet $5 off coupon for their next purchase. It's a guaranteed way to keep them buzzing about your store and coming back for more epic events!

Offers & Deals 

No 4/20 marketing strategy is complete without enticing offers and deals.  Here, we'll delve into creative ways to incentivize purchases and leave customers feeling like they scored big.

1. Offer Exclusive Deals: Spark customer excitement with clever wordplay around 4/20!  For example, offer 4 exclusive product bundles, all 20% off. This playful approach creates a memorable experience and entices customers to take advantage of the deals.
2. Members Only: Reward your loyal customers by offering a free pre-roll with every purchase on 4/20. It's a small token of appreciation that strengthens customer relationships and encourages repeat visits.  This "members-only" perk makes them feel valued and incentivizes them to shop on this high-traffic day.
3.  Points Program: Boost loyalty program engagement by offering members a pre-loaded 20 points to spend specifically on 4/20. This incentivizes early shopping and rewards your most dedicated customers. Watch those points rack up even faster as they stock up on their favorites!
4. Cannabis Pairing Guides:  Customers can dive deeper into their cannabis experience with curated pairing guides! The store will match the perfect bud with complementary activities – think mood-setting music playlists, munchie-worthy movies, or delicious food pairings.
5. High-Tech Products: Your store should be all about staying ahead of the curve, and that includes the latest cannabis tech! Customers can explore a selection of cutting-edge products, from high-tech vape pens to next-level cartridges. Level up your experience with the future of cannabis consumption!

Dutchie, Weedmaps & Leafly 

• Tailor Your Deals to Each Platform:  Dispensaries don't need to be on every platform, but understanding each platform's strengths is key!
• Offer Platform-Specific Deals: Cater to online shoppers with exclusive discounts they won't find in-store. This incentivizes online purchases and frees up your budtenders to focus on in-store promotions.
• Empower Customer Choice: Let your customers choose how they want to shop!  Some might prefer the convenience of online deals, while others may enjoy the personalized touch of in-store recommendations.
• Double the Deals, Double the Fun:  Who says you can't offer both online and in-store deals? This strategy encourages customers to explore both options, potentially boosting overall sales.

Dutchie:  

• Customized Menu: On Dutchie, you can make a customized menu that could be used just for 420. This is helpful as people prepare for the day they don't have to go searching to see what products might be included in the deals. 

• Create Custom Banners: When users come to your page, make sure that your deals are front and center with custom banners on your page. *Make sure your sizes are optimized for Mobile & Desktop. 

Weedmaps: 

• Use your daily deals to let your customers know what items are available. 
• Keep it simple with a Promo Code for 20% off your cart. 

Leafly: 

Leafly is a big contender when looking for where to purchase your weed. However, it’s still not as well known as Weedmaps. 
• First-Time Customer Discount: New customers who sign up through Leafly could receive a special discount on their first purchase at participating dispensaries.

By implementing these diverse marketing strategies, you'll be well on your way to creating a 4/20 experience that sets your dispensary apart and lights a fire in your customer base!