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Cart Abandonment Tactics

&nbsp;<hr><h2>What Is Mobile Cart Abandonment?</h2>Mobile cart abandonment occurs when a user adds products to their cart in your mobile app but leaves before completing the purchase. It’s the digital equivalent of window-shopping, only to walk away empty-handed.For dispensaries, each abandoned cart represents more than just lost revenue—it reflects wasted marketing efforts, unsold inventory, and a missed opportunity to convert a first-time visitor into a loyal customer.&nbsp;<hr><h2>How to Reduce Cart Abandonment</h2>Here are three ways you can leverage your DispensaryMate-powered mobile app to ease purchase hesitation and encourage customers to complete their orders from their phones:&nbsp;1. Gamify First-Order Completion with Stackable Incentives The first purchase is the gateway to customer retention. But getting a user to complete their first order often requires more than just a streamlined checkout. It demands&nbsp;continuous engagement—from first interaction to final tap.Here’s an example of layered strategies using DispensaryMate’s mobile engagement tools to drive first-time conversions:<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Notification_Type_1_6eb0371985.png" alt="Notification Type (1).png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Notification_Type_1_6eb0371985.png 234w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Notification_Type_1_6eb0371985.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Notification_Type_1_6eb0371985.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Notification_Type_1_6eb0371985.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"><hr>&nbsp;2. Push Notification Campaigns that Convert The first purchase is the gateway to customer retention. But getting a user to complete their first order often requires more than just a streamlined checkout. It demands&nbsp;continuous engagement—from first interaction to final tap.Once a customer adds products to their cart, the clock starts ticking. Attention spans are short, especially on mobile, and distractions are just a swipe away.&nbsp;Push notifications are one of the most powerful tools dispensaries have to re-capture that attention within a specific time frame and bring users back before the moment (and the sale) is lost.With DispensaryMate’s push notification system, you can craft hyper-targeted campaigns nudging them towards check out.<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Notification_Type_2_78e59a743b.png" alt="Notification Type (2).png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Notification_Type_2_78e59a743b.png 234w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Notification_Type_2_78e59a743b.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Notification_Type_2_78e59a743b.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Notification_Type_2_78e59a743b.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"> &nbsp;DispensaryMate Tools to Use:- Mixpanel Cohorts (e.g.,&nbsp;Cart Abandoned &gt; X min)- Push Notification Builder with deep links to the cart- Promo Banner Tool to mirror push offer inside app&nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;3.&nbsp;Promote Conversion-Based MissionsMarketing doesn’t always need to focus on products. Sometimes, it’s the behaviors you incentivize that make the greatest impact. With mission-style challenges, dispensaries can boost engagement by rewarding users for completing simple, high-value actions—turning routine shopping into a goal-driven experience.With DispensaryMate’s promotions engine, you can launch fun, targeted missions that build loyalty and reinforce key customer habits.<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Notification_Type_8c4f09214f.png" alt="Notification Type.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Notification_Type_8c4f09214f.png 234w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Notification_Type_8c4f09214f.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Notification_Type_8c4f09214f.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Notification_Type_8c4f09214f.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">&nbsp;<hr><h2>4. Benchmarks &amp; What to Measure</h2>Tracking the right metrics helps you understand what’s working, where users are dropping off, and where to optimize.The table below outlines key engagement and conversion benchmarks, including industry baselines and DispensaryMate’s recommended performance goals.Use it as a performance compass to guide your next round of campaign tests, product updates, or engagement strategies. <img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Notification_Type_4_ebadc44525.png" alt="Benchmarks and Metrics" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Notification_Type_4_ebadc44525.png 234w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Notification_Type_4_ebadc44525.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Notification_Type_4_ebadc44525.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Notification_Type_4_ebadc44525.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"> &nbsp;<hr>&nbsp;Final ThoughtsCart abandonment doesn’t have to be a dead end. With the right approach, you can turn more carts into completed sales. By using&nbsp;gamified first-order incentives,&nbsp;smart push notifications,&nbsp;behavior-based promotions, and&nbsp;clear tracking goals, dispensaries can keep customers engaged and coming back.DispensaryMate’s mobile engagement tools make it easy to build a smooth, rewarding shopping experience that your customers will love—and use again.Need help putting these ideas into action or have questions?&nbsp;Email us anytime at help@digitalawesomeapps.com—we’re here to help.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Digital Awesome

Cart abandonment continues to be a significant hurdle for cannabis retailers, with mobile abandonment rates averaging around 70% across the industry.If you’re using a&nbsp;DispensaryMate-powered mobile app, there are three powerful strategies you can implement to reduce cart abandonment and boost conversions.

Cart Abandonment Tactics For Dispensaries

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Push Notification Strategies

&nbsp;Recommended Push FrequencyIf you’re just getting started or have a small audience, ease in with 2 to 4 pushes per week. This pace lets you learn what resonates and build trust before turning things up.&nbsp;For high‑engagement apps aiming for daily habits (7 sessions/week), you can ramp up to 5 to 7 pushes per week—but only if you:- Segment your audienceSome examples of segmentation parameters may include first‑time buyers vs. repeat customers; VIPs vs. lapsed users, fans of edibles, vapes, or flowers and users who haven’t purchased in the past 30 or 60 days.- Vary your message typesYour push notifications should mix promotional offers—like flash sales, limited‑time bundles, or ongoing deals—with engaging content such as a “Budtender tip of the day,” collaboration announcements, or review requests, and timely alerts including restock notifications based on past purchases, new product drops, and store announcements.- Track conversions, not just opensMeasure promo clicks, add‑to‑cart&nbsp; to&nbsp; checkout rates, and actual revenue from each campaign. Then double down on the messages that drive real orders.<hr>Timing is KeyFinding the perfect send time can boost opens and conversions—here’s how to nail it:- Start with Industry Benchmarks Most retailers see peak engagement between&nbsp;4 PM and 7 PM, when people wind down and check their phones. Use that as a baseline for your first test. &nbsp;- Dive into Your Data with MixpanelAnalyze session times: Pull a report on the hours when users launch the app. Do they tend to browse mid‑morning, lunch hour, or late at night? Examine purchase timestamps: Overlay order times to see when they’re most likely to complete a transaction. That’s your sweet spot for promotional pushes. - Identify Your Unique Peaks Look for patterns by day of week as well as hour. You might discover that Fridays at 3 PM drive more orders than Tuesdays at 5 PM, for example. - Segment by User Type New users often engage best with an evening welcome series, repeat customers tend to appreciate midday restock reminders, and VIP shoppers respond well to weekends versus weekday blasts for early‑access deals.- Set Up A/B Tests for Time Slots To pinpoint your optimal sending time, split your list into three randomized segments and send identical messages at 2–4 PM, 6–8 PM and 8–10 PM. Track each segment’s open, click‑through and order rates; then roll out the full campaign during the time slot that outperforms the others.- Automate &amp; Iterate Once you’ve identified top performers, schedule pushes for those slots by segment. Re‑run analysis every month because seasonal changes or new user cohorts can shift your best times.- Watch for Overlap &amp; Fatigue If a user receives multiple timely messages (e.g., an order alert plus a promo), space them out by at least a few hours. Monitor opt‑outs or dips in open rate after changing send times and adjust if fatigue kicks in.By leaning on real user data, testing thoughtfully and tailoring send times by segment, you’ll ensure your push notifications hit when they matter most so you maximize engagement without annoying your audience.<hr>What Performance Metrics to MonitorThe goal is not just high open rates. You must track:- Push sent → delivered → opened → purchase- Revenue per notification- Which types of pushes lead to real conversions<hr>Notification Content Mix Strategy<img class="image_resized" style="width:100%;" src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Notification_Type_9579f09f90.png" alt="Notification Type.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Notification_Type_9579f09f90.png 234w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Notification_Type_9579f09f90.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Notification_Type_9579f09f90.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Notification_Type_9579f09f90.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">Push fatigue is real. A balanced mix of content avoids user blindness and improves the impact of promotions when they land. If every push is a discount, people start tuning them out. Mix in achievement progress, reminders, rewards, and personalized nudges to stay relevant.<hr>Segmentation StrategyPush performance spikes when messages feel personal and relevant. To make that happen, segment your users by key behaviors and attributes:- Store location: Target pushes based on each user’s favorite dispensary.- Purchase behavior: Group by last order date, product categories bought, or time since last purchase (30‑ or 60‑day lapsed).- Loyalty tier: Tailor messages to reward balance or VIP status.- Engagement level: Differentiate daily active users from dormant ones.Even basic segmentation like calling someone by name or referencing their go‑to products can double engagement and drive higher conversions.<hr>Engagement Benchmarks to Aim For<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Notification_Type_1_938a50a4ea.png" alt="Notification Type (1).png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Notification_Type_1_938a50a4ea.png 234w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Notification_Type_1_938a50a4ea.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Notification_Type_1_938a50a4ea.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Notification_Type_1_938a50a4ea.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"><hr>Testing TipsUse Mixpanel to continuously A/B test and optimize every element of your pushes:- Message style: Vary copy and tone (emojis vs. plain text). - Send time: Test timing by segment. - Offer structure: Compare discounts, rewards, and achievement-based promos. - Downstream impact: Track not just opens and clicks, but product views, cart adds, and completed orders. Push notifications aren’t just for re‑engagement—they’re your most powerful lever for predictable revenue.<hr>Bonus TipUse Scarcity Messaging that ConvertsScarcity messaging taps into FOMO (fear of missing out) by combining urgency with social proof, making offers feel limited and highly desirable. Here’s how to do it effectively:- Highlight Remaining Inventory: “Only 20 bonus pre‑rolls left today—don’t miss out!” tells users exactly how much time-sensitive stock is available, prompting quicker decisions. -Include a Timeframe: Add a deadline to increase pressure: “Ends in 3 hours!” or “Sale wraps up at midnight!” works wonders alongside low‑stock alerts.- Show Social Proof: Pair scarcity with social cues: “Over 100 customers bought this in the last hour!” reinforces popularity and trust. - Rotate Scarcity Offers: Don’t rely on one static message. Cycle through different scarcity angles, limited stock, expiring reward points, time‑bound VIP access to keep your audience engaged without numbing them to the tactic. &nbsp;Used thoughtfully, scarcity messaging can accelerate conversions and turn casual browsers into committed buyers—just be careful not to overuse it or the urgency will lose its power.&nbsp;

Digital Awesome’s DispensaryMate platform is built for big results—think seven sessions per user each week, four purchases per month, over 90% retention, and a sky‑high opt‑in rate for pushes. To hit those numbers, your notifications must be intentional, targeted, and performance‑driven—not just frequent.Because let’s be real: push fatigue is more common than we think, and bombarding users can actually drive them away.

Push Notification Strategy for DispensaryMate Apps

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&nbsp;Introduce Delivery ServiceInvesting in last‑mile delivery can set you apart. Customers who order home delivery through a <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">dispensary’s mobile app</a> often purchase larger quantities—their orders are nearly 80% higher than in‑store purchases—boosting your average order size and encouraging repeat business. Plus, you retain control over service levels and the overall brand experience.&nbsp;Optimize InventoryFocus on your top‑selling 20% of products because these drive roughly 80% of your revenue. Rotate in limited‑time seasonal items or special releases to keep customer interest high and move slower‑selling SKUs through curated sample packs. You can also add in incidental merchandise such as graphic tote bags, shirts, caps and other novelty items for that extra kick.&nbsp;Build Smart Loyalty ProgramsRetaining customers is far more cost‑effective than constantly chasing new ones. Create tiered rewards where points unlock perks like free delivery, accessories, or exclusive discounts. You can also add referral bonuses so both the referrer and the friend earn points or micro‑currency credits. Digital punch cards are another cost‑effective tool. Set up brand‑specific or product‑category‑specific punch cards to encourage frequent visits and reward loyalty.These fun, engaging tactics keep customers coming back and feeling appreciated.&nbsp;Empower and Motivate Your TeamHold quick weekly huddles to share sales goals and highlight customer feedback. Offer spot bonuses, extra paid time off, or fun outings for top performers. Cross‑train staff so everyone can step into different roles and keep service seamless.&nbsp;Balance Employee Perks with ProfitStructure discounts that deepen with longer tenure—this drives loyalty without cutting too deeply into margins. Mix in non‑cash rewards like gift cards to local businesses or tickets to industry events, which feel valuable but cost you less.&nbsp;Trim Operational CostsEvery quarter, audit your subscriptions—POS, CRM, marketing tools—and consolidate overlapping services or negotiate better rates.&nbsp;Engage Your Local CommunitySet up pop‑up booths at local markets and events with eye‑catching displays and branded giveaways. Sponsor a neighborhood sports team or charity event to earn goodwill and free publicity.By focusing on delivery convenience, smart inventory management, loyalty incentives, cost controls and community engagement, you’ll strengthen your shop’s performance and build lasting customer relationships—while maintaining healthy margins and sustainable growth.&nbsp;

Running a small cannabis shop isn’t easy—but with the right moves, you can turn local love into lasting growth. These seven tips will help you boost sales, keep customers loyal, and streamline your operations.

Driving Growth for Your Local Cannabis Shop

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<hr>1. Lock In Those Contacts for Future CampaignsEvery customer who walked through your door or checked out online is a potential repeat buyer. Right after the rush is the perfect time to:- Confirm phone numbers and emails- Segment these new contacts: separate first-timers from longtime fans to tailor your messaging.- Plan your calendar: map out a three-month sequence of texts and emails—think exclusive deals, product spotlights, and educational tidbits.Pro tip: Keep your first follow-up light and helpful—a “Thanks for rolling with us on 420!” message that points to next week’s special keeps you top of mind.<hr>&nbsp;2. Drive App Adoption as Your Go-To Retention LeverGetting customers into your mobile app is by far the lowest-cost way to keep them coming back. Apps give you:- Push notifications for flash deals and new products.- In-app loyalty tracking so customers see progress toward freebies or tiers.- Mobile-only perks (like free delivery over $60 or birthday bundles).Action step: Launch a limited-time “App-Only Deal” SMS or email, valid for customers who download or log into the app within the next 7 days.<hr>&nbsp;3. Ask for Google Reviews to Boost VisibilityPositive reviews not only build trust—they’re a ranking signal for local search. When people search “dispensary near me,” your star rating can make all the difference.- Timing matters: Send a text or email 24–48 hours after purchase asking for a review.- Make it easy: Include a direct link that opens your Google review page.- Incentivize thoughtfully: Offer a small discount or a low-cost merch like a lighter for a dime on their next order rather than free product, keeping it compliant and cost-effective.Quick template: “Hey [Name]! Glad you stopped by for 420. Mind leaving us a quick Google review? Here’s the link to get you there in two taps: [link]. Thanks for the love!”<hr>&nbsp;4. Leverage Your Data—Then RefineYour post-420 playbook won’t be set in stone. Over the next few weeks:- Monitor open and click rates on your emails, texts and push notification if you have an app.- Track engagement: are notifications driving clicks and checkouts? Which promotions perform best and through what channel?- Observe return visits: compare your 420 weekend buyers to prior weekends.Use these insights to tweak your messaging frequency, offers, and deciding which channels to capitalize on further. And if comeback campaigns underperform, try swapping a promo code for an educational highlight (“How to choose your ideal strain”) or vice versa.<hr>&nbsp;Putting It All TogetherThe post-420 rush is more than a flash sale. It’s a living dataset of engaged customers. So by securing contact info, driving app adoption, soliciting Google reviews and then iterating on real results, you’ll build a self-sustaining engine that fuels growth well beyond April 20th.<hr>&nbsp;Still falling short on sales?&nbsp;Boost your dispensary's bottomline with a DispensaryMate mobile app. Explore your dispensary’s potential by calculating projected earnings with your own customizable mobile app.<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/roi">Calculate your potential earnings here &gt;</a>&nbsp;

The 420 weekend buzz isn’t just a one-and-done spike—it’s an opportunity to supercharge your marketing engine for quarters to come.&nbsp;Here’s how to turn every dab, puff, and sale into repeat visits, better rankings, and data-driven decisions.

No Post-420 Plan? 4 Ways to Keep Your Momentum After 420

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If your dispensary isn’t offering delivery (and it’s legal in your area), you’re probably missing out on some serious revenue. Not only are customers looking for it, but dispensaries that do offer delivery see bigger orders, higher sales, and stronger affinity from their valued customers.Here’s why skipping delivery could be costing your dispensary money:&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Customers Spend Less In-Store Than They Do for DeliveryWhen customers shop in person, they tend to grab just a few items and go. But with delivery, they often stock up to maximize the convenience.Data from&nbsp;<a href="https://hubs.ly/Q02rVyqX0">Onfleet</a> shows that dispensaries offering delivery see a 52.9% increase in basket size going from 2.4 to 3.67 items per order. Even better, delivery sales are nearly 80% higher, with the average spend jumping from $70.92 for pickup to $127.52 for delivery.So yeah, without delivery, you’re missing out on larger, more profitable orders. &nbsp;2. Your Customers Might Be Ordering from the Dispensary Down the StreetMore than 60% of cannabis consumers prefer delivery when it’s an option. If your shop isn’t offering it, they’ll go somewhere that does.The cannabis industry is getting way more competitive as time goes by. If you’re not meeting customer expectations, someone else will. So once they find a dispensary that makes their life easier, they might lean more towards your competitor that does. &nbsp;3. You’re Missing Out on Repeat BusinessSome of your best customers might&nbsp;love your dispensary, but they’re busy. Maybe they work long hours, have kids, or just don’t feel like making a trip. Without delivery, those potential sales are just... gone.So when you give customers an easy way to order from you without interrupting their day, they’ll keep coming back. More than a great product offered at great prices, delivery can turn occasional buyers into loyal, high-value shoppers when you give them enough reasons to. &nbsp;4. You’re Limiting Your Customer ReachNot everyone can (or wants to) visit in person. Medical patients, busy professionals, disabled individuals and people without easy transportation rely on delivery.By not offering it, you’re&nbsp;limiting your audience to only those who can physically visit rather than tapping into a much bigger customer base that’s ready to buy. &nbsp;5. Your Competitors Are Moving Ahead—FastMore dispensaries are launching mobile app-based delivery services with&nbsp;live tracking, fast drop-offs, and seamless payments—and customers are noticing.Once they experience that level of convenience, it’s hard to win them back. If your dispensary isn’t keeping up, you risk losing market share in an increasingly competitive space.<hr><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Make More Sales with Delivery</h2>If your dispensary isn’t offering delivery, it’s not just missing out on extra sales—it’s losing business to competitors that are.Get your customers to spend more and leave with bigger baskets. Explore cannabis delivery with&nbsp;<a href="https://hubs.ly/Q02rVyqX0">Onfleet</a> or integrate delivery with cannabis' leading customizable mobile app,&nbsp;DispensaryMate by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">Digital Awesome</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Let’s be real—people love convenience. Whether it’s groceries, takeout, or even coffee, delivery has become the norm. And Cannabis is no exception.

5 Ways Your Dispensary Is Losing Money Without Delivery

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Happy 420

&nbsp;Make Checkout and Pick Up EasyThe last thing customers usually remember is how easy or frustrating their checkout was. Long lines, messy pickup areas, or slow service can leave a bad impression.Here’s how to make checkout fast and simple:- Add more staff or create express lanes for pre-orders.- Set up clear signs and parking spots for store and curbside pickup orders.- Offer real-time tracking for deliveries and pick-ups so customers know where their order is.A smooth checkout makes people happier and more likely to return. In fact, 76% of consumers find a quality checkout experience very or extremely influential when deciding whether to return to a retailer.<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/3_c4c0f40337.png" alt="3.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_3_c4c0f40337.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_3_c4c0f40337.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_3_c4c0f40337.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_3_c4c0f40337.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"><hr>Follow Up After They BuyStay connected with customers even after they leave. A quick follow-up help build relationships and encourages them to come back.- Ask for feedback with a simple email like, “How was your 4/20 shopping experience?”- Offer small rewards, like a free lighter in exchange of downloading your app or joining your loyalty program.- Remind loyalty members via text of their points and how they can earn more.- Send a thank-you message with a special discount for their next visit.For example, a text or an automated push notification saying, ““Hope you loved your 4/20 haul! Get 15% off your next order this week when you check out using this code”&nbsp; keeps them engaged and returning.<hr>Make Reordering SimpleIf reordering is easy, happy 4/20 customers will come back.- Use an app or website with a past purchases section or one-tap purchase capabilities for quick reorders.- Offer subscription or auto-refill options for their favorite products.- Consistently showcase relevant products based on previous purchases using AI-driven recommendations on your site or app—this also helps boost customer lifetime value.After all, 56% of online shoppers are more likely to return to a site if it offers personalized product recommendations.<hr>Reward Loyalty in Meaningful WaysLoyal customers—who make up just 20% of your base but drive 80% of your revenue are worth keeping happy! Small but meaningful efforts can make a big impact on retention and brand loyalty.- Try a tiered VIP program where top spenders get exclusive perks, and mid- or low-level customers are motivated to level up with extra rewards.- Give them a reason to spread the love with referral rewards, so both the referrer and their friend score a promo code.- Keep things fun and engaging with events like product education sessions, customer appreciation days, or even bite-sized industry insights through in-app blogs.Small, thoughtful gestures that show customers they matter can go a long way when it comes to nurturing your community.&nbsp;&nbsp;Make the 4/20 Rush Last All YearWhether you’re running a single shop or growing a multi-location brand, 4/20 doesn’t have to be just a one-day sales boost. So keep things easy, make customers feel valued, and watch them turn into regulars who can’t wait to shop with you again.A smooth pickup, a simple and well-timed follow-up, easy reordering, and an engaging loyalty program can keep customers coming back long after the holiday buzz fades.<hr>Keep Customers Happy with a Great Post Order ExperienceA great post-order experience means happier customers and more repeat visits—and the right app makes it easy.&nbsp;DispensaryMate by <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">Digital Awesome</a> help over 150 dispensaries turn one-time shoppers into loyal regulars with:<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1_5717529a70.png" alt="1.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_1_5717529a70.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_1_5717529a70.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_1_5717529a70.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_1_5717529a70.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">- A customizable mobile app that connects seamlessly with your eCommerce, rewards, and POS- Built-in product recommendation tools- Stackable in-app sales &amp; engagement tools to boost shopping, loyalty, and post-order experiences- Personalized push notifications to keep customers in the loop and coming back- Data-driven insights to fine-tune your strategy and grow your businessMake every visit count.<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">Request a demo from Digital Awesome</a> &gt;&nbsp;

Turn 4/20 shoppers into returning customers with a strong post-order experience.4/20 is bringing a wave of excited shoppers, from newbies ready to explore to regulars hunting for the best deals. The sales rush is always a thrill, but the real win is turning those casual buyers into loyal customers who keep coming back and spending more.&nbsp;Here are few post-order strategies to help you keep the 4/20 excitement alive year-round.

Make the 4/20 Rush Last All Year

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Customer Retention Tips For Dispensaries

&nbsp;And you’re not imagining things.&nbsp;According to <a href="https://tactfirm.com/">Tact Firm</a>, 50% of dispensary customers don’t return after their first purchase. That’s half your potential revenue walking out the door, never to be seen again.&nbsp;So why is this happening? And more importantly—how do you fix it?&nbsp;<hr>1. You’re not staying top of mindPeople are busy. Even your best customers get distracted by a million other things. So if they don’t hear from you, they won’t remember you. Simple as that.Here’s how you can fix it:- Use Push Notifications – General push notifications by <a href="https://digitalawesomeapps.com/">Digital Awesome</a> apps are free, can be automated, and keep your dispensary front and center on customers’ phones every day. You can announce new products, exclusive deals, or just send a friendly “We miss you!” message.- Personalized Email &amp; SMS Reminders – A simple “Your favorite strain is back in stock” or “Here’s a special offer just for you” can bring customers back without being intrusive.- Engage on Social Media and Community Events&nbsp; – Be more than just a business. Share content that educates, entertains, and keeps your brand in the conversation.<hr>2. You’re treating customers all the sameNot all customers are created equal.Someone who buys from you weekly needs a different experience than someone who hasn’t been back in months. So if you’re sending the same offers to everyone, you’re missing opportunities to make a real impact.- Segment Your Customers – Group them based on purchase frequency and history, product preferences, search behavior or lifetime value. Tools like <a href="https://digitalawesomeapps.com/">DispensaryMate</a>, POS system or loyalty provider can help with this.- Offer VIP Perks – Reward your best customers with early access to deals, invite-only events, or special discounts.- Win-Back Campaigns – Target one-time shoppers with “We haven’t seen you in a while” offers, discounts, or personalized recommendations to bring them back.&nbsp;<hr>3. Your customer experience is driving them awayEven if your products are top-notch, a frustrating experience can turn customers off for good. A PwC study found that 32% of customers will walk away after just ONE bad experience even if they love the product.Here’s how you can reduce churn:- Audit Your Customer Journey – Secret shop your own dispensary. Is checkout in-store and online or your app smooth? Are staff knowledgeable? Is your website or app easy to use?- Improve Your Post-Order Process – Make order tracking effortless. If customers have to call or text just to know where their order is, that’s already friction.&nbsp;- Speed Up Service – Long wait times and slow fulfillment kill repeat business. Streamline operations where possible. Whether it’s adding pre-payment options, in-app delivery, in-app curbside pick ups, or better staff training.<hr>4. Everything feels transactionalPeople don’t just buy from businesses, they buy from brands and the people they connect with. If your messaging is all “Buy this! Buy that!” without any “connection” or non-financial value then don’t expect much loyalty.- Build a Community – Create in-store events or an exclusive members-only group where customers feel valued.- Spotlight Your Customers – Share testimonials, highlight regulars, or feature customer stories on social media.- Go Beyond Selling – Educate your audience on cannabis trends, new products, and usage tips on your website or app. The more valuable your content, the more likely they’ll engage with your brand.&nbsp;From One-Time Shoppers to Loyal CustomersBoosting customer retention starts with small, intentional tweaks. By staying top of mind, personalizing experiences, enhancing service, and fostering real connections, you can turn occasional shoppers to loyal patrons.What’s one small change you can make in your dispensary today?<hr>Want customers to spend more money every time they shop with you?DispensaryMate helps dispensaries make more money with repeat sales with a 360° mobile app and engagement system. <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">Request a demo with Digital Awesome</a>.<hr>Pass on a lead and get a chance to win a trip to Maui!Know a retailer/dispensary who's seeking a new and engaging mobile app? Pass on their details to us and earn lucrative commissions (no cap) and a chance to win the following prizes:- One-week stay in a one bedroom accommodation at The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas in Maui, Hawaii.- $1,000 airfare credit<a href="https://webforms.pipedrive.com/f/6iG4jtjVijitcvNSHgWEo77mSaAyVghNQ8rro5h1S1i0dbGUTxoApuTnxue1FdJjeX">Refer them here</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Running a dispensary is obviously far from easy.Between managing inventory, training staff, and keeping up with compliance, one of the biggest frustrations retail teams face is seeing customers come in once—then never again.

Your Customers Are Shopping With Your Competitors—Here’s Why

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How to drive app downloads

&nbsp;Here are some strategies you can implement immediately to get your app in front of customers and start turning them into loyal users.<hr><h2>1 | Promote It on Your Website</h2>Your website is prime real estate for app promotion. Make sure it’s easy to find:- Homepage Banner: Add a bold, eye-catching banner that links directly to the app’s download page.- Top-of-Page Notice: Use a sticky banner at the top of your site that directs users to download the app for iOS or Android.- Footer Link: Keep app download links in your footer so they’re always accessible.- Pop-Ups &amp; Exit Prompts: A quick reminder before they leave your site could be just what they need to hit “download.”<hr><h2>2 | Use In-Store Promotions</h2>Your dispensary is the perfect place to spread the word about your app. Try these tactics:- QR Code Posters: Display a QR code near checkout or in waiting areas, linking directly to your app.- TV Screens &amp; Digital Signage: Showcase the app’s perks on in-store screens.- Receipts &amp; Shopping Bags: Print a QR code and app info on receipts or stickers for shopping bags as a reminder after they leave.&nbsp;<hr><h2>3 | Incentivize</h2>- Sign-up Incentives:&nbsp;Encourage customers to download the app by offering a welcome perk, such as 100 points or $5 off their first purchase. The incentive can be as small or as generous&nbsp;as you like. Users are often willing to sign up for even a small reward.- App-for-Merch Deal: Offer a free low-cost item like trays, lighters or batteries in exchange for downloading and signing up for the app while in-store.&nbsp;<hr><h2>4 | Get Your Budtenders on Board</h2>Your team can make a huge difference in getting customers to download the app.- Referral Contests: Give budtenders personal referral codes and reward the top referrer with a prize.- Simple Recommendations: Train staff to casually mention the app at checkout and highlight its benefits. Encourage them to promote in-app offers, like welcome deals and exclusive discounts. &nbsp;<hr><h2>5 | Use Email &amp; SMS&nbsp;</h2>Your existing customers are a goldmine for app downloads. Reach them where they are:- Dedicated Email Blast: Send an email showcasing the app’s benefits with direct download links.- SMS Reminder: If customers have opted in for texts, send a short, friendly message with a download link to keep them engaged.&nbsp;<hr><h2>6 | Google Business Profile</h2>Take advantage of local search to drive more people to your app:- Create a Google Business Post: Highlight your new app, mention any welcome offers, and include a link to the QR download page or app store.- Temporarily Replace Your Website Link on GBP: During launch period, update your Google Business Profile website link to point directly to your app download page.- Add to the Q&amp;A Section: Post and answer a question about your mobile app so customers see it when they search for your dispensary.&nbsp;<hr>Make Downloading Your App a No-BrainerA few simple moves like website banners, in-store QR codes, including it on your GBP and staff recommendations can make a huge impact. The key is to make it easy, enticing, and a natural part of their shopping experience. Try these tips (where legally allowed) today and watch your app become a must-have for your customers.Best of luck!&nbsp;

&nbsp;Your new dispensary mobile app is ready to roll!You’ve put in the time, effort, and investment to perfect it. Now it’s time to make sure your customers actually use it. More downloads mean more repeat customers, stronger engagement, and bigger wins for your dispensary.&nbsp;

How to Drive App Downloads

Digital Awesome and Happy Cabbage Newsletter

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Happy Cabbage Digital Awesome

Moreover, Inventory is by far the largest area of lost (or at least locked) dollars for cannabis retailers.In fact, the average store currently holds about 56 days' worth of inventory.This excess inventory is causing a lot of businesses to flat out fail because their cash is tied up in inventory and they can’t pay their bills.So ultimately, the key question is: Are you stocking the right products, in the right quantities, at the right time? Retailers who master inventory management while leveraging strategic marketing will gain a competitive edge.To help you achieve this, here are actionable strategies from our partners at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happycabbage.io/">Happy Cabbage</a> that you can start implementing today to reduce costly inventory mistakes, optimize margins, and build long-term customer loyalty.&nbsp;<hr>1. Prioritize Smarter Inventory Purchasing to Avoid Overstock and Out-of-StocksMaintaining the right inventory levels is crucial for cash flow and customer satisfaction. If you’re overstocked, cash is locked on your shelves. If you’re out-of-stock, you’re missing sales.- Overstock leads to excessive discounting, which crushes Marketing’s efforts and ability to use strategic discounting to maximize margin, while undercutting loyalty and lifetime value.- Use data-driven tools&nbsp;to track real sell-through rates and get automated ordering suggestions to stock perfectly to demand.- Optimize inventory turnover by maintaining a 14–21 day supply, preventing financial strain and reducing excess working capital tied up in unsold products.&nbsp;2. Reduce Gut-Based Buying Decisions to Improve ProfitabilityMany dispensary buyers rely on intuition, a necessity in many ways, but which can lead to costly inventory mistakes.- Replace gut instinct with real-time inventory insights and actions to ensure smarter purchasing backed by real data from your store(s).- Track sales velocity and run rates at a group level when working with strain-based products to determine when and how much to reorder.- Avoid reordering slow-moving products that lead to unnecessary markdowns.&nbsp;3. Manage Vendor Relationships to Get Better Payment Terms and ExclusivesNurturing vendor relationships can lead to stronger purchasing power and more favorable terms when negotiating contracts or orders.- Negotiate payment terms to align with your inventory turnover cycle, keeping things orderly, on your schedule, and reducing financial strain.- Include elements like margin protection or buybacks for products that don’t sell, so you aren’t left holding the bad on schwag.- Use sales velocity data to justify lower minimum order quantities for slow-moving products.- Partner with vendors for exclusive drops, allowing you to differentiate from competitors and stand out to customers.&nbsp;4. Standardize Reordering with a Consistent Buying ProcessAd hoc purchasing leads to inefficiencies and cash flow problems—establish structured processes whether you operate one shop or dozens.- Use a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happycabbage.io/happy-buyers">centralized purchasing tool</a> to track demand and prevent overstock and out-of-stock issues.- Set clear guidelines on how often orders should be placed and how stock levels should be monitored.- Determine useful KPIs, like days on hand or # of SKUs, to hold yourself to account and ensure inventory health is optimal.- Ensure multiple staff members are trained in the purchasing process to avoid disruptions if key personnel are unavailable.- Purchase products based on actual sell-through rates. Relying on POS reports can misrepresent demand due to out of stocks, seasonal spikes, and holidays or promotional events.- Use demand-based reordering—Tools like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happycabbage.io/happy-buyers">Happy Buyers</a> provide automated reorder suggestions based on accurate sell-through data, helping retailers make informed purchasing decisions. Buyers can then generate purchase requests with the recommended quantities, ensuring data-driven purchasing while maintaining control over final orders.&nbsp;5. Win back Lost Customers with Strategic Re-Engagement CampaignsNot every customer who stops shopping is lost for good—many just need the right reason to return. Remember, send the right message, to the right customer, at the right time.&nbsp;- Identify customers who haven’t purchased in 30+ days and reach out with a compelling offer.- Avoid deep discounts—instead, focus on exclusive product drops, VIP events, or limited-time deals. Think FOMO, but show these customers you are actively reaching out to them as individuals rather than just casting a wide net.- Use direct messaging tools - like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happycabbage.io/happy-marketers">Happy Marketers</a> or&nbsp;<a href="http://digitalawesomeapps.com">Dynamic Push Notifications</a>, to automate re-engagement campaigns using customer data to create personalized win-back messaging.&nbsp;In a market as competitive as cannabis, efficient inventory management and customer loyalty are the key to long-term success. Implementing these strategies will help you minimize costly mistakes, optimize your cash flow, and create a loyal customer base.&nbsp;&nbsp;But, it doesn’t have to be a solo journey.To bring these strategies to life, reach out to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.happycabbage.io/">Happy Cabbage</a> or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">Digital Awesome</a>. Together, we’ll streamline your inventory management and design personalized marketing campaigns that foster engagement and lasting loyalty.<hr>Take the next step toward boosting your cannabis retail business: Learn more about Happy Cabbage x Digital Awesome’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/blog/retain-more-customers-with-the-dispensary-loyalty-loop">Dispensary Loyalty Launch System here</a>. &nbsp;

Cannabis is competitive, and success requires more than just stocking high-quality products.&nbsp;To make it, you’ve got to operate efficiently, use data to make the right calls, and prioritize customer retention –&nbsp; after all, 20% of customers typically generate 80% of revenue.

Master Inventory, Increase Loyalty, and Win Back Customers

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Digital Awesome x HighDef Studio 

Lifecycle Marketing Expert Steph Vrona shares her quick tips to help dispensaries build customer loyalty and achieve sustainable growth this year.<hr><h2>1. Automate Lifecycle Marketing for Scalable Retention</h2>Manually reaching out to customers takes a lot of time and effort. Automation makes it easy to stay in touch with them at every stage of their journey.For example, automated welcome messages introduce new customers to your brand, explain your loyalty program, and encourage their first purchase. After a sale, follow-up messages can suggest products based on past orders. If customers haven’t returned in a while, special offers can remind them why they loved your store.By automating these messages through your mobile app or marketing platforms, you keep customers engaged without adding to your workload.&nbsp;<h2>2. Optimize Your Loyalty Program with Data Insights</h2>Make sure your loyalty program isn’t just collecting dust. Track redemption rates, average order values, and customer retention trends to refine your incentives. The right balance of rewards and spending thresholds can increase profitability while keeping customers engaged.Since data-driven strategies vary by dispensary, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The most effective loyalty programs are tailored to individual business objectives and target markets.&nbsp;<h2>3. Leverage Budtender Influence to Drive Sales</h2>Your front-line team is one of your best marketing assets. Invest in budtender training to align them with your brand’s top-selling products, promotions, and customer engagement strategies. A well-informed team leads to higher customer trust, better recommendations, and increased average order value.<hr><h2>Trust + Technology = Dispensary Success</h2>A great example of leveraging Budtender influence comes from Amplify, an Ohio dispensary that saw impressive results by having their trusted budtenders promote their mobile app to people waiting in line. By explaining how the app made shopping faster and highlighted loyalty perks, they gradually boosted sales and customer satisfaction among its new and repeat customers.&nbsp;Today, 30% of their total store sales come through their <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">Digital Awesome mobile app</a>, as their customers enjoy the convenience of app-based shopping, the benefits of receiving personalized automated deals, and the ease of tracking their rewards in one seamless experience.<hr><h2>Takeaway</h2>Dispensaries projected to thrive in 2025 will prioritize customer retention through smart automation, data-driven loyalty programs, and strong budtender-customer relationships. By putting the right systems in place at the start of the year, you can drive long-term success without adding to your workload, maximize your marketing budget, and keep valuable customers coming back.For expert guidance on optimizing your dispensary’s marketing and retention strategy, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephvrona/">Steph Vrona</a> of <a href="https://highdef.studio/">HighDef Studio</a> can help bring these actionable ideas to life.&nbsp;<hr><h2>Win a Free Trip to Maui! 🌴</h2>Know a dispensary that could thrive with a custom mobile app? Refer them to Digital Awesome and get rewarded! Every qualified referral earns you lucrative incentives plus a shot at these incredible prizes:-A one-week stay in a luxury one-bedroom villa at The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas.- $1,000 airfare credit<a href="https://webforms.pipedrive.com/f/6iG4jtjVijitcvNSHgWEo77mSaAyVghNQ8rro5h1S1i0dbGUTxoApuTnxue1FdJjeX">Pass on a lead</a>&nbsp;

Keeping customers coming back in 2025 is more important than ever for dispensaries. Repeat customers are the backbone of your business, and without a solid retention plan, you risk losing them faster than you gain new ones -- stunting your growth.So, how can you fix this? By making your marketing more effective and maximizing the value of your existing customers.

Retention on Autopilot: Save Time & Boost Sales with These 3 Strategies

Achieve 20x ROI with your loyalty program

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DA x ESBE Marketing

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabergman/">Sandra Bergman</a><span style="color:rgba(0,0,0,0.9);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, &quot;system-ui&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">, Founder of <a href="https://esbemarketing.com/">ESBE</a><span style="color:rgba(0,0,0,0.9);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, &quot;system-ui&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">, shares her top tips to help you optimize your loyalty program and boost customer retention.<hr><h2>Keep Rewards Structure Simple Yet Encouraging</h2>Complex rewards structures can confuse and overwhelm your customers. So keep it simple with no more than five levels and incentivize spending by offering better rewards as your customers progress.Sadly, a flat 5% reward across 10 different levels doesn’t create a sense of exclusivity or motivate customers to reach the next tier. Instead, design a structure that encourages loyalty and progression, ensuring customers feel engaged and eager to unlock more valuable rewards.&nbsp;<h2>Provide More Ways to Get Rewarded</h2>While rewarding purchases is essential, it shouldn't be the only way customers can earn points and perks. Encourage engagement by offering additional ways to interact with your brand. The more opportunities customers have to connect, the more invested they’ll become, making your brand even stickier.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">Offer Experiential Rewards</h2>One way to differentiate your dispensary is by fostering community involvement. Look for opportunities to partner with local businesses, community events, music festivals, or sports teams. These collaborations introduce experiential rewards into your loyalty program, creating connections that go beyond transactions. People remember experiences so when they associate those positive memories with your brand, they’re more likely to stick around.&nbsp;<h2>Tailor Campaigns for Every Stage of the Customer Journey</h2>One of the most effective retention strategies is crafting personalized campaigns that engage customers at key touch points throughout their journey with your dispensary.Many dispensaries focus on basic campaigns like welcome emails, birthday rewards, or win-back offers for lapsed shoppers, but there’s so much more you can do. Implementing a variety of targeted campaigns based on customer behavior helps foster deeper connections with your audience.Since these campaigns can be automated, executing them effectively can drive a 20X ROI with ease.<hr><h2>Loyalty Programs on the Go</h2>How can you ensure your customers have the best loyalty experience possible?&nbsp;Many of these strategies can be seamlessly delivered through a <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">dispensary mobile app</a> integrated with leading loyalty providers like Alpine IQ. A custom app that provides a smooth, on-the-go experience, allowing customers to track their points, receive personalized push notifications, and engage with your dispensary in unique ways.For dispensaries looking to refine their retention marketing and optimize their loyalty programs, partnering with experts at ESBE can unlock the full potential of your program. <a href="https://esbemarketing.com/">ESBE</a> is a loyalty and retention marketing firm specializing in the cannabis industry. With extensive experience working with dispensaries across 14 states, they design bespoke loyalty programs that drive results. Their tailored campaigns target 20+ touchpoints along the customer journey—delivering up to a 50X ROI for their clients.<hr><a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">Book an app demo with Digital Awesome</a><a href="https://esbemarketing.com/#contact">Contact ESBE Marketing</a>

Nikki Tabberrah 

<span style="color:rgba(0,0,0,0.9);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, &quot;system-ui&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">In an industry where loyalty is hard-won and easily lost, the way you design and implement your loyalty program can make all the difference. So, what makes a loyalty program stand out and keep customers coming back for more?

Achieve 20X ROI with Your Loyalty Campaigns

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&nbsp;Let’s break down how geofencing works and how dispensaries can use it to their advantage.<hr><h2>What is Geofencing?</h2>Geofencing uses GPS, Wi-Fi, or cellular data to create virtual boundaries around a location. When a customer enters or exits these areas, it triggers actions like sending notifications or tracking their behavior.For dispensaries, this means the ability to send personalized messages based on where customers are, helping you stay top of mind and drive more foot traffic.<hr><h2>How Does Geofencing Work?</h2>Set Boundaries: Create virtual zones around your store, competitors, or high-traffic areas like events.Customer Movement: When a customer’s device crosses these boundaries, their app recognizes it.Trigger Actions: Send push notifications, log data, or create customer groups for future campaigns.Analyze: Use the data to refine your strategy and improve customer engagement.Geofencing works great on iOS mobile apps, giving dispensaries a powerful tool to strategically connect with customers from far away.<hr><h2>6 Creative Ways Dispensaries Can Use Geofencing</h2><h2>1. Competitor Takeover</h2>Send special offers to customers near your competitors to attract them to your dispensary. For example:“Hey! Show this at [Your Dispensary Name] for 10% off today. Skip the line and shop with us!”<h2>2. Event Marketing</h2>Geofence popular cannabis events and send offers to nearby attendees. For instance:“Welcome to [Event Name]! Stop by [Your Dispensary Name] for a free pre-roll with any purchase!”<h2>3. Welcome Notifications</h2>Send a warm greeting when customers arrive at your store. For example:“Welcome back! Check out new arrivals and enjoy 15% off concentrates today.”<h2>4. Loyalty Rewards</h2>Send reminders about loyalty points when customers are near your store:“Earn double loyalty points at [Your Dispensary Name] today!”<h2>5. Behavioral Retargeting</h2>Use geofencing data to send targeted offers based on customers’ visit patterns. For example:“We noticed you’ve been near [Your Competitor’s Store] a lot. Visit us for $10 off your next purchase!”<h2>6. Seasonal Offers</h2>During high-traffic times like 4/20 or Black Friday, send limited-time offers to nearby customers:"It’s Green Wednesday! Stop by at [Your Dispensary] instead for a surprise gift with any purchase—only for the next 2 hours!"&nbsp;<h2>Using Geofencing with Mixpanel</h2>At <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">Digital Awesome</a>, we integrate geofencing with Mixpanel to help dispensaries analyze customer behavior, track movement patterns, and send targeted push notifications. This helps refine marketing strategies and measure campaign success.<h2>In a Nutshell</h2>Geofencing is a powerful tool for dispensaries to create personalized, timely interactions with your (or your competitor's) customers. So if you're enticing customers away from competitors or offering timebound deals, geofencing helps you stay ahead.<hr>For more information about owning your own customizable mobile app with geofencing capabilities, send <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-awesome-apps-app-developer/">Digital Awesome</a> a message or simply <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">book a demo</a>.Know a dispensary who might benefit from a customizable mobile app with geofencing? Refer them to Digital Awesome and get a chance to win a free trip to Maui with airfare credits!

The competition is getting more brutal these days and dispensaries need every edge to attract and retain customers.One strategy that’s gaining traction on the client acquisition front is geofencing. When integrated into your mobile app, geofencing lets dispensaries send location-based push notifications, offering tailored promotions to customers when they’re near your store or your competitor’s.

How to Increase Your Dispensary's Foot Traffic

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&nbsp;<h2>Why Retention Matters More in 2025</h2>In 2025, it’s time to shift your focus from just acquiring new customers to fostering long-term engagement. Because constantly investing in customer acquisition can become expensive, draining your time, effort, and resources, which can ultimately hurt your bottom line. Not only that, but neglecting to cultivate a sense of loyalty means you're risking the long-term survival of your business.&nbsp;To thrive, your dispensary needs to become an integral part of your customers’ daily habits and routines. How?&nbsp;Here are 5 tactics BIG dispensaries are using to keep customers coming back everyday:&nbsp;<h2>1. Build a Community</h2>Make your customers feel like they belong to something special:Loyalty programs: Equip your budtenders to actively promote loyalty perks. Highlight the benefits of VIP membership through your app, like exclusive discounts or early access to products.Milestone rewards: Show appreciation for your customers by celebrating their loyalty. Personalized messages like, “Congrats on your 10th visit! Here’s 15% off your next purchase” make them feel valued.&nbsp;<h2>2. Gamify&nbsp;</h2>Turn shopping into a fun and rewarding experience:Customer missions: Engage customers with challenges like “Visit 3 times this month to unlock 20% off.”Leaderboards and badges: Encourage friendly competition with in-app rewards for milestones such as “Top Buyer of the Month.”&nbsp;<h2>3. Daily Interaction</h2>Habits are formed through repetition. Integrate daily engagement into your customers’ routines:Spin the Wheel Game: Add a gamified feature to your app where customers can spin daily to win points, discounts, or free merch (as legally allowed). Use push notifications to nudge them to participate every day.Cannabis Passport Program: Turn your loyalty program into an adventure. Customers can earn “stamps” for trying different product categories (e.g., flower, edibles, concentrates). Completing their “passport” unlocks exclusive rewards like limited-edition products or deep discounts.&nbsp;<h2>4. Personalize!</h2>Personalization goes a long way in showing your customers they matter:Re-engagement offers: Reach out to customers who haven’t shopped in over 60 days with a tailored “We miss you” discount.Smart recommendations: Use purchase history to recommend products they’ll love - mobile apps are a great way to automate this experience. For instance, “You loved [Product A]. You might enjoy [Product B]!”&nbsp;<h2>5. Bring Customers Together</h2>Create meaningful connections to foster loyalty:Host events: From educational workshops to product ‘tastings’ and exclusive launches, give customers a reason to visit and engage with your brand and team members.Start a community: Create chat groups on private channels, encourage them to chat with Budtenders within your mobile app, or reward loyalty members for sharing reviews, tips, and experiences about the products they bought.&nbsp;Remember, building a sense of belonging strengthens brand attachment. So take advantage of this natural instinct.<hr><h2>Right Strategy = Better Retention</h2>Retention isn’t about luck—it’s about having the right tools and strategies. By focusing on building habits, fostering community, and delivering personalized experiences, you can transform one-time shoppers into lifelong advocates for your brand.Consider how mobile technology could make these strategies happen for your dispensary. Tools like&nbsp;dispensary<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/"> mobile apps from Digital Awesome</a> with features such as gamification, push notifications, and loyalty program integration can create meaningful and lasting customer connections.&nbsp;Whether you’re just getting started to open a dispensary business or looking to elevate your current retention efforts, there’s no better time to explore innovative approaches.Start small.&nbsp;Pick one of these strategies and test it out. Your customers will thank you—and so will your bottom line.&nbsp;

A new customer walks in, makes a purchase, and then… disappears. Does this scenario sound familiar?&nbsp;In fact, it’s not uncommon for dispensaries to find that&nbsp;half of their customers shop only once and not return in nearly a quarter. So w<span style="color:rgba(0,0,0,0.9);font-family:-apple-system, system-ui, &quot;system-ui&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, &quot;Fira Sans&quot;, Ubuntu, Oxygen, &quot;Oxygen Sans&quot;, Cantarell, &quot;Droid Sans&quot;, &quot;Apple Color Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Emoji&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Symbol&quot;, &quot;Lucida Grande&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">ith the many options available, customer retention and loyalty has become the primary key point for every dispensary’s business plan for 2025.

Customer Retention Strategies That Will TURN YOUR Dispensary Around!

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&nbsp;These apps are game-changers for both you and your customers. Here's why:- Order weed straight from the app: No more waiting in line or fumbling with menus. Just browse, add to cart, and pay – just like your favorite online stores.- Keep customers coming back for more: Loyalty programs, reward points, and exclusive deals – all built into the app to keep your customers happy and coming back for more.- Blast out important messages: Got a killer deal or limited-edition product? No problem. Reach your customers directly through the app, even if text messaging is down.- See what's working (and what's not): The app tracks all sorts of cool data – what deals are popular, what products people are loving, and more. This info helps you tailor your offerings to what your customers truly want.Basically, it's your dispensary, on-the-go: Your entire mobile retail operation, across all locations, accessible with a few taps. That's the power of a branded dispensary app.<hr><h2>Here are&nbsp; 5 dispensary apps that are leading the charge in the mobile app game.</h2>Let's take a closer look at what makes each one unique.<h2>Redi (Massachusetts)</h2>Imagine a dispensary app that feels like your favorite online store. Redi delivers exactly that, with in-app purchases where you can browse products, add them to your cart, and pay securely – ditch the lines and menus! Plus, they gamified the experience with tiered achievements and digital punch cards. Every purchase automatically moves you closer to rewards, making shopping even more fun.<a href="https://youtu.be/Zjt0S2_T0Y0?si=j7DObkxyrfoihkrF"><img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Promo_Video_REDI_CANNABIS_MOBILE_APP_2024_2_1_ed5205ebf4.png" alt="Promo Video_REDI CANNABIS MOBILE APP 2024 (2) (1).png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Promo_Video_REDI_CANNABIS_MOBILE_APP_2024_2_1_ed5205ebf4.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Promo_Video_REDI_CANNABIS_MOBILE_APP_2024_2_1_ed5205ebf4.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Promo_Video_REDI_CANNABIS_MOBILE_APP_2024_2_1_ed5205ebf4.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Promo_Video_REDI_CANNABIS_MOBILE_APP_2024_2_1_ed5205ebf4.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"></a><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/redi-cannabis/id6474030105?platform=iphone">Download the app &gt;</a>&nbsp;<hr><h2>Bloom City Club (Michigan)</h2>Ever get annoyed by a clunky app that's more trouble than it's worth? Bloom City Club listened to their customers and completely revamped their old wallet app.<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/App_9872229a3d.png" alt="App.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_App_9872229a3d.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_App_9872229a3d.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_App_9872229a3d.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_App_9872229a3d.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">Now, it's a sleek and branded experience with everything you need – native shopping, a rewards program to keep you coming back, and a dedicated deals page so you can snag those sweet promotions without digging through menus.<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bloom-city-club/id1608417316">Download the app &gt;</a>&nbsp;<hr><h2>Fogtown Flower Shop (Canada)</h2>This app is perfect for those who love the convenience of delivery. Order your products directly through the app and track them in real-time, so you can relax at home knowing exactly when your goodies will arrive. No more wondering when your doorbell will ring!<a href="https://youtu.be/utFS7XeEMu4?si=uYZRc389h459GKxe"><img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Promo_Video_2024_Fogtown_Flowershop_b0dd7fd8f4.png" alt="Promo Video 2024 - Fogtown Flowershop.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Promo_Video_2024_Fogtown_Flowershop_b0dd7fd8f4.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Promo_Video_2024_Fogtown_Flowershop_b0dd7fd8f4.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Promo_Video_2024_Fogtown_Flowershop_b0dd7fd8f4.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Promo_Video_2024_Fogtown_Flowershop_b0dd7fd8f4.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"></a>&nbsp;<hr><h2>Hangar 420 (Washington)</h2>This app proves that you don't need a ton of bells and whistles to be successful. Hangar 420 focuses on a great user experience with e-commerce integration and a built-in platform for push notifications.<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/App_1_acdf97561d.png" alt="App (1).png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_App_1_acdf97561d.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_App_1_acdf97561d.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_App_1_acdf97561d.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_App_1_acdf97561d.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">This saves them money on third-party providers while keeping their regular customers informed about deals and updates. It's a win-win for both the dispensary and their loyal following.<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hangar-420/id6497793932">Download the app &gt;</a>&nbsp;<hr><h2>Cinder (Multi-state - Washington &amp; New Mexico)</h2>Running a multi-state operation? Cinder's app is a gold standard.&nbsp; Customers can use the same app across all their stores, no matter the location. See real-time inventory to ensure you get what you want, and even refer friends to earn rewards. Plus, they have a built-in blog with educational content, making them a one-stop shop for all things cannabis.<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F5FR7_-gts"><img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Linked_In_2024_App_Overview_Video_1_M_1_1_5e588d52a0.png" alt="LinkedIn 2024 App Overview Video - 1M (1) (1).png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Linked_In_2024_App_Overview_Video_1_M_1_1_5e588d52a0.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Linked_In_2024_App_Overview_Video_1_M_1_1_5e588d52a0.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Linked_In_2024_App_Overview_Video_1_M_1_1_5e588d52a0.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Linked_In_2024_App_Overview_Video_1_M_1_1_5e588d52a0.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"></a><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cinder-cannabis-redefined/id6444070359?platform=iphone">Download the app &gt;</a>&nbsp;<hr><h2>Do you want to improve your existing wallet app or launch a new one for your dispensary?</h2><a href="https://digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">Book a 15-minute demo &gt;</a>&nbsp;

Wallet apps are out, a new breed of cannabis mobile apps are in.&nbsp;Dispensaries across the states and Canada are upping their game with branded mobile apps that are like mini dispensaries right on your phone.&nbsp;

5 Winning Dispensary Mobile Apps in 2025

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<hr><h2>1. Expanding Our Client Base and App Network</h2>One of the most significant milestones of 2024 was the expansion of our client base. We tripled our number of clients, helping 192 dispensary locations integrate custom mobile apps into their operations. This growth wasn’t just about numbers—it was about empowering dispensaries to strengthen customer engagement and drive repeat sales. With more locations adopting our apps, we’ve seen firsthand how our solutions contribute to lasting success.<h2>2. Onboarding Our First Multi-State Operator (MSO)</h2>Another major achievement came with the onboarding of our first Multi-State Operator (MSO). This partnership expanded our reach into five states and 21 locations, marking a significant milestone for Digital Awesome. By working with an MSO, we were able to provide a unified app solution across multiple locations, ensuring seamless customer experiences and increased sales.<h2>3. Sales Growth in Key States</h2>In 2024, we observed remarkable sales growth in key states like Michigan, Ohio, and Arizona. Dispensaries in these regions saw substantial revenue boosts through the use of our custom mobile apps. Whether it was increased foot traffic, repeat visits, or higher average order values, dispensaries in these states experienced a clear return on investment from their apps.<h2>4. Ohio Success Story&nbsp;</h2>One standout success story from 2024 came from a dispensary in Ohio. Within just three months of launching their custom mobile app, they saw a 1,021% increase in app sales. This remarkable growth is a testament to the power of our apps in transforming customer engagement and driving sales.<h2>5. Loyal Customers Achieve 60K Milestones</h2>One example of our app’s impact comes from a dispensary in California. Despite just 965 downloads, they’ve seen tens of thousands of sessions and over 60K achievements earned. This high level of engagement and retention highlights how even smaller user bases can drive significant customer interaction when the app delivers real value. The consistent use of these features has resulted in strong customer loyalty and repeat engagement, proving that quality and relevance are key to success.<h2>6. Partnerships and Integrations That Made an Impact</h2>Throughout 2024, we solidified key partnerships and integrations with some of the top platforms in the industry such as PufCreativ, Treez, Happy Cabbage, Aeropay, AIQ, Springbig, Jane and Cannabis Creative Group among many others. These collaborations allowed us to enhance our app features and offer more seamless experiences to dispensaries.&nbsp;<h2>7. Custom Features to Enhance the User Experience</h2>In 2024, we also developed 12 new customizable features for dispensaries to enhance their app experience. From dynamic promotions and tiered rewards to mini-games and microcurrency, these features allow dispensaries to create personalized experiences that boost customer engagement. With even more features coming in 2025, the possibilities for dispensary growth are endless.<hr><h2>Wrapping Up&nbsp;</h2>2024 has been a year of tremendous growth and achievement for Digital Awesome. From expanding our client base and partnering with MSOs to driving significant sales growth in key markets, we’re excited about the future. 2025 is shaping up to be even more epic as we continue to innovate and support dispensaries in achieving their goals.&nbsp;Let’s grow together—reach out and let’s make 2025 your best year yet!

2024 was a transformative year for Digital Awesome, as we continued to drive growth, innovation, and success for dispensaries across the U.S. Let’s take a look at some of the key highlights from this exciting year.

Digital Awesome's 2024 in Review

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&nbsp;1. Become a Canna-sseur: Think wine tastings, but with terpenes. Host educational workshops where you can learn about different strains, how to identify them, and how to pick the perfect one for your mood. Bonus points for guest appearances by master growers or budtenders with serious knowledge to drop.2. Highlighting Homegrown Heroes: Support local artists by showcasing and selling their work at your dispensary. Throw meet-and-greets or sponsor local art walks – it's a win-win for creativity and community vibes.3. Yoga with a Twist: We all know cannabis is great for unwinding, so why not combine it with some gentle yoga? Partner with a local studio to offer CBD-focused yoga classes. It's the perfect way to de-stress and find your center (literally and figuratively).4. Do Good, Feel Good: Feeling generous? Partner with environmental or social justice organizations and give your customers and staff a chance to volunteer! Not only will you be giving back, but you'll also be building a reputation as a dispensary with a heart.5. Keeping it Green: We all love cannabis, but let's not forget about Mother Earth. Organize community clean-up events or partner with sustainability organizations. Show everyone you're serious about eco-friendly practices and responsible sourcing.6. Budtender for a Day: Ever wondered what it's like to be behind the counter? Run a contest or raffle where the winner gets to shadow a budtender for a day. Learn the ropes, get some industry knowledge, and maybe even score some bragging rights.7. Themed Events: Let your creativity run wild. Host "High Tea with Terpenes" for a fancy afternoon affair, or throw a “Cannabis &amp; Quiz Nights".8. Recipe Remix: Create a platform for customers to share their favorite cannabis-infused recipes. You could even host "Cooking with Cannabis" demonstrations featuring these creative concoctions.9. Get VIP customers on your own mobile app: Use your dispensary's mobile app to create a VIP club for your most loyal customers. They'll get exclusive perks like early access to new products, app-only deals, and sweet discounts. It's a great way to say "thanks" to your biggest fans and build a tight-knit community within the app.Explore customizable mobile apps with <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">Digital Awesome</a>.<hr>So there you have it. With a little creativity, your dispensary can become a social hub that fosters connections, education, and of course, a love for all things cannabis.&nbsp;Now get out there and start building your own community of happy, informed tokers!<hr>Do you know a dispensary that’s looking for a customizable mobile app?&nbsp;If so, you could be a partner today and start earning some serious commissions and perks. Just <a href="https://webforms.pipedrive.com/f/6iG4jtjVijitcvNSHgWEo77mSaAyVghNQ8rro5h1S1i0dbGUTxoApuTnxue1FdJjeX">sign up here</a> or drop an email to brady@digitalawesomeapps.com.&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/Zjt0S2_T0Y0?si=mFBSwjBQyEma33RN"><img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Copy_of_Promo_Video_REDI_CANNABIS_MOBILE_APP_2024_84c3ef01f6.png" alt="Copy of Promo Video_REDI CANNABIS MOBILE APP 2024.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Copy_of_Promo_Video_REDI_CANNABIS_MOBILE_APP_2024_84c3ef01f6.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Copy_of_Promo_Video_REDI_CANNABIS_MOBILE_APP_2024_84c3ef01f6.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Copy_of_Promo_Video_REDI_CANNABIS_MOBILE_APP_2024_84c3ef01f6.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Copy_of_Promo_Video_REDI_CANNABIS_MOBILE_APP_2024_84c3ef01f6.png 1000w," sizes="100vw"></a>&nbsp;

Let's face it – sometimes picking up bud can feel a bit transactional. You walk in, grab your goodies, and head out. But what if your dispensary could be more than just a place to stock up?&nbsp;Let's break down 9 creative ideas that will turn your local dispensary into everyone's favorite neighborhood hangout.

How to Build a Loyal Community Around Your Brand

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&nbsp;<hr><h2>1. Lower Profit Margins</h2>One of the biggest pitfalls of frequent discounting is the impact on profit margins. The industry is already notorious for its high taxes, regulatory costs, and the expense of premium products. With these financial pressures, many cannabis retailers are already operating with tight margins as it is.By offering deep discounts too often, you’re not just eating into profits—you’re setting a dangerous precedent. Over time, it becomes harder to raise prices back up without losing customers, and the cycle of discounting can quickly spiral out of control. This can lead to unsustainable pricing and potentially financial strain, making it harder for your business to stay afloat.Consider Headset’s <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/headset/posts/?feedView=all">data</a> from the post-holiday period: dispensaries that offered discounts during Green Wednesday and Thanksgiving season show varied results.<img class="image_resized" style="width:720px;" src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/image_cee61e3e0b.png" alt="">Source: Headset (2024) - LinkedIn PostStores that stayed in the “green” zone saw revenue and profit grow at similar rates, maintaining healthy margins. However, as the results shifted to the “red” zone, over-discounting became apparent—higher sales, but shrinking profit margins. The median store saw a 73.6% increase in revenue, but only a 52.5% increase in profit.While that’s still solid sales growth, it shows how over-discounting can distort profitability.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>2. Damage to your Brand's Reputation</h2>Frequent discounting can also harm your brand image.If customers get used to buying your products at a lower price, they may start associating your brand with cheapness rather than quality. In the saturated market, customers are becoming more educated and discerning, so the quality perception matters more than ever.And when consumers begin expecting discounts, it can be difficult to charge full price for premium products. High-end brands, whether in cannabis or other industries, maintain their exclusivity by offering limited-time offers or by tapping into other buying motivators like gamified loyalty, product bundling and not constantly slashing prices.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">3. Attracting the Wrong Customers</h2>Excessive discounting often attracts price-sensitive shoppers who are loyal to low prices but not to your brand. These customers will jump ship the moment a competitor offers a better deal! After all, <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/blog/retain-more-customers-with-the-dispensary-loyalty-loop">market research</a> shows that customers shop routinely shops between 2-3 dispensaries at any given time.While discounts may draw in a crowd, they don’t build the kind of long-term customer loyalty you need for sustained success.True brand loyalty is built on the quality of your products, exceptional customer service, and a strong brand experience—none of which are cultivated through constant price cuts. By relying on discounts, you're training your customers to focus solely on price, undermining the price integrity of your products.&nbsp;<h2 style="text-align:justify;">4. Price Wars</h2>When multiple dispensaries in the same market start slashing prices, it can lead to a “race to the bottom.” While large chains may have the financial resources to sustain lower margins, smaller retailers—especially independent shops—often can’t keep up. This can result in the closure of local businesses and the consolidation of the market under a few big players.Price wars hurt the overall cannabis ecosystem, reducing market diversity and making it harder for smaller dispensaries to survive. But ultimately, this hurts the customer experience by reducing the variety of choices available and making the market less vibrant.<h2>5. Employee Impact</h2>The negative effects of discounting extend beyond just sales and marketing—they also trickle down to your own teams.&nbsp;Retailers that rely heavily on discounts may pressure staff to upsell additional products to compensate for the lost revenue. This can lead to employee burnout and dissatisfaction, particularly if staff feel they’re constantly pushing promotions instead of focusing on delivering an exceptional customer experience.Moreover, frequent discounting can create operational headaches. Retailers may struggle with inventory management, overstocking slow-moving products, or rushing to meet discount deadlines. This creates unnecessary stress for your team and operational inefficiencies that can impact your business in other ways.<hr><h2>How to Drive More Customers with Less&nbsp;</h2>So how can retailers avoid this hurtful tactic? Here are some strategies that can help:Focus on value, not price alone - Instead of constantly offering discounts, think about how you can add value for customers. This could include offering bundled deals, special access to limited-edition products, or getting them on your <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">VIP mobile app</a> so they’re always part of your exclusive community.Loyalty Programs: Create incentives for repeat customers by offering exclusive coupons, early access to new products, or getting them on your digital punch card program. This encourages long-term relationships without the need for constant price slashing.Customer Education: Focus on enriching the customer-budtender experience and product education. When customers understand the value of what they’re buying, they’re more likely to pay full price.Targeted &amp; Personalized offers: Rather than offering blanket discounts, focus on more tailored promotions that align with seasonal trends and your customers' specific preferences. This approach makes discounts feel like a special, personalized offer, rather than a routine sale available to anyone who walks through your door.<hr><h2>Think Twice&nbsp;</h2>While discounts can provide a quick sales boost, over-discounting can damage your business in the long run. From eroding profit margins to devaluing your brand, excessive price cuts can set you back more than you realize.So, before you offer that next discount, ask yourself: Is this strategy benefiting our business long-term, or just a short-term fix? If it’s the latter, then consider reaching out to us or any of our <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/become-a-partner">award-winning partners</a>.Looking to build a more sustainable retail business in 2025? Get in touch with <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">Digital Awesome</a> to explore revenue-boosting, loyalty-building mobile apps that help you reduce reliance on frequent discounting—and much more.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">Get a free strategy</a><hr><h2>Want freebies or extra referral income?</h2>Pass on a lead to Digital Awesome and we'd be happy to give at least $250 for every qualified lead. <a href="https://webforms.pipedrive.com/f/6iG4jtjVijitcvNSHgWEo77mSaAyVghNQ8rro5h1S1i0dbGUTxoApuTnxue1FdJjeX">Sign-up here</a>.

&nbsp;As a retailer, you may have seen the quick spike in sales after a big discount, but have you considered the long-term damage those discounts might be causing? From eating into your profits to diminishing your brand’s reputation, over-discounting can set your business back more than you realize.&nbsp;Let’s explore why you should rethink your discounting strategy—and what you could do to drive customers with less of it in 2025.

Stop Over-Discounting in 2025: Here’s How It’s Hurting Your Store

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At first glance, overseas options on service marketplaces like Fiverr, might seem like an affordable shortcut, but the reality often brings missed deadlines, wasted budgets, and apps that fail to meet even the most basic expectations.Here’s why relying solely on overseas developers without tapping into onshore expertise can cost you more than you save:<h2 style="text-align:justify;">1. Integration Challenges</h2>Successful cannabis retail apps rely on seamless integration with platforms like <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/article/edit/7269524983381405696/?author=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_company%3A19073708#">Jane Technologies, Inc.</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/article/edit/7269524983381405696/?author=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_company%3A19073708#">Dutchie</a> , <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/article/edit/7269524983381405696/?author=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_company%3A19073708#">Springbig</a> , <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/article/edit/7269524983381405696/?author=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_company%3A19073708#">Onfleet</a> , <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/article/edit/7269524983381405696/?author=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_company%3A19073708#">AIQ.com (Alpine IQ)</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/article/edit/7269524983381405696/?author=urn%3Ali%3Afsd_company%3A19073708#">Aeropay</a>. These platforms require trusted partners for API access—many overseas developers either don’t qualify or unable to facilitate required integrations. This leads to apps that can’t connect with your existing systems, creating headaches for you and your customers.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">2. Compliance Risks</h2>Cannabis apps face a maze of U.S. app store policies and state-specific regulations. Overseas developers often lack the expertise to navigate these complexities, resulting in apps that get rejected, fined, or fail to function properly. Compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">3. Hidden Costs</h2>What seems like a budget-friendly solution often spirals into costly fixes. Some overseas companies deliver incomplete projects with poor functionality and offer little to no post-launch support. When app store rules change or technical issues arise, you’re left scrambling for solutions—and paying more in the long run.<hr><h2>How to Choose the Right Development Partner</h2>Avoiding these pitfalls starts with selecting the right development team. Here’s what to look for:<h2 style="text-align:justify;">1. Proven Track Record</h2>Choose a provider with a portfolio of live, active apps in the app store. Don’t just take their word for it—ask for examples, download the apps, and test them yourself. Can you shop, access rewards, add items to your cart, and log in easily? If they meet these basics, you’re on the right track.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">2. Thorough Vetting</h2>Do a quick dive into their credentials. Check their LinkedIn page, explore their website, and if you’re working with a cannabis marketing consultant or agency, ask for recommendations. Top cannabis marketing agencies like <a href="https://cannabiscreative.com/">Cannabis Creative Group</a>, <a href="https://pufcreativ.com/">PufCreativ</a>, and <a href="https://cannaplanners.com/">CannaPlanners</a> can point you in the right direction.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">3. Demo Calls</h2>Don’t skip demos. While some fear the pressure to commit, free app demos are invaluable for learning about features, processes, pricing, and compatibility with your goals. Ask all your questions, then take your time deciding. If it’s not the right fit, simply walk away.You can even snag an exclusive deal when you get together with the <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">development team</a>.<hr><h2>Looking for a Trusted Partner?</h2>If you’re seeking U.S.-engineered custom mobile apps that integrate seamlessly with retail providers like Dutchie, Treez, AIQ, and Springbig, <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">Digital Awesome</a> is your go-to. Servicing over 180 dispensary locations nationwide, we specialize in creating apps that work perfectly for cannabis retail businesses.Don’t settle for less—build an app that works for your brand and customers. 🌱

In the rush to launch a mobile app, many businesses make a common mistake: directly outsourcing their app development overseas without onshore guidance and expertise.

Why Local Expertise Matters in Cannabis App Development

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<hr><h2>1. Understand Your Brand’s Needs and Goals</h2>It is essential to first understand what cannabis marketing agency to look for which is why it is critical to first understand what the brand’s goals are.&nbsp;Is your loyalty mobile app brand new, and are you trying to generate hype and users? Or maybe you want to expand brand awareness and try bringing customers to your dispensary or promote products. Set your goals and KPIs which you will use to measure effectiveness.&nbsp;Also consider your budget and whether you are looking for a general agency or one that specializes in marketing tools like mobile app marketing, SEO, text marketing, social media, or influencer marketing.<hr><h2>2. Look for Cannabis Industry Expertise</h2>Cannabis marketing is one of the industries with limited marketing options, so it depends on experience. Consider working with marijuana marketing agencies that have been in the cannabis space before, and has the track record to maneuver the industry's advertisement barriers to deliver tangible growth. An experienced agency should be able to present you with a portfolio of several successful cannabis campaigns.&nbsp;Bonus points if they’ve worked with brands that align with your own goals and style.<hr><h2>3. Evaluate Their Marketing Approach</h2>A successful cannabis marketing agency understands the need for a multifaceted strategy. They should excel in capturing organic traffic through local SEO, helping your brand stand out in local searches to attract nearby customers. Look for agencies that focus on building your brand and driving sales with a direct-to-brand approach, rather than relying solely on cannabis marketplaces like Weedmaps or Leafly.Modern marketing tools are essential for staying competitive, so ensure the agency can leverage solutions like weed loyalty programs, cannabis mobile apps, text marketing, and push notifications. Additionally, they should be able to support offline initiatives such as roadshows, dispensary events, and community outreach efforts to create meaningful, in-person connections.Depending on the type of help you need, assessing their list of services and experience is important. Some agencies specialize in specific areas, while others offer a more comprehensive, full-service approach. Review their capabilities carefully before making your choice.<hr><h2>4. Check Their Reputation</h2>An agency’s reputation in the industry can tell you a lot about their expertise. Research their LinkedIn posts, blog posts, webinars, and other educational content. Are they contributing valuable insights to the cannabis space? Agencies that participate in industry events or collaborate with cannabis associations often bring a wealth of knowledge and credibility to the table.<hr><h2>5. Review Feedback &amp; Past Work</h2>Client testimonials and case studies can provide valuable insights into an agency’s effectiveness. Look for reviews that highlight measurable results, such as increases in SEO rankings, mobile app downloads, or loyalty revenue. Genuine testimonials from clients within the cannabis industry carry more weight than generic endorsements. So if possible, reach out to past clients to get a firsthand account of their experiences.<hr><h2>6. Assess Communication Styles</h2>Clear communication is key to a successful partnership. A trustworthy agency will offer regular updates, transparent reporting, and a collaborative workflow.&nbsp;Before signing on, ask about their communication style and how they ensure alignment on goals and strategies. A good weed ad agency will prioritize keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.<hr><h2 style="text-align:justify;">7. Ensure Compliance Expertise</h2>The cannabis industry operates under a complex web of local and federal regulations. The cannabis marketing agency you choose must be well-versed in the laws specific to your market. Ask about their process for staying compliant and how they adapt to changing regulations. This expertise will help you avoid costly legal pitfalls while maintaining a competitive edge.<hr><h2>8. Consider &nbsp;Cultural Fit</h2>Your cannabis marketing agency should understand and reflect your brand’s values. Evaluate their ability to connect with your target audience and their enthusiasm for your mission. A strong cultural fit can foster better collaboration and creativity, ultimately leading to more successful campaigns.<hr><h2>9. Request a Custom Proposal</h2>The best weed agencies will take the time to craft a tailored strategy for your brand. Request a custom proposal to get a sense of their approach and initial recommendations. A thoughtful proposal will demonstrate how well they understand your unique needs and whether they’re the right partner for your business.<hr><h2>10. Compare Options&nbsp;</h2>Once you’ve narrowed down your options, create a comparison chart to weigh factors like expertise, cost, services, and testimonials. Schedule interviews with your top contenders to dive deeper into their processes and ensure they align with your vision. Trust both the data and your instincts when making the final decision.<hr><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Final Tip</h2>Finding the right cannabis marketing agency can elevate your brand and set you apart. With the right partner, you’ll not only navigate the complexities of cannabis advertising but also achieve your business goals more efficiently.At <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">Digital Awesome</a>, we work with award-winning cannabis marketing agencies and software providers to boost dispensary sales and help retailers and brands stay compliant and competitive.&nbsp;Whether you’re launching your <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">new loyalty mobile app</a> or looking for a comprehensive marketing strategy, our trusted partners like <a href="https://pufcreativ.com/">PufCreativ</a>, <a href="https://cannabiscreative.com/">Cannabis Creative Group</a> and <a href="https://www.happycabbage.io/">Happy Cabbage</a> are ready to help.&nbsp;See a complete list of our partners <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/become-a-partner">here</a>.&nbsp;Explore custom mobile app integrations <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/partners-and-integrations">here</a>.

Advertising cannabis products can be challenging due to strict rules and regulations, making it difficult to promote these products without facing bans or penalties. Marketing campaigns for cannabis are likely to fail unless they are developed by a specialized marijuana marketing agency that understands the nuances of promoting cannabis.So how do you find the right marijuana ad agency for your brand? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose the best agency for your cannabis marketing campaign.

How to Pick the Best Cannabis Marketing Agency

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<hr><h2>What Exactly Are They?</h2>SMS MarketingYou know those branded text messages you receive from retailers about promotions or updates? Those are SMS marketing messages. This method focuses on sending texts directly to customers' phones. Customers must opt in for compliance reasons, and they should also have an easy way to opt out.Push Notification MarketingThese are those pop-up messages you see from your favorite apps. They’re short, sweet, and designed to grab your attention at just the right moment. Users need to have your dispensary mobile app installed and notifications enabled to get these messages.<hr><h2>Key Differences</h2><h2>Reach and Accessibility</h2>SMS can hit anyone with a phone number, as long as they’ve given you the green light to send texts.Push Notifications depend on having your app installed and notifications turned on. This might sound limiting, but it allows for super-specific messages tailored to in-app activity.<hr><h2>Compliance</h2>SMS marketing is heavily regulated to protect consumer privacy. Two key regulations in this space are the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the 10DLC system.TCPA: The Telephone Consumer Protection Act mandates that businesses must obtain express consent from recipients before sending marketing messages. This law also allows recipients to easily opt out, helping prevent unwanted or intrusive messaging.10DLC: The 10-Digit Long Code (10DLC) system, specific to the United States, further enforces compliance by requiring businesses to register their messaging campaigns with carriers. This ensures that messages are sent only to those who have opted in, providing better control over SMS spam and enhancing the reliability of communication. Non-compliance can lead to fines, message filtering, and even carrier blocks.On the other hand, Push Notifications offer more flexibility with fewer compliance hurdles, but app store guidelines (like those from Apple and Google) still require careful adherence to avoid penalties. Partnering with experienced developers can help navigate these regulations, ensuring a compliant and successful messaging strategy.<hr><h2>Engagement Rates</h2> SMS marketing is highly effective, boasting open rates of up to 90%, making it ideal for urgent communications like flash sales and time-sensitive offers. However, the cost per SMS can add up, generally ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 per message, with prices potentially higher depending on the platform or third-party service used. These costs, combined with stricter compliance rules, can increase your overall marketing spend.Push Notifications offer more creative flexibility, allowing for images, clickable buttons, and emojis that can enhance engagement. When used effectively, they can reach up to nearly 100% of app users, making them an appealing option for boosting user interaction with less direct cost per message. However, achieving high engagement relies on crafting messages that resonate without overwhelming users. &nbsp;<hr><h2>Personalization</h2>SMS is great for personalized messages based on customer data, but with a text-only format, you’ll want to keep things snappy and relevant.Push Notifications shine here, allowing detailed segmentation based on in-app actions. Did a customer leave something in their cart? Nudge them with a friendly reminder!Learn about Dynamic Push Notifications for personalized campaigns <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/blog/data-driven-dispensaries-what-your-app-can-reveal">here</a>.<hr><h2>Benefits and Challenges</h2><h2>Benefits of SMS Marketing</h2>Direct Line to Customers: Just about everyone checks their texts, so it’s a reliable way to connect.Quick to Set Up: SMS campaigns are simple to launch and easy to track.<h2>Challenges of SMS Marketing</h2>Word Count and Visuals: Limited characters can make it tough to convey detailed messages.Privacy Sensitivities: You must handle customer data carefully and respect opt-out requests.<hr><h2>Benefits of Push Notifications</h2>Multimedia Capabilities: Add images, buttons, and emojis to create eye-catching notifications.Advanced Targeting: Use user behavior data to send hyper-relevant messages, like notifying relevant customers of new strains or new products they might be interested in.<h2>Challenges of Push Notifications:</h2>App Dependency: You need an <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/">engaging mobile app</a> and a strong app adoption and marketing strategy to capture and nurture customers.Notification Overload: Users can quickly tune out if you overdo it, so timing and value are key.<hr><h2>When to Use Each</h2>SMS Marketing: Perfect for flash deals, delivery updates, or exclusive loyalty rewards. Think urgent messages that need to reach everyone, stat!Push Notifications: Great for nudging customers to check out their abandoned carts, reminding them of loyalty points, or highlighting new products and app features.<h2>Why Not Both?</h2>For cannabis businesses, a one-two punch of SMS and push notifications can be a game-changer if you wish to expand your marketshare and generate recurring revenue. Use SMS for time-sensitive updates and broad announcements, while push notifications can handle personalized and in-depth engagements.Learn about the <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/blog/retain-more-customers-with-the-dispensary-loyalty-loop">Dispensary Loyalty Loop</a> - a 4-step system that combines SMS and Push Marketing for happier customers and more sales.<hr><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Final Thoughts</h2>Navigating the complexities of cannabis marketing isn’t easy, but you can create a compliant and customer-focused strategy with the right mix of SMS and push notifications. SMS offers broad reach and instant communication, while push notifications provide personalized and visually engaging experiences. When used together, they can help you build stronger relationships, drive more sales, and stand out.And that’s your crash course on SMS vs. push notifications—simple, effective, and ready to rock your cannabis marketing game! 🌱 &nbsp;

Cannabis marketing can feel like walking a tightrope—striking that balance between engaging customers and staying compliant. Two such routes are SMS marketing and push notifications.&nbsp;So, which one’s better, and when should you use each? Let’s break it down.

Comparing SMS Marketing vs. Push Notification Marketing

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&nbsp;While branding isn’t a magic bullet for every challenge, it makes customers more inclined to choose your store, leading to more trust and increased sales over time.So, in this blog, we’ll explore how strong branding empowers cannabis businesses to justify premium pricing and how they can rise above the race to the bottom.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">But first, what is branding?</h2>A brand is much more than its logo and brand colors. It’s the sum of various elements that shape customer perception—from visual elements and packaging to staff culture, customer experiences, and loyalty programs. Together, these aspects define how customers perceive a business and determine its value.&nbsp;And when done right, solid branding can position your company as a market leader, allowing you to charge higher prices without always relying on discounts to survive.&nbsp;<hr><h2>8 Ways Branding Influences Customer Behavior</h2>Quality Perception A strong brand image can make a product appear of higher quality, even if it’s similar to lower-priced alternatives. This can be achieved through unique packaging, a polished website, a user-friendly shopping app, or a trustworthy online presence that fosters community.Exclusivity and Desirability Premium brands create a sense of exclusivity, making customers proud to own rare or coveted products. This applies to cannabis brands that position themselves as high-end, attracting consumers who value the prestige of paying a premium.Brand Recognition A recognizable brand builds trust, leading to repeat purchases and making consumers less likely to be swayed by lower-priced competitors.Customer Loyalty Loyal customers prioritize their preferred brands over others, even when alternatives are cheaper. Loyalty can be cultivated through engaging brand experiences, gamified loyalty programs, and seamless digital platforms that simplify shopping.Aligning with Values and Lifestyle Aspirations Brands that align with customers’ values or desired lifestyles can charge more. For example, a cannabis brand supporting diversity initiatives may attract customers willing to pay a premium to back those causes. Products with a cult following can command higher prices as customers feel drawn to them to fulfill their aspirations.Creating Emotional Connections A strong brand identity can evoke trust, nostalgia, or a sense of community, making customers feel more connected and understood –&nbsp; encouraging them to stay loyal despite price differences.Unique Differentiation Dispensaries can stand out by emphasizing unique branding elements—such as mobile apps, gamified loyalty programs, or immersive in-store experiences. This shifts customers’ focus from finding the lowest price to appreciating the unique value their go-to stores offer. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Added Value Well-branded products and shops often provide perceived value beyond their essential functions. For example, Cinder’s mobile app enhances the customer experience with in-app shopping, rewards, and educational content, making it easier for customers to justify paying a bit more.<hr><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Cinder's Success in Washington</h2><img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/FOR_800_x_1200_px_9_923317bf71.png" alt="FOR (800 x 1200 px) (9).png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_FOR_800_x_1200_px_9_923317bf71.png 234w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_FOR_800_x_1200_px_9_923317bf71.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_FOR_800_x_1200_px_9_923317bf71.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_FOR_800_x_1200_px_9_923317bf71.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">Cinder, an award-winning dispensary in Washington, is a prime example of how investing in its brand through new mobile experiences can elevate its reputation, all while achieving profitable growth.By partnering with Digital Awesome to create a custom mobile app, Cinder offered seamless in-app shopping, gamified loyalty programs, and on-the-go education. This branding effort led to:-Higher Customer Satisfaction: Enhanced brand affinity increased purchase frequency.-Larger Basket Sizes: Their average basket size rose by 33% compared to the state average, showing how an engaging mobile app experience can drive higher spending.-Stronger Brand Loyalty: Over 40% of app users reached loyalty milestones within a week, highlighting the impact of a stand-out digital experience.<hr><h2>Partnering for Branding Success</h2>Brands and dispensaries aiming to elevate their branding can also collaborate with&nbsp;<a href="https://pufcreativ.com/">PufCreativ</a>, a trusted partner that helps cannabis brands redefine their identity and enhance positioning across multiple touchpoints.From logo redesigns and packaging to website revamps and revenue-driving services, these efforts create a brand presence that commands higher prices and fosters long-term loyalty. Here are a few examples of their work:<h2 style="text-align:justify;">The Gentlemen Smugglers</h2><img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2024_10_15_at_11_36_11_AM_d898ef3149.png" alt="The Gentlemen Smugglers" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Screenshot_2024_10_15_at_11_36_11_AM_d898ef3149.png 208w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Screenshot_2024_10_15_at_11_36_11_AM_d898ef3149.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Screenshot_2024_10_15_at_11_36_11_AM_d898ef3149.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Screenshot_2024_10_15_at_11_36_11_AM_d898ef3149.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">The Gentlemen Smugglers launched with a fresh brand book, logo, and packaging that captured their edgy and rebellious identity and established their top-shelf positioning in the cannabis space. Other branding and marketing services by Pufcreativ have delivered significant results, helping the brand expand into two new states.<h2 style="text-align:justify;">The Firestation</h2><img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Screenshot_2024_10_15_at_11_37_32_AM_f98836b134.png" alt="Screenshot 2024-10-15 at 11.37.32 AM.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Screenshot_2024_10_15_at_11_37_32_AM_f98836b134.png 208w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Screenshot_2024_10_15_at_11_37_32_AM_f98836b134.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Screenshot_2024_10_15_at_11_37_32_AM_f98836b134.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_Screenshot_2024_10_15_at_11_37_32_AM_f98836b134.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">The Firestation leveraged strategic content and website improvements to maintain a consistent brand experience across locations. Paired with effective SEO by Pufcreativ, this boosted their non-branded keyword rankings by a whopping 6,338%, driving more organic customer traffic to their dispensary site and increasing their store's online visibility.<hr>In a tough and heavily regulated industry like cannabis, value-driven branding is essential for standing out and justifying higher prices. Remember, in any industry, it’s not just about what you sell and how much you sell it for; it’s really about&nbsp;how you sell it that makes all the difference.By creating a compelling brand identity, you can leave a lasting impression that resonates with your customers, ultimately enabling you to charge what your products or services are truly worth.To learn more about dispensary mobile apps and other on-demand marketing and branding services Digital Awesome and its partners can provide,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">contact us</a> for more information.

In the retail industry, pricing holds undeniable power.&nbsp;Dispensaries often find themselves in intense price wars, undercutting each other in a relentless pursuit of customers. However, for long-term success, strong branding combined with strategic marketing is crucial for justifying premium prices and achieving better margins.

Brand Your Way Out of Price Wars

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Here are a few examples of each principle and how you can use them for your business.<h2>Scarcity</h2>Scarcity can create a sense of urgency, making customers feel like they need to act now before it's too late.<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Dispensary_SUTMM_5fdb106904.jpg" alt="Dispensary SUTMM.jpg" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Dispensary_SUTMM_5fdb106904.jpg 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Dispensary_SUTMM_5fdb106904.jpg 500w," sizes="100vw">Use techniques like limited-time offers, exclusive strains, or one-time drops to trigger this FOMO and drive sales in-store or online.-Time-Limited Offers: Create a sense of urgency by offering products for a limited time only. This can encourage customers to act quickly before the opportunity slips away.-Exclusive Strains: Introduce unique or hard-to-find strains to pique the interest of your customers. This can create a sense of exclusivity.- One-Time Drops: Surprise your customers with unexpected drops of limited-edition products. This can create excitement and anticipation, leading to increased demand.<hr><h2 style="text-align:justify;">The Bandwagon Effect</h2>The Bandwagon Effect is a well-established psychological marketing principle that demonstrates how people are more likely to adopt behaviors or beliefs if they perceive others are doing so as well.&nbsp;This phenomenon is particularly relevant in the cannabis industry, where social proof coupled with personal recommendations of family and friends can significantly influence purchasing decisions.-Showcase customer testimonials and reviews: highlight positive feedback from satisfied customers on your site, branded<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/"> mobile app</a>, or Google. This can create a sense of community and trust, encouraging potential customers to follow suit.-Implement a Referral System: Social proof goes beyond written testimonials because actions can speak louder than words. If your custom mobile app has a built-in referral system, incentivize customers to refer your dispensary to their friends and family in exchange for a small reward.<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/3_70707fdb19.png" alt="3.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_3_70707fdb19.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_3_70707fdb19.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_3_70707fdb19.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_3_70707fdb19.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">When they share their referral code via SMS or social media, they're essentially signaling that they recommend your store to their peers, demonstrating another form of social proof in action.<hr><h2>The Golden Rule of Dispensary Marketing: Reciprocity&nbsp;</h2>People love feeling valued. So when you offer something of value to your customers, they're more likely to reciprocate by purchasing or interacting with&nbsp;your store.&nbsp;Consider achievement-based loyalty programs that grant customers extra rewards points and a cool in-app badges for buying on your dispensary app 3x in a single week or any small engagement tasks that best suit your goals.<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/UPGRADE_Linked_In_Single_Image_Ad_3_f14081f406.png" alt="UPGRADE (LinkedIn Single Image Ad) (3).png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_UPGRADE_Linked_In_Single_Image_Ad_3_f14081f406.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_UPGRADE_Linked_In_Single_Image_Ad_3_f14081f406.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_UPGRADE_Linked_In_Single_Image_Ad_3_f14081f406.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_UPGRADE_Linked_In_Single_Image_Ad_3_f14081f406.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">Other ideas include offering early access, exclusive discounts, or free swag to show your appreciation and build long-lasting relationships.&nbsp;<hr><h2>Contrast - The Illusion of a Bargain&nbsp;</h2><img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/4_ff792abed3.png" alt="4.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_4_ff792abed3.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_4_ff792abed3.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_4_ff792abed3.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_4_ff792abed3.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">Ever noticed how a product seems more affordable when it's compared to a more expensive one? That's the anchoring effect. By strategically positioning your products, you can make them appear more appealing to customers.&nbsp;For example, offer a mid-range product that's slightly more expensive than your most affordable option but significantly cheaper than your premium offerings. This can make the mid-range product seem like a great premium alternative.<hr><h2>Consistency</h2><img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/5_c0fa6ec380.png" alt="5.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_5_c0fa6ec380.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_5_c0fa6ec380.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_5_c0fa6ec380.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_5_c0fa6ec380.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">We're creatures of habit. So when we have a consistent chain of positive experiences with a brand, we're more likely to return. Ensure that your customers have a consistent and enjoyable experience, from the moment they enter your store or buy online to the after-sales service.&nbsp;This includes factors like friendly staff, an inviting atmosphere, a seamless online ordering experience, and reliable product quality.<hr><h2>Loss Aversion</h2>People are generally risk-averse. So by highlighting potential losses, such as missing out on a sale or limited-time offer, you can motivate customers to take action.&nbsp;<img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/2_3bdf6edbd1.png" alt="2.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_2_3bdf6edbd1.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_2_3bdf6edbd1.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_2_3bdf6edbd1.png 750w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/large_2_3bdf6edbd1.png 1000w," sizes="100vw">For example, create a sense of urgency by offering a "flash discount” by using countdown timers on your app to emphasize the fleeting nature of the deal and they’re more compelled to check out faster.&nbsp;By understanding and applying these psychological principles in your retail strategies, dispensaries can create marketing campaigns that resonate with customers on a deeper level, driving sales and building long-lasting loyalty.<hr>Ready to boost your Dispensary's Average Basket Size by up to 50%?Explore customizable mobile apps by Digital Awesome. We integrate with leading cannabis software like Jane, Dutchie, Treez, AIQ, Springbig and more.<a href="https://digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">Book a demo today</a>&nbsp;

Ever felt the urge to buy something just because your friends were raving about it? Or maybe you've rushed to grab a limited-edition item before it sold out?&nbsp;These familiar experiences are rooted in psychology, and understanding them can be a game-changer for dispensaries. By tapping into the human mind, dispensaries can trigger customers to make their move and ring in sales and engagement.

6 Mind Tricks for More Dispensary Sales

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<h2>1. Optimize Inventory</h2>You might think stocking up on every product imaginable is the way to go, but it’s actually about quality over quantity. Focus on what sells best, and make sure you always have those <a href="https://www.happycabbage.io/happy-buyers">products in stock</a>. Happy customers come back for what they love, so keep them happy.<h2>2. Cultivate Customer Loyalty</h2>New customers are great, but loyal customers are gold. Instead of pouring money into endless marketing campaigns, double down on keeping your existing customers happy. A top-notch shopping experience and a killer loyalty program can turn casual customers into raving fans. Consider a dispensary<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/"> mobile app</a> to deepen your connection with them.<h2>3. Take Care of Your Dream Team</h2>Your team is the face of your business. Invest in their training, offer fair compensation, and create a positive work environment. Everyone should feel passionate about your brand and it starts with leadership.<h2>4. Balance Perks &amp; Profits</h2>Employee discounts are a great perk, but don’t go overboard. Find a balance that keeps your team happy without hurting your bottom line.<h2>5. Trim Costs Strategically</h2>Evaluate your expenses carefully. Are there tools, software, or resources that aren't delivering maximum value? Explore more efficient alternatives while still prioritizing customer satisfaction and employee morale.<h2>6. Leverage The Power of 7</h2>People often need multiple touchpoints before making a purchase. Use a <a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/blog/retain-more-customers-with-the-dispensary-loyalty-loop">mix</a> of SMS, email, and push notifications to stay top of mind. The more you’re in front of your customers, the more likely they are to remember you when they’re ready to buy.<h2>7. Connect with Your Community</h2>Get involved in your community! Sponsor local events, do pop-ups, host in-store events, and show your customers that you care. Building strong community ties can lead to increased brand loyalty and new customers.&nbsp;While running a small cannabis shop presents its own set of challenges, it also offers unparalleled opportunities for building a loyal customer base and creating a strong brand identity. By focusing on these key areas, you can establish a solid foundation for long-term growth and success.

Running a small or family-owned cannabis shop is no easy feat. With big chains and stiff competition, it can feel like an uphill battle.However, with a strategic approach and a deep understanding of your customer base, it's possible to build a successful and sustainable business.

7 Success Tips for Small Cannabis Shops

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<hr><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Daily Dose</h2>Engaging topics for your daily feed posts, stories and casual engagements.<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Store Welcome</li></ol>A warm introduction to your store, highlighting its unique features, products, and services.&nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">A Day In The Life of a Budtender</li></ol>An inside look at the daily routine and experiences of a budtender, showcasing their expertise and passion for the job.&nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Strain of the day</li></ol>Highlight a specific cannabis strain each day, discussing its unique properties, effects, and ideal uses. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Budtender’s Daily Top Hits</li></ol>The top recommendations from your budtenders, featuring their favorite strains or products on shelves today or during the season.&nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">What’s New?</li></ol>Showcase the latest products, strains, or events happening in your store.&nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Quick Poll: This or That</li></ol>This or That: Engage with your audience by asking them to choose between two products, strains, or cannabis-related topics. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Cooking with Cannabis</li></ol>Share recipes and techniques for creating delicious, cannabis-infused dishes.&nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Budtender Tips</li></ol>Offer expert advice and insights on cannabis consumption, storage, and more. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Customer Feedback</li></ol>Encourage customers to share their experiences using your products and visiting your store. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">&nbsp;Curated Beats</li></ol>Delight your audience by creating and sharing carefully curated playlists that reflect the vibes and experiences associated with different cannabis strains, products, or activities. Connect with your community through a shared love of music and showcase your brand's personality by featuring various genres, themes, and artists. &nbsp;<hr><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Educational</h2>Educate the growing market about cannabis,&nbsp;its uses, and its benefits by sharing informative and engaging content that appeals to both new and experienced users.<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Cannabis 101</li></ol>Cover the basics of cannabis, including its history, types of strains, methods of consumption, and common terminology. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Tell a story about the source of your products</li></ol>Share the background and journey of your products, from seed to shelf. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Dosing and Potency</li></ol>Offer guidance on determining the appropriate dosage and potency of cannabis products based on individual needs and tolerance levels. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">How to shop online through your website or mobile app</li></ol>Guide customers through the process of browsing, selecting, and purchasing products online. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Myth Busting</li></ol>Debunk common misconceptions about cannabis and its effects, helping to break down stigmas and promote a more accurate understanding of the plant. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Responsible Cannabis Use</li></ol>Educate your audience on how to consume cannabis responsibly and safely.&nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Mindful Consumption</li></ol>Share tips and techniques for incorporating cannabis into mindfulness practices, meditation, and relaxation routines. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Cannabis Laws and Regulations</li></ol>Keep your audience informed about the legal status of cannabis in their region, as well as any changes to laws or regulations that may affect them. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">CBD vs. THC</li></ol>Explain the differences between CBD and THC, their effects on the body, and how they can be used individually or together for various purposes. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Cannabis Industry Trends and Innovations</li></ol>Keep your audience informed about the latest developments, technologies, and innovations in the cannabis industry. &nbsp;<hr><h2 style="text-align:justify;">Promotional Posts</h2>Promote your dispensary's latest offers, collaborations, products and events by crafting eye-catching and engaging promotional content that entices your audience to take action.<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Daily or Monthly Offers:&nbsp;</li></ol>Keep your customers excited by featuring exclusive daily or monthly deals on popular products and strains. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Top 10 CBD Lifestyle Products</li></ol>Curate a list of the most popular and versatile CBD products that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Don't forget to link the products on your post to encourage sales.&nbsp; &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">The Best of Edibles</li></ol>Showcase an assortment of the tastiest and most effective cannabis-infused edibles available at your store, including gummies, chocolates, and beverages. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Favorite Vapes This Season</li></ol>Highlight the top vape pens, cartridges, and accessories that are trending this season, taking into account customer reviews and budtender recommendations. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Influencer Top Picks</li></ol>Collaborate with influencers in the cannabis community to share their favorite products, strains, and consumption methods, offering valuable insights to your audience.<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Discount Deals</li></ol>Attract customers by promoting limited-time discounts on select items, encouraging them to explore new products and save money.<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Special In-app Deals</li></ol>Offer exclusive discounts and promotions to customers who use your mobile app or online platform, incentivizing them to engage with your digital channels. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Community Spotlight</li></ol>Celebrating the vibrant and diverse cannabis community by highlighting its members, events, and achievements. &nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Brand Collaborations &amp; Special Products</li></ol>Announce unique partnerships with other brands or businesses, unveiling exclusive, co-branded products or services that customers can't find anywhere else.&nbsp;<ol><li style="text-align:justify;">Newsletter Sign-Up:&nbsp;</li></ol>Encourage your customers and website visitors to sign up for your newsletter by highlighting the benefits they'll receive, such as exclusive offers, valuable content, and the latest news about your store, products, and events. Make the sign-up process simple and user-friendly with a prominent call-to-action on your website, social media channels, and in-store materials.&nbsp;Tailor these ideas to fit your specific audience and platform guidelines. Share them directly on social media, discreetly incorporate them into your promotions, or use them as inspiration for blog posts, app content, Telegram chats, and other marketing channels.Happy marketing!<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/"><img src="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Cannabis_Banner_800x400_392dd32721.png" alt="Cannabis Banner_800x400.png" srcset="https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/thumbnail_Cannabis_Banner_800x400_392dd32721.png 245w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/small_Cannabis_Banner_800x400_392dd32721.png 500w,https://digital-awesome-website.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/medium_Cannabis_Banner_800x400_392dd32721.png 750w," sizes="100vw"></a>

We've put together a cheat sheet featuring 30 quick ideas to help dispensary marketers like you create a captivating 30-day cannabis content calendar. This list covers a wide range of topics, from product highlights to educational resources, ensuring you have a diverse and dynamic content mix that keeps your followers coming back for more.

30 Content Ideas for Dispensaries

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As consumer behavior evolves, dispensaries should seriously consider offering delivery services to enhance their bottom line.So, is delivery right for your business?If you identify with the following, incorporating last-mile delivery into your retail strategy could be beneficial:<h2>Your demographics are seniors and women-dominated.</h2>If you have access to the demographic data of your customers and see a dominant customer base of elderly and female customers, delivery can improve accessibility for these segments to aid mobility-impaired customers and women who are more comfortable shopping weed from the comfort and safety of their homes. Not only that, accessibility via delivery can improve reach and accessibility to all customers.<h2>You want to future-proof your business.</h2>If there is one thing we all learned from the COVID pandemic, it is the vital importance of other modalities beyond going to storefronts. Generally, customers have inculcated online ordering and delivery into their shopping habits, and in any case, this modality is now part of the acquisition mix of modern consumers. And in any instance that storefronts have challenges, delivery can support your business and customers in unexpected ways, or just as an improvement in your overall offering as a dispensary.<h2>You want to increase average order values.</h2>Apart from improving accessibility, deliveries have shown to deliver up to 80% more average order value, increasing products in the cart from 2.4 to 3.67, equating to $70 from routine pick-up compared to $127 via online deliveries. And when carried out through a customizable dispensary mobile app, the shopping experience not only makes the experience better but also enables a fun and more enjoyable shopping spree experience with quick deliveries from their favorite dispensaries.Ready to grow your dispensary? Offer convenient delivery with Digital Awesome apps.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.digitalawesomeapps.com/schedule-a-demo">Book a demo</a> now to learn how our platform can boost your business. Source:&nbsp;Onfleet Whitepaper - Perfect Cannabis Delivery&nbsp;

A survey by Jane revealed that cannabis delivery can boost average order values by a substantial 80%. This finding, based on 5,000 e-commerce cannabis orders, underscores the growing trend of online cannabis shopping.

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