Google Maps and WeedMaps are the two most prominent tools for boosting a dispensary’s local SEO strategy — putting your business “on the map.”

However, not all cannabis dispensaries can afford a multi-platform marketing campaign. So while expanding your dispensary’s reach is more important than ever, you still need to make sure every cent counts. That’s why choosing the right platform is critical.

In this article, we put the two web mapping platforms head-to-head, comparing their features, costs, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.

What is Google Maps?

It is a service provided by Google, a widely-used tool that offers satellite imagery, street maps, and 360° panoramic views of streets (Street View). It also provides real-time traffic conditions and route planning. However, its utility extends beyond navigation, especially for businesses.

Features

With its Google My Business feature, companies can create a free business profile, enabling them to connect with customers across Google Search and Maps. Businesses can showcase their locations, hours, and services while engaging with customers through reviews and Q&A.

How Much It Costs

For dispensaries, this feature can prove invaluable. By utilizing local SEO, dispensaries can boost their visibility to potential customers in their local area. Furthermore, businesses can advertise directly on the platform through Google Ads. As for cost, creating a GMB account is free, but advertising costs vary based on numerous factors, including bid amount, quality of the ad, and competition.

What is WeedMaps?

It is your go-to online hub for legal cannabis, a thriving community where users can explore, review, and chat about various marijuana strains and local dispensaries. It’s an online stage where dispensaries and other cannabis ventures can strut their stuff, showcasing their products and services to a broad, eager audience of marijuana enthusiasts.

Features

It offers multiple features beneficial for dispensaries. Businesses can list their services, products, and prices, upload photos, respond to user reviews, and offer deals. With its geo-targeting feature and effective search engine optimization, they can strategically reach potential customers in specific locations, maximizing the impact of their advertising efforts.

How Much It Costs

It operates on a subscription model. Pricing varies depending on the package and the specific needs of the business. While more costly than a free Google My Business profile, its subscription comes with the advantage of reaching a highly targeted audience already interested in cannabis products. This targeted reach can lead to higher conversion rates, offering a solid return on investment.

Pros and Cons of Using Web Mapping Platforms

Each platform has strengths and weaknesses, depending on your cannabis marketing strategy’s needs and goals.

Google Maps

Pros:

• Broad reach: It has a massive user base, which means more potential customers.
• Local Search Engine Optimization: With GMB, you can optimize your business for local searches.
• Free to use: Although advertising incurs costs, creating a GMB profile is free.

Cons:

• Competitive: Many businesses use Google, so standing out can be challenging.
• Less targeted: Users have diverse interests, making it less cannabis-focused than the other platform.

WeedMaps

Pros:

• Cannabis-focused audience: Users actively seek cannabis products, leading to higher potential conversion rates.
• Various subscription options: It offers tiered packages for different business sizes and needs.

Cons:

• Cost: It operates on a subscription model, which may not suit all budget sizes.
• Smaller user base: Its reach is smaller than Google’s, meaning fewer potential customers.

How to Use Maps on Google for the Promotion of Cannabis

You need to create a GMB account to leverage its power. It allows you to manage your dispensary’s online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.

1. First, sign up and verify your business as part of your dispensary marketing plan. Fill in all the necessary details, such as your dispensary’s name, address, and operating hours, ensuring accurate representation.

Additionally, choose the appropriate categories for your business to enhance its visibility and reach in targeted marketing efforts.

2. Next, optimize your listing. Include relevant keywords in your business description and posts. Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them promptly.

3. Upload high-quality photos of your dispensary and products. It also allows you to create posts with updates, events, or offers that show up in your business profile.

4. Finally, consider using Google Ads to boost your visibility. You can show your ads on the platform, targeting potential customers in your area.

Remember, maintaining an active, up-to-date profile can improve your SEO and increase your visibility.

Leveraging Your Dispensary Marketing Strategy

To truly supercharge your marketing strategy, you’ve got to keep your finger on the pulse, continuously tuning and tweaking your presence on these platforms.

Regularly refreshing your business details, sparking conversations with customers, and scrutinizing your performance are the golden keys to triumphant cannabis marketing.

That’s where Clicta Digital comes into play. We’re your co-pilot in this adventure, packing expertise in SEO and beyond. We’re here to help you amplify your reach, transforming curious onlookers into devoted customers.

Why not get in touch with our team today to discover more about how our agency can light up your business?

Final Thoughts

The two mapping platforms offer valuable features for cannabis marketing. Google Maps boasts a larger user base and excellent SEO capabilities, but it’s more competitive and less targeted. The latter offers a cannabis-focused audience and various subscription options but has a smaller user base and higher costs.

Choosing between the two will depend on your needs, goals, and budget. However, it’s not an either/or decision — many dispensaries find success using both platforms.

Clicta Digital, a leading cannabis SEO agency, can help you navigate these choices and create an effective, customized advertising strategy. We offer services to help your business thrive in the industry.

Contact us today to book a consultation and elevate your plan for promoting a dispensary.