In cannabis retail, the competition is fierce and the rules never stop shifting. That’s where email and SMS marketing swoop in to change the game. Whether you want to delight new shoppers or remind your regulars why your shop feels like home, having a direct line to your customers’ phones or inboxes is a total game changer.
Email and SMS marketing aren’t just base-level tools – they genuinely boost engagement and drive revenue for cannabis shops like yours. Campaigns sent straight to your customers are much more likely to land a sale than a passive social post, and it turns out, timing really matters. Recent studies show that SMS messaging in particular stands out, meeting people exactly where they are in their buying journey. Toss in a bit of personalization, and your texts or emails will actually stand out in a crowded inbox or notification center. Modern cannabis shoppers want experiences that feel tailored to their lifestyles, not just another generic promotion.
If you’re still on the fence, check this: simple campaigns have the power to rake in thousands in sales and skyrocket retention rates. For dispensaries squeezing every dollar, that kind of return can make growth a reality instead of just a hope.
This one’s big – not every big-name email or SMS tool will let cannabis companies use their platforms. You’ll want to look for cannabis-specialized platforms like SpringBig or MediaJel, which are built to keep things compliant and rolling smoothly. These platforms include handy automation features for order updates, win-back promos, and loyalty rewards. Everything can scale as your business grows.
Looking to keep things seamless? Cova’s own cannabis POS system lets you sync customer insights directly with your marketing, so your campaigns are fueled by what’s really happening in your store.
Sending texts isn’t rocket science, but some insider tricks really help. According to industry advice, mid-morning to early evening is your sweet spot for SMS engagement. People notice your message, but it doesn’t feel like spammy noise. And three texts a week max? That’s the goldilocks zone – enough to stay in the loop without being overbearing.
Email’s your friend when you want to share more than a quick tidbit – maybe new product info, educational content, or a monthly newsletter. These regular check-ins keep your shop’s vibe alive, even when a customer hasn’t visited in a minute. The best part? You can automate emails to go out when certain things happen, like a customer’s anniversary or a big event in your shop. That way, your customers always feel seen and appreciated.
If you’re hunting for concrete, step-by-step strategies and templates, Cova has stacks of resources to guide you through every angle of retail marketing. Check out the Cannabis Retail Resources page for help that’s actually actionable.
You’ve got to be hip to TCPA, CAN-SPAM (if you’re in the US), and CASL (for Canada) each time you hit “send”. Purpose-built cannabis marketing platforms keep your campaigns legal, automating things like consent tracking, opt-ins, and age checks so you don’t get caught offside. Plus, tools like Cova’s compliance integrations with Metrc and BioTrack (read more on Cova compliance) take the daily headache out of meeting regulations.
The real pros know how to blend real-time POS data with their marketing. Sync your email and SMS with your POS, and suddenly you can send the perfect birthday surprise or timely reorder reminder the instant it’s relevant. This approach means every message feels personal, and your customers notice (and trust) the difference. The result? Loyalty that sticks and a customer lifetime value that climbs.
Use emails for deeper dives – think educational series or event highlights. Then, hit your SMS subscribers with immediate info – like a flash sale or a pickup-ready alert. This two-pronged approach covers every base, reaching everyone right where they prefer.
For inspiration on taking engagement beyond digital, you’ll find plenty of ideas in our community engagement guide for dispensaries.
When you nail dispensary email and SMS marketing, you unlock genuine connections with your customers, boost profits, and prep your business for what’s next. Embrace smart audience segmentation, whip up creative content, keep compliance in check, and leverage automation – that’s your recipe for long-term success in cannabis retail. Contact our team or browse our blog for fresh ideas tailored to cannabis businesses like yours.