Cannabis customer engagement is the foundation of a profitable dispensary. Canadian cannabis retailers operate under strict marketing regulations, which means store owners and managers must build their engagement strategies around compliant, data-driven tactics. TechPOS helps dispensaries develop a multichannel approach that meets Health Canada’s requirements while maximising customer lifetime value.
Once dispensary owners understand Canada’s cannabis marketing requirements, they can design a channel strategy and test it against real customer data. TechPOS provides purpose-built integrations that help retailers collect cannabis data, personalise outreach, and drive measurable sales growth.
Cannabis Customer Engagement Tools and Tactics
There are countless ways to reach and engage with consumers to market products. TechPOS provides multiple TechPOS integration options for cannabis retailers (with more added all the time), making it easier to gather critical cannabis data while maintaining compliant outreach and engagement.
Experiment with these options as part of your engagement strategy:
Email Marketing
Email marketing can be one of your best ways of increasing customer engagement. You can capture a customer’s email address with their consent and specify what types of emails they’re opting into. Targeted email campaigns drive sales by promoting new products, re-engaging customers based on purchase history, and recommending products that complement past purchases.
Since nearly eight in 10 consumers believe email is the best way to communicate with a company, email delivers significant engagement — especially when budtenders actively monitor replies and respond with personalised product recommendations.
SMS Marketing
SMS can be one of your strongest options for customer engagement. Notify consumers of new products or special events. Or why not send time-sensitive coupons redeemable in-store or online via a code with a customer number and appropriate ID.
SMS Compliance and Consent Requirements
Dispensaries must obtain customer cell numbers with explicit knowledge and consent before sending any SMS marketing messages. They must opt into any marketing campaign. Be aware that SMS spam regulation in Canada is rigorous, and penalties for sending unwanted SMS messages can range into millions of dollars.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs are a great way to use cannabis data to increase customer engagement and increase sales. You can offer a loyalty card or integrate Canna Analytics for cannabis customer spending insights. Plus, customers can also redeem award points for vouchers or products.
Cannabis Loyalty Program Compliance
Be sure to comply with Canadian regulations surrounding loyalty programs; these typically focus on how and when points expire and what value of products can be purchased with them.
Online eCommerce
Many Canadian cannabis users prefer to shop online, then pick up their products in person or have them delivered discreetly to their homes. TechPOS offers eCommerce solutions for cannabis click-and-collect with multiple delivery integrations, including Leafly, Buddi, and Dutchie.
Dispensaries can run surveys on their online store to collect customer feedback and generate valuable cannabis data. A simple question with a single-click answer produces the highest completion rates. A tried and true option is the Net Promoter Score (NPS), which simply asks, “On a scale of one to five, how likely are your to recommend [name of company] to a friend?”
Memberships
TechPOS integrates with membership providers like Alpine IQ, giving dispensaries a straightforward way to create exclusive promotions, discounted pricing, and special events for club members. Being a club member makes it easier for customers to order products. They can be the first to try new offerings. Plus it gives you a direct line to them for your most lucrative promotions.
Social Media
Cannabis marketing rules on social media platforms remain inconsistent and vary by platform and jurisdiction. Most retailers find it best to stick to informational over sales content and to check social media platforms’ TOS. It’s also wise to keep apprised of maturing local and federal regulations regarding the promotion of cannabis products to avoid running afoul of restrictions. Encouraging customer engagement via question and answer strategy is your best bet.
Subscription Models
A “[product] of the month” club could be a perfect way to boost customer engagement and sales for your cannabis retail store. So, why not let subscribers have input on what they would like to see regarding order options (staff picks, mood choices, etc.) and have several different tiers.
How Subscription Tiers Boost Dispensary Revenue
Returning customers spend, on average, 67 percent more than new ones do, so nurturing existing customers and locking them into a monthly buy with add-ons available is a great way to increase revenues.
Use Cannabis Data to Refine Your Engagement Strategy
Use customer demographic information to better direct each engagement channel and target different customer segments. The TechPOS and Headset integration delivers a real-time data sync, keeping dispensaries connected to the latest consumer insights, purchasing behaviour, and retail trends. You can also use our cannabis retail business reporting tools to gain business insights and brand-specific customer data.
Consistency across channels is critical. Make sure your starting point for cannabis marketing is building a cohesive and highly visual brand. Digital signage for cannabis dispensaries and smart printed menus give dispensaries consistent, on-brand product displays across every customer touchpoint. TechPOS is your all-in-one Canadian cannabis POS and marketing solution. Contact us for more information today.