Marketing Cannabis Delivery: What Works Best—Digital, Print, or Billboards?
In a competitive and highly regulated market like cannabis, promoting delivery deals isn’t just about getting the word out—it’s about doing so efficiently, compliantly, and in a way that truly connects with your target audience. With more consumers preferring the convenience of cannabis delivery, dispensaries and delivery services must find the most effective strategies to promote their deals without wasting marketing dollars or risking regulatory penalties.
So, what’s the best way to promote cannabis delivery deals in today’s market? Let’s break it down by channel—billboards, paper marketing, and digital—and see which method comes out on top.
Billboards: Big and Bold, But Limited
Billboards offer a high-visibility option, particularly along highways or in urban areas where cannabis use is normalized. They grab attention and help build brand awareness quickly. But when it comes to promoting delivery deals, billboards have serious drawbacks:
- Cost: High-priced placements often don’t provide a strong return unless your brand is already well known.
- Compliance: Many states restrict where cannabis ads can appear. For example, billboards must often be located a certain distance from schools, parks, and churches, limiting their placement options.
- No Click-Through: A billboard can display a phone number or URL, but there’s no easy way for someone to immediately act on your offer unless they take note while driving.
Billboards are better suited for brand awareness campaigns—not specific, time-sensitive delivery promotions.
Paper Marketing: Niche Use in the Digital Age
Flyers, postcards, and magazine ads still have a place—especially for local outreach. Paper marketing works well in specific scenarios, such as:
- Direct mailers to loyal customers with targeted deals.
- Insert ads in cannabis-related magazines or newspapers.
- Flyers in dispensary bags or at community events.
However, paper marketing lacks immediacy and is difficult to track. If you’re looking for measurable engagement or quick conversions on a limited-time offer, paper won’t get the job done alone.
Digital Marketing: The Clear Winner
In today’s cannabis market, digital marketing is the most effective and scalable way to promote delivery deals. It allows for targeting, measurement, and real-time updates. Here’s how digital channels can be leveraged:
1. Email and SMS Marketing
These are golden tools for promoting delivery deals to your existing customer base. They allow for personalized messaging, flash deal announcements, and easy-to-track conversions. Many POS systems integrate directly with loyalty and messaging platforms, making it seamless.
2. Geo-Targeted Ads
Digital ads on platforms like Weedmaps, Leafly, or third-party ad networks can target cannabis consumers within your delivery radius. You can push promotions directly to smartphone users based on location and behavior.
3. SEO and Google Business Optimization
Optimizing your dispensary’s website for local searches—such as “cannabis delivery deals near me”—helps customers find your offerings when they’re actively looking to buy. Listing your promotions on your Google Business profile also boosts visibility.
4. Social Media (With Caution)
While platforms like Instagram and Facebook restrict cannabis ads, organic content and influencer partnerships can still build brand recognition and trust. Some brands also use platforms like Reddit, X (Twitter), or Telegram for engagement.
The Hybrid Approach: Strategy is Key
The most successful cannabis delivery brands combine digital with select traditional methods. A billboard may create brand recall, but a well-timed SMS with a clickable link gets the sale. Paper flyers can nudge a customer to check out your website—where a strong digital funnel takes over.
Ultimately, digital marketing should anchor your strategy, especially for promoting delivery deals. It’s targeted, trackable, and scalable—everything a cannabis brand needs in today’s fast-paced delivery market. Pair it with smart local touches and brand-building efforts for maximum impact.