SEO for Cannabis | Free SEO Course for 2024

1. SEO for Cannabis: Getting Traffic Without Paying for Ads with SEO

What to Expect from This Article

You'll be getting information on how to:

• Set up basic Google tools for SEO
• Basic site design for SEO
• High-converting cannabis keyword analysis
• Google Maps local SEO ranking
• Optimizing your product pages
• Content strategy
• Becoming an authority in the cannabis industry
• Technical setup on your site for SEO

Tips to Get Your Cannabis Business Ranking High

Running a cannabis business is a huge pain when it comes to getting the word out. You can't just throw money at Google ads like other businesses - nope, dispensaries have to get creative. That's where SEO comes in clutch. By making your website really solid and showing up in local searches, you can still get plenty of eyes on your products without dropping a fortune on ads. The trick is to build up a strong online presence through things like helpful content and being super visible on Google Maps so people can actually find you. Plus, you've got to make sure your website is secure and accessible to everyone - that ADA compliance isn't just a nice-to-have anymore. The dispensaries that are crushing it? They're the ones who keep tabs on what's working through analytics and actually understand their local customers. When you nail all that, you can pull in some serious revenue without relying on traditional advertising. It's not the easiest path, but hey, that's the cannabis industry for you!

SEO for cannabis requires expert weed SEO services to help get your business ranking through strategic search engine optimization. Cannabis SEO is a popular channel for cannabis digital marketing, particularly since you can't rely on traditional advertising. While some may find SEO work for a cannabis brand challenging, using weed-specific SEO strategies and following actionable marijuana SEO tips can improve your rankings, even without being able to perform traditional marketing activities.

Real SEO site examples

Throughout this article, we'll be examining real-world examples of cannabis companies that have achieved remarkable success through organic search. We'll analyze their websites, content strategies, and search engine optimization tactics to uncover the key factors driving their online visibility and growth. By learning from successful examples, you can gain valuable insights and apply proven strategies to your own cannabis business.

2. Setting Up Your Google SEO Toolkit

Okay, you're convinced that organic search is the way to go. Great! Now, let's get down to brass tacks and set you up with the essential Google tools to boost your cannabis SEO. Think of these tools as your digital marketing command center. They'll provide valuable insights into your website's performance, help you track your progress, and identify areas for improvement.

Search Console Setup

First up, Google Search Console. This free tool gives you a peek behind the curtain of how Google sees your website. It's like having a direct line to the Google search bots, allowing you to understand how they crawl and index your pages.

Here's what you can do with Search Console:

• Submit your sitemap: This helps Google understand your website's structure and content, ensuring all your pages are properly indexed.
• Identify and fix technical SEO issues: Search Console will alert you to any problems that might be hindering your search performance, such as broken links, mobile usability issues, or slow loading times.
• Monitor your website's performance in search results: Track your website's impressions, clicks, and average position for various keywords. This data helps you understand which keywords are driving traffic to your site and identify opportunities to improve your rankings.

Setting up Search Console is straightforward. Simply create a Google account (if you don't already have one), add your website to Search Console, and verify your ownership. Google provides detailed instructions and verification methods to make the process as smooth as possible.

Analytics Installation

Next, we have Google Analytics. If Search Console is your website's report card, then Analytics is your performance tracker. It provides in-depth data about your website traffic, user behavior, and conversions.

Here's what you can learn from Google Analytics:

• Where your visitors are coming from: Identify your traffic sources, whether it's organic search, social media, referrals, or direct traffic.
• What your visitors are doing on your site: Track which pages they visit, how long they stay, and what actions they take (such as making a purchase or filling out a contact form).
• How your website is performing: Monitor your bounce rate, conversion rate, and other key metrics to measure the effectiveness of your website and identify areas for improvement.

To install Google Analytics, you'll need to create an account and add a tracking code to your website. This code allows Google to collect data about your website traffic and user behavior. Once installed, you can access a wealth of data and reports to gain a deeper understanding of your audience and how they interact with your website.

Cannabis Business Profile Creation

For dispensaries, creating a Google Business Profile is essential. This free profile allows you to manage how your business appears in Google Maps and local search results. It's your digital storefront, providing potential customers with essential information about your dispensary, such as your address, phone number, hours of operation, and customer reviews.

A well-optimized Business Profile can significantly impact your local search visibility. Ensure your profile is complete and accurate, including high-quality photos of your dispensary and a compelling business description. Encourage customers to leave reviews, as positive reviews can boost your local search traffic gains and attract more customers.

Maps Verification

To ensure the accuracy and legitimacy of your Google Business Profile, you'll need to verify your business location. Google offers several verification methods, such as postcard verification, phone verification, or email verification. Once verified, your Business Profile will be eligible to appear in Google Maps and local search results, making it easier for potential customers to find your dispensary. You simply do this during the signup flow for GBP.

3. Website Structure That Works: Building a Solid Foundation for Cannabis SEO

You've got your Google tools set up and you're ready to dive deeper into the world of cannabis SEO. Excellent! Now, let's shift our focus to your website itself. Think of your website as your online storefront. It's the first impression many potential customers will have of your business, so it needs to be welcoming, informative, and easy to navigate.

A well-structured website not only provides a positive user experience but also plays a significant role in your search engine traffic gains. Search engine algorithms favor sites that are well-organized, mobile-friendly, and secure. Let's explore the key elements of a website structure that works for cannabis SEO.

Site Architecture for SEO

Imagine your website as a tree. The trunk represents your homepage, the main branches are your primary categories, and the smaller branches and leaves are your individual pages and content. This hierarchical structure is known as site architecture.

A clear and logical site architecture makes it easy for both users and search engines to navigate your website. Organize your content into relevant categories and subcategories. Use internal links to connect related pages and guide visitors through your site. A well-defined site architecture ensures that users can easily find what they're looking for and helps search engines understand the context and relevance of your content.

How to Plan Your Site Structure for SEO

Plan your website hierarchy: Before you even start building your website, map out the structure. Think about your main categories (e.g., Products, About Us, Blog) and how they'll branch out into subcategories and individual pages.

• Example: For a dispensary, you might have categories like "Flower," "Edibles," "Concentrates," and "CBD." Under "Flower," you might have subcategories for "Indica," "Sativa," and "Hybrid."

Keep it shallow: Aim for a shallow website hierarchy, meaning users should be able to reach any page on your site within a few clicks. This improves user experience and makes it easier for search engines to crawl your site.

Use clear and concise labels: Use descriptive and easy-to-understand labels for your categories and pages. This helps users and search engines understand the content of each section.

Link logically: Use internal links to connect related pages within your website. This helps users navigate your site and provides context for search engines.

• Example: On a product page for a specific strain, you could link to blog posts about that strain's effects or growing tips.

Mobile Optimization with SEO in Mind

Optimizing your website for mobile devices is no longer optional – it's essential. More and more people are using their smartphones to access the internet, including searching for cannabis-related information.

Search engine algorithms prioritize mobile-friendly sites in search results. This means if your website isn't optimized for mobile, you could be losing out on valuable organic traffic.

Ensure your website is responsive, meaning it adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices. Use a mobile-first design approach, prioritizing the mobile user experience. Test your website on various mobile devices to ensure it's user-friendly and visually appealing across all platforms.

Most modern sites will be able to install mobile-friendly themes - WordPress is well-known for this.

Speed Fixes and How They Impact SEO

Page load speed is a critical factor in both user experience and search engine rankings. No one wants to wait around for a slow website to load, and neither do search engines.

A slow website can lead to higher bounce rates, lower engagement, and decreased conversions. Optimize your website's speed by compressing images, leveraging browser caching, and minimizing HTTP requests.

Use tools such as Google PageSpeed Insights to analyze your website's performance and identify areas for improvement. Implementing speed fixes can significantly enhance your website's user experience and boost your search rankings.

The easiest way to do all of this is just to use a CDN. Cloudflare and NitroPack are ideal options.

SSL/Security

Security is paramount in the digital world, especially for businesses handling sensitive information. An SSL certificate encrypts data transmitted between your website and users' browsers, ensuring that sensitive information, such as credit card details or personal information, remains secure.

Search engines favor sites with SSL certificates, giving them a slight ranking boost in search results. Furthermore, displaying a security badge on your website can instill trust in visitors, encouraging them to engage with your content and make purchases with confidence.

The easiest way to implement this is just to use a hosting platform that give this automatically. One example is WPEngine.com.

4. High-Converting Cannabis Keywords: Unlocking the Secrets of Search Intent

Keywords are the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. They're the words and phrases people use when searching for information online. In the cannabis industry, choosing the right keywords can make all the difference in attracting qualified traffic to your website. But it's not just about targeting any keywords – it's about identifying high-converting keywords that align with user intent and drive valuable actions.

Think of it this way: someone searching for "cannabis dispensary near me" is likely ready to make a purchase. On the other hand, someone searching for "how to grow cannabis" might be in the research phase. Understanding user intent is crucial for selecting keywords that attract the right audience and lead to conversions.

Research Tools

Before we dive into the specifics of cannabis keyword research, let's explore valuable tools that can assist you in this process. Several keyword research tools provide insights into search volume, competition, and keyword suggestions.

• Semrush: A comprehensive SEO tool that offers a wealth of keyword data, including search volume, keyword difficulty, and related keywords. It also provides competitor analysis and website audit features.
• Ahrefs: Another powerful SEO tool that offers similar features to Semrush, with a focus on backlink analysis and competitor research.
• Google Keyword Planner: A free tool from Google that provides keyword ideas, search volume estimates, and competition data. It's a great starting point for keyword research, especially for those new to SEO.

Intent-Based Terms

Understanding user intent is crucial for selecting high-converting keywords. Consider the different stages of the buyer's journey:

• Awareness: Users in this stage are just starting their research. They might be searching for general information about cannabis, such as "types of cannabis strains" or "benefits of CBD."
• Consideration: Users in this stage are evaluating their options. They might be searching for specific products, such as "cannabis edibles for pain relief" or "best vape pens for beginners."
• Decision: Users in this stage are ready to make a purchase. They might be searching for "dispensary near me" or "buy cannabis online."

By targeting keywords that align with each stage of the buyer's journey, you can attract users at different points in their decision-making process and guide them towards conversion.

Location Keywords

For dispensaries, incorporating location-based keywords is essential. When someone searches for "dispensary near me," search engines use their location to deliver relevant results.

Include your city, state, or region in your keywords to target local searches. For example, if your dispensary is in Denver, Colorado, you might target keywords like "cannabis dispensary Denver" or "best dispensaries in Colorado." This helps you attract customers in your area and increase your local search visibility.

Product Searches

If you're a cannabis brand or dispensary with a wide range of products, optimizing for product-specific keywords is crucial. Think about the specific products you offer and the terms people might use to search for them.

For example, if you sell CBD oil, you might target keywords like "CBD oil for anxiety," "best CBD oil for sleep," or "organic CBD oil." By targeting specific searches, you can attract customers actively looking for what you offer.

5. Local Map Rankings: Dominating the "Near Me" Search

In the cannabis industry, local search is king. When someone needs cannabis products, they often turn to search engines and search for "dispensary near me" or "cannabis store in [city name]." That's where local map rankings come into play. Appearing prominently in Google Maps results can drive a significant amount of foot traffic to your dispensary.

But it's not just about showing up on the map; it's about dominating those local search results. Let's explore the key strategies to achieve local map ranking dominance.

Google Maps Optimization

Your Google Business Profile is your digital storefront on Google Maps. It's the first thing potential customers see when they search for your dispensary or related keywords. Optimizing your Google Business Profile is crucial for attracting local customers.

• Complete your profile: Fill out every section of your profile with accurate and up-to-date information, including your business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and categories.  
• Add high-quality photos: Showcase your dispensary's interior and exterior with appealing photos. Include images of your products, staff, and any unique features that set you apart.
• Write a compelling business description: Craft a concise and informative description that highlights your dispensary's offerings and brand personality. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally.
• Choose the right categories: Select the most relevant categories for your dispensary to ensure you appear in the appropriate search results.
• Encourage customer reviews: Positive reviews can significantly boost your local search traffic and attract more customers. Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to show you value customer feedback.

Review Generation

Speaking of reviews, generating positive customer reviews is essential for local map rankings. Google's algorithm considers reviews as a key factor in determining local search traffic. Positive reviews not only improve your visibility but also build trust and credibility with potential customers.

Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. You can do this by:   

• Asking for reviews in person: Train your staff to politely request reviews from happy customers.
• Sending follow-up emails: Include a link to your Google Business Profile in your email communications.
• Offering incentives: Consider offering a small discount or reward for customers who leave reviews.
• Responding to reviews: Engage with customers by responding to their reviews, thanking them for their feedback, and addressing any concerns.

Citation Building

Citations are online mentions of your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) on other sites. Consistent citations across the web help establish your business's legitimacy and improve your local search traffic.

Build citations by listing your dispensary on relevant online directories, industry-specific platforms, and local business sites. Ensure your NAP information is consistent across all citations to avoid confusing search engines. Some popular citation sources for cannabis businesses include:

• Weedmaps: A leading online platform for cannabis consumers to find dispensaries and products.
• Leafly: Another popular platform that provides information about cannabis strains, products, and dispensaries.
• Yelp: A general business directory that also includes listings for cannabis businesses.
• Local chamber of commerce websites: Many local chambers of commerce allow businesses to create listings on their websites.

Location Content

Creating location-specific content on your website can further enhance your local search traffic. This content can include:

• City-specific landing pages: Create dedicated pages for each city or region you serve, highlighting your local offerings and expertise.
• Blog posts about local events: Write about local cannabis events, news, or regulations to demonstrate your involvement in the community.
• Local resource guides: Create guides to local attractions, restaurants, or other points of interest that might appeal to cannabis consumers visiting your area.

6. Product Page Quality: Turning Browsers into Buyers

You've optimized your website structure and mastered the art of keyword research. Now, it's time to focus on the heart of your online store: your product pages. These pages are where the magic happens – where potential customers explore your offerings, learn about their benefits, and ultimately decide whether to make a purchase.

Optimizing your product pages for search engines is crucial for attracting organic traffic and driving conversions. But it's not just about stuffing keywords into your descriptions. It's about creating informative, engaging, and visually appealing pages that showcase your products in the best possible light. Let's explore the key elements of product page optimization.

Menu Structure

Your website's menu is the roadmap that guides visitors through your products. A well-structured menu makes it easy for users to find what they're looking for and helps search engines understand the organization of your products.

Organize your products into logical categories and subcategories. Use clear and concise labels that accurately reflect the products within each category. Consider using a mega menu for larger catalogs, allowing users to see multiple categories and subcategories at a glance. A user-friendly menu enhances the browsing experience and improves your website's overall navigability.

Descriptions That Rank

Your product descriptions are your sales pitch. They're your opportunity to highlight the unique features and benefits of each and persuade potential customers to make a purchase.

Craft compelling descriptions that are both informative and engaging. Use persuasive language, but avoid hype or exaggeration. Focus on the benefits of each and how it can solve the customer's needs.

Incorporate relevant keywords naturally throughout your descriptions. Don't just stuff keywords into your text; use them strategically to enhance your search rankings and improve the readability of your content.

Category Layout Process

The layout of your product category pages plays a significant role in user experience and search engine optimization. A well-designed category page makes it easy for users to browse products, compare options, and find what they're looking for.

Consider using a grid layout to display your products, allowing users to see multiple products at once. Use high-quality images and concise names to capture attention. Include filtering and sorting options to help users narrow down their choices. A user-friendly category layout enhances the browsing experience and encourages users to explore your offerings.

Search Engine Image Optimization

Images are essential for showcasing your products and capturing the attention of potential customers. However, large image files can slow down your page load speed, negatively impacting user experience and search rankings.

Optimize your images by compressing them without sacrificing quality. Use descriptive file names and alt text to provide context for search engines and users with visual impairments. Consider using a content delivery network (CDN) to deliver images quickly and efficiently to users around the world.

7. Content Strategy: Cultivating a Cannabis Content Garden

You've built a solid website foundation and optimized your product pages. Now, it's time to cultivate a thriving content garden that attracts visitors, engages your audience, and establishes your brand as a trusted authority in the cannabis space.

Content marketing is a powerful tool for cannabis businesses. It allows you to connect with potential customers, educate them about your products and services, and build lasting relationships. But it's not just about creating any content; it's about developing a strategic content strategy that aligns with your business goals and resonates with your target audience. Let's explore the key elements of an effective cannabis content strategy.

Blog Topics

A blog is a valuable asset for any cannabis business. It provides a platform to share your expertise, connect with your audience, and drive organic traffic to your website. But what should you write about?

The key is to choose topics that are relevant to your target audience and align with your business goals. Consider the questions your customers frequently ask, the challenges they face, and the information they seek. Some popular blog topics for cannabis businesses include:

• Cannabis strains and their effects: Educate your audience about different cannabis strains, their unique properties, and their potential benefits.
• Cannabis consumption methods: Explore various consumption methods, such as smoking, vaping, edibles, and topicals, and provide guidance on choosing the right method for individual needs.
• Cannabis and health: Discuss the potential health benefits of cannabis, including its use for pain management, anxiety relief, and sleep disorders. Be sure to cite credible sources and avoid making medical claims.
• Cannabis industry news and trends: Keep your audience informed about the latest developments in the cannabis industry, including new regulations, product innovations, and emerging trends.
• Cannabis lifestyle and culture: Share articles about cannabis-related events, recipes, travel destinations, and other lifestyle topics that resonate with your audience.

Resource Pages

Resource pages are valuable assets for both users and search engines. They provide comprehensive information on specific topics, establishing your website as a go-to source for cannabis knowledge.

Consider creating resource pages on topics such as:

• Cannabis laws and regulations: Provide a clear and concise overview of cannabis laws in your state or region.
• Cannabis glossary: Define common cannabis terms and jargon to help users understand the language of the industry.
• Cannabis FAQs: Answer frequently asked questions about cannabis, addressing common concerns and misconceptions.
• Cannabis research and studies: Compile a list of credible research studies and articles on the benefits and risks of cannabis use.

Expert Content

Position your brand as a thought leader in the cannabis industry by creating expert content. This can include:

• Interviews with industry experts: Feature interviews with cannabis cultivators, researchers, or healthcare professionals to provide valuable insights and perspectives.
• In-depth guides and tutorials: Create comprehensive guides on topics such as cannabis cultivation, product manufacturing, or dispensary operations.
• White papers and research reports: Share original research or analysis on cannabis-related topics to demonstrate your expertise and contribute to the industry's knowledge base.

Location Pages

For dispensaries, creating location-specific pages can enhance your local SEO efforts and attract customers in your area. These pages can include:

• Detailed information about your dispensary: Provide directions, hours of operation, contact information, and a description of your unique offerings.
• Local cannabis events and news: Highlight local cannabis-related events, news, or regulations to demonstrate your involvement in the community.
• Neighborhood guides: Create guides to local attractions, restaurants, or other points of interest that might appeal to cannabis consumers visiting your area.

8. Building Site Authority: Becoming a Trusted Voice in the Cannabis Industry

You've crafted compelling content and optimized your website for search engines. Now, it's time to take your cannabis SEO to the next level by building site authority. Think of site authority as your website's reputation in the eyes of Google. The higher your authority, the more trust Google places in your website, and the higher you'll rank in search results.

Building site authority is a long-term strategy that requires consistent effort and dedication. It's about establishing your website as a credible and trustworthy source of information in the cannabis industry. Let's explore some key tactics to boost your site authority.

Industry Connections

Networking is essential in any industry, and the cannabis world is no exception. Building relationships with other businesses, influencers, and organizations in the cannabis space can open doors to valuable opportunities for collaboration and promotion.

Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to connect with other professionals in the cannabis space. Engage with influencers on social media and participate in online communities. Building strong industry connections can lead to guest blogging opportunities, backlinks from authoritative websites, and increased brand visibility.

Key Directories

Listing your business in relevant online directories can boost your site authority and improve your local search visibility. Focus on directories that are specific to the cannabis industry, as these directories often have high domain authority within the niche.

Some key directories to consider include:

• Weedmaps: A leading online platform for cannabis consumers to find dispensaries and products.
• Leafly: Another popular platform that provides information about cannabis strains, products, and dispensaries.
• Cannabis Business Times: A leading publication for cannabis industry professionals, offering news, insights, and resources.
• National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA): A trade association representing the interests of cannabis businesses across the United States.

Guest Posting

Guest posting involves writing articles for other websites in your industry. This is a powerful strategy for building backlinks, increasing brand awareness, and establishing your expertise.

When guest posting, focus on high-quality websites with a strong reputation and relevant audience. Craft informative and engaging articles that provide value to the readers. Include a link back to your website in your author bio or within the content (where appropriate). Guest posting on authoritative websites can significantly enhance your site authority and drive referral traffic to your site.

PR Opportunities

Public relations (PR) can play a significant role in building site authority and brand awareness. Securing media coverage in reputable publications can expose your business to a wider audience and establish your brand as a leader in the cannabis industry.

Identify relevant publications and journalists who cover the cannabis industry. Craft compelling press releases and pitch stories that highlight your unique offerings, expertise, or contributions to the industry. Building relationships with journalists and securing positive media coverage can significantly enhance your brand reputation and drive traffic to your website.

By focusing on these key tactics – building industry connections, listing in key directories, guest posting, and pursuing PR opportunities – you can steadily build your site authority and establish your website as a trusted voice in the cannabis industry. This, in turn, will improve your search rankings, drive organic traffic, and ultimately contribute to your business growth.

9. Technical Requirements: Fine-Tuning Your Cannabis Website for Search Engines

We've covered a lot of ground in our journey through cannabis SEO, from keyword research and content strategy to local SEO and site authority. Now, it's time to delve into the technical aspects of optimizing your website for search engines.

While the technical side of SEO might seem intimidating, it's essential for ensuring your website is easily accessible and understandable to search engine crawlers. Think of these technical requirements as the behind-the-scenes work that ensures your website is running smoothly and efficiently. Let's explore some key technical elements to fine-tune your cannabis website for search engines.

XML Sitemaps

An XML sitemap is like a roadmap for search engines, guiding them through the structure and content of your website. It's a file that lists all the important pages on your site, making it easier for search engines to discover and index your content.

Creating an XML sitemap is essential for any website, especially large websites with complex structures. It helps search engines understand the hierarchy of your pages, identify new content, and prioritize important pages for crawling. You can create an XML sitemap manually or use a sitemap generator tool. Once you've created your sitemap, submit it to Google Search Console to ensure Google has access to it.

Setting Up XML Sitemaps

Manual Creation: If you have a small website with a simple structure, you can create an XML sitemap manually using a text editor. The sitemap should follow a specific XML format, listing each page's URL and other relevant information like last modified date and priority. You can find guidelines and examples on Google's developer site.

Sitemap Generator Tools: For larger websites or those with complex structures, using a sitemap generator tool is much easier. Popular options include:

• Screaming Frog: A website crawler that can automatically generate XML sitemaps and identify other technical SEO issues.
• XML-Sitemaps.com: A free online tool that generates sitemaps for websites with up to 500 pages.
• Yoast SEO plugin (for WordPress): If you're using WordPress, the Yoast SEO plugin can automatically generate and update your XML sitemap.

Submission: Once you've created your sitemap, submit it to Google Search Console through the "Sitemaps" section. This allows Google to quickly discover and index your pages.

Robots.txt

A robots.txt file is a simple text file that tells search engines which pages or sections of your website they should or shouldn't crawl. It's like a "no trespassing" sign for certain parts of your site.

You might use robots.txt to block access to:

• Duplicate content: If you have duplicate content on your site, you can use robots.txt to prevent search engines from indexing the duplicate pages.
• Private pages: If you have pages that you don't want to be publicly accessible, such as login pages or internal documents, you can block them with robots.txt.
• Resource-heavy pages: If you have pages that are particularly resource-intensive, you might temporarily block them with robots.txt to prevent them from slowing down your website's crawl speed.

While robots.txt can be a useful tool for managing your website's crawl budget, it's important to use it cautiously. Blocking important pages can prevent them from being indexed and appearing in search results.

Setting Up Robots.txt

Access your website's root directory: You'll need to access the root directory of your website (where your main index file is located) to create or edit your robots.txt file. This is usually done through an FTP client or your website's file manager.

Create or edit the file: Create a plain text file named "robots.txt" and add directives to specify which parts of your site you want to block or allow. Each line in the file should follow this format:

User-agent: [user-agent name]
Disallow: [path]

• User-agent: Specifies the search engine crawler (e.g., Googlebot for Google).
• Disallow: Specifies the path you want to block (e.g., /private-page/ to block a specific page or /images/ to block an entire directory).

Example:

User-agent: *
Disallow: /admin/
Disallow: /private-page/

This would block all search engine crawlers from accessing the /admin/ directory and the /private-page/ page.

Schema Markup

Schema markup is a type of code that you can add to your website to provide search engines with more information about your content. It helps search engines understand the context and meaning of your pages, which can improve your search visibility and click-through rates.

For cannabis businesses, schema markup can be used to provide information about:

• Products: Include details such as product name, price, availability, and customer ratings.
• Dispensaries: Provide information about your dispensary's location, hours of operation, and services offered.
• Brands: Provide information about your brand's history, values, and product offerings.
• Articles: Include details such as author, publication date, and article type.

Using schema markup can enhance your search results with rich snippets, which are visually appealing summaries that provide more information about your content. This can attract more clicks and improve your overall search performance.

Setting Up Schema

Choose the right schema type: Schema.org provides a vast library of schema types for different content types, including products, articles, events, and organizations. Choose the schema type that best matches your content.

Implement the code: You can add schema markup to your website's HTML code using different formats, such as JSON-LD (recommended), Microdata, or RDFa. Google's Structured Data Markup Helper tool can assist you in generating the code.

Test your markup: Use Google's Rich Results Test tool to verify that your schema markup is implemented correctly and eligible for rich snippets in search results.

URL Structure

Your website's URL structure plays a role in both user experience and search engine optimization. A well-structured URL is easy to read, understand, and share. It also provides context for search engines about the content of the page.

When creating URLs, keep them concise, descriptive, and relevant to the page's content. Use hyphens to separate words and avoid using underscores or special characters. For example, a good URL for a product page might be:

https://www.example.com/product/cannabis-strain-name

A well-structured URL not only improves user experience but also helps search engines understand the context and relevance of your pages, which can contribute to better search rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions: Clearing the Smoke Around Cannabis SEO

You've got questions about cannabis SEO, and I've got answers. Let's tackle some of the most common queries that budding cannabis entrepreneurs and marketers often have.

Can cannabis businesses advertise on Google?

This is a tricky one. While Google has relaxed some of its restrictions on cannabis advertising in recent years, it's still a complex landscape.

• Generally, no: Google's advertising policies generally prohibit the promotion of cannabis products, even in regions where cannabis is legal. This includes ads for dispensaries, cannabis brands, and even informational content about cannabis.
• CBD is a gray area: Google has been running limited tests for CBD advertising, but it's still not widely available. Even for CBD products, there are strict restrictions on the types of claims that can be made.  
• Focus on organic: The safest and most effective approach for cannabis businesses is to focus on organic SEO. By optimizing your website and content for search engines, you can attract qualified traffic without navigating the complexities of Google's advertising policies.

How long does it take to see results from cannabis SEO?

SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time and consistent effort to see significant results.

• Initial results: You might start seeing some initial improvements in your search rankings within a few weeks or months of implementing SEO strategies.
• Significant impact: However, it typically takes 6-12 months to see a significant impact on your website traffic and business growth.
• Ongoing process: SEO is an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring, analysis, and adjustments to stay ahead of the curve.  

Is SEO different for CBD vs THC products?

Yes, there are some key differences in SEO for CBD and THC products.

• Keyword research: The keywords people use to search for CBD and THC products differ significantly. CBD users often search for terms related to wellness, pain relief, and anxiety, while THC users might search for specific strains, effects, or consumption methods.
• Content strategy: The type of content you create will also differ depending on whether you're promoting CBD or THC products. CBD content might focus on health benefits and scientific research, while THC content might focus on recreational use, lifestyle, and culture.
• Legal considerations: The legal landscape for CBD and THC products varies significantly. Ensure your content and marketing materials comply with all relevant regulations in your region.

What's the difference between local and national SEO?

• Local SEO: Focuses on optimizing your website and online presence to attract customers in your local area. This is particularly important for dispensaries, as customers often search for "dispensary near me" or "cannabis store in [city name]."  
• National SEO: Aims to attract customers from across the country or even globally. This is more relevant for cannabis brands or online retailers with a broader target audience.

How much should I invest in cannabis SEO?

The investment in cannabis SEO varies depending on several factors, including:

• Your business goals: Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, or generate leads?

• Your competition: How competitive is the cannabis market in your area?

• Your in-house expertise: Do you have an in-house SEO team, or will you need to hire an agency?

• General ranges:

  • DIY approach: You can implement some basic SEO strategies yourself using free tools and resources.
  • Freelancer: Hiring a freelance SEO specialist might cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per hour.
  • Agency: Working with a reputable cannabis SEO agency can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per month or more, depending on the scope of services.

It's important to view cannabis SEO as an investment, not an expense. By investing in a solid SEO strategy, you can attract a consistent stream of organic traffic, build brand awareness, and ultimately grow your business.

If you'd like to check out Selworthy, we have options for retainers that start at $1,000 monthly with a 30-day money back guarantee. We also do commission-only SEO based on sales we generate for you.