I’ve been running small businesses since the 1970s. Back then, it was all about your sign out front, a handshake, and maybe an ad in the local paper. You treated people right, and they came back. Word of mouth was king.
Well, times have changed. But here’s the thing — word of mouth still matters. It’s just gone digital.
That’s where link building comes in.
Now, I know “link building” might sound like some tech buzzword, but it’s pretty simple. It means getting other websites to link to your dispensary’s website. When that happens, Google sees your site as more trustworthy. The more trusted your site is, the higher it shows up when someone searches “dispensary near me” or “best CBD cream in town.”
Let me break it down.
Say there’s a local wellness blog that writes about staying healthy. They do a feature on your dispensary, and they link to your website in that article. That one little link tells Google, “Hey, this business is real. People are talking about it.” That’s powerful.
If a few solid, local websites link to your dispensary, it’s like the digital version of the town recommending you. You might not see it right away, but over time, your site starts climbing up the rankings. That means more people find you, more folks walk through your door, and more sales get made.
Here’s what’s worked for me — and it can work for you too:
- Get on local directories. Sites like Weedmaps, Leafly, and even Google Business Profile should have your correct info — name, address, website, hours. Make sure you’re listed and that your links are working.
- Ask for links from your community. Partner up with local yoga studios, wellness centers, or other nearby businesses. Maybe you swap blog posts or run a promo together. Just make sure there’s a link back to your website.
- Sponsor events. Even if it’s a small farmer’s market or a community cleanup, ask the event hosts if they’ll mention you on their website with a link.
- Reach out to cannabis blogs. There are lots of cannabis-friendly websites looking for stories. If you’ve got a unique product, a great story, or even a loyal customer base, pitch them an idea and see if they’ll include your link.
- Write helpful content. Add a blog to your website and write about what your customers care about — how to use CBD, what to expect from edibles, or how to read a lab report. If the info is good, other sites might link to it naturally.
Here’s the truth — link building takes a little time. It’s not a quick fix like running a coupon ad. But once those links are out there, they work for you 24/7. I’ve had one good article bring in traffic for years. And you can’t beat that kind of long-term return.
If you’re running a dispensary, especially in a competitive market, link building is one of the smartest plays you can make. It’s how small shops like ours stay visible against the big chains. It’s the new word of mouth — just with a few clicks instead of coffee shop chatter.
Stick with it. Stay local. Build those connections — both online and off. You’ll be glad you did.
