If you’re running a dispensary, you already know that local SEO is the key to getting more customers through your doors. But instead of just following the same old advice, let’s dive into five proven strategies to boost your local visibility.
1. Use Schema Markup to Stand Out in Search Results
Search engines love structured data, and adding schema markup to your website can help them understand your content better. The result? Your dispensary might show up in Google with more details, like product availability, star ratings, and business info—all things that make you stand out.
How to Make It Happen:
- Use LocalBusiness schema to highlight key details, like hours and location.
- Add Product schema to showcase specific strains or accessories you sell.
- Implement Review schema to feature customer ratings.
- Test everything with Google’s Rich Results Test to make sure it’s working right.
A little structured data can go a long way in making your dispensary look more legit online!
Examples of Schema Markup for Dispensaries
Schema markup helps search engines understand your dispensary’s website better, leading to richer search results and improved visibility. Here are a few examples of how dispensaries can use schema markup effectively:
- LocalBusiness Schema for a Dispensary
- Displays essential business details like name, address, phone number, and hours.
- Helps your dispensary appear in “near me” searches.
- Product Schema for Cannabis Strains
- Highlights strain names, descriptions, THC/CBD percentages, and availability.
- Improves visibility in product-specific searches.
- Review Schema for Customer Ratings
- Showcases customer reviews and star ratings in search results.
- Builds credibility and encourages engagement.
- Event Schema for Dispensary Promotions
- Helps promote cannabis-related events, workshops, or product launches.
- Increases visibility for local customers searching for events.
LocalBusiness Schema Template for Dispensaries
Here’s a basic JSON-LD template for LocalBusiness schema markup that you can customize for your dispensary:
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "LocalBusiness",
"name": "Your Dispensary Name",
"image": "https://yourwebsite.com/logo.jpg",
"@id": "https://yourwebsite.com",
"url": "https://yourwebsite.com",
"telephone": "+1-555-555-5555",
"address": {
"@type": "PostalAddress",
"streetAddress": "123 Cannabis Lane",
"addressLocality": "Your City",
"addressRegion": "Your State",
"postalCode": "12345",
"addressCountry": "US"
},
"openingHours": "Mo-Su 10:00-22:00",
"priceRange": "$$",
"sameAs": [
"https://www.facebook.com/yourdispensary",
"https://www.instagram.com/yourdispensary"
]
}How to Use This Schema
- Replace placeholder values with your dispensary’s actual details.
- Add this JSON-LD code to your website’s section or via Google Tag Manager.
- Test your markup using Google’s Rich Results Test.
- Rank Math: Easily add LocalBusiness schema by enabling the Schema module and selecting the correct type for your dispensary. Guide here.
- Yoast SEO: Configure your site representation settings and manually insert LocalBusiness schema using JSON-LD for better local search visibility. Guide here.
2. Build Location-Specific Landing Pages
If your dispensary has multiple locations—or even if you just serve different neighborhoods—it helps to have dedicated landing pages that target those areas.
Quick Steps to Implement:
- Use Geo-Specific Keywords – Optimize titles, headers, and meta descriptions with city-based terms like “Atlanta cannabis dispensary.” Example: website.com/atlanta-dispensary
- Include Local Info – Highlight nearby attractions, cannabis laws, and community events. Example: website.com/denver-420-events-2026
- Showcase Customer Reviews – Feature testimonials from customers in that location to build trust.
- Optimize for Mobile & Local Search – Ensure fast-loading pages with embedded Google Maps and store directions.
- Create Unique Content – Avoid duplicate pages; tailor each location’s content to its audience.
This strategy helps Google—and potential customers—see that your dispensary is highly relevant to their area.
3. Get Local Backlinks
Backlinks signal to search engines that your dispensary is a trusted and relevant business. Local backlinks—links from nearby businesses, cannabis blogs, and directories—help improve your local search rankings, making it easier for customers to find you.
How to Build Local Backlinks Effectively
- Get Featured in Local Cannabis Blogs & Industry Websites
- Reach out to cannabis bloggers and offer guest posts or interviews.
- Get mentioned in industry news articles or product reviews.
- Get featured on podcasts and have your website in the podcast description which gets syndicated across the web.
- Collaborate with Nearby Businesses
- Partner with local cafes, other cannabis brands, Event spaces, or smoke lounges for cross-promotions.
- Write joint blog posts or sponsor community events together.
- List Your Dispensary in Directories
- Support Community Events & Get Local Press Mentions
- Get featured in local newspapers, radio stations, or online publications. Sponsor local cannabis events or advocacy initiatives.
4. Create a local FAQ page for cannabis related questions
A well-structured FAQ page helps dispensaries answer common customer questions, improve search rankings, and enhance user experience. It also builds trust by providing clear, accessible information about cannabis laws, product availability, and store policies.
How to Create an Effective FAQ Page
- Identify Common Questions
- Gather FAQs from customer inquiries, social media, and online reviews.
- Cover topics like ID requirements, payment methods, and cannabis regulations.
- Use Clear & Concise Answers
- Keep responses short, direct, and easy to understand.
- Link to detailed policies or blog posts for deeper insights.
- Optimize for SEO
- Include keywords related to cannabis laws, strains, and dispensary services.
- Use FAQ Schema to enhance visibility in search results.
- Make It Easy to Navigate
- Organize questions into categories (e.g., Purchasing, Legal Info, Product Details).
- Ensure mobile-friendly formatting for quick access.
- Keep It Updated
- Regularly review and update FAQs based on new laws, inventory changes, and customer feedback.
Examples of questions you can use to optimize your local dispensary SEO
Here are 7 example questions for a dispensary FAQ page:
- Do I need a medical card to purchase cannabis in (City Name)??
- Can I pay with a card at a dispensary in (City Name)?
- Can I order cannabis online for pickup or delivery in (City Name)?
- Are there 24 hour dispensaries in (City Name)?
- Do you offer discounts for first-time customers or veterans?
- Are there any restrictions on where I can consume cannabis in (City Name)?
- What should I bring when visiting a (City Name) dispensary for the first time?
5. Gain more Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are a powerful local SEO tool that boost credibility, improve search rankings, and influence potential buyers. Positive reviews signal trustworthiness to search engines and help dispensaries stand out in competitive markets.
How to Encourage More Reviews & Engagement
- Make It Easy for Customers to Leave Reviews
- Provide direct links to Google, Yelp, and Weedmaps review pages.
- Use QR codes in-store to guide customers to review platforms.
- Ask at the Right Time
- Request reviews after a positive customer interaction or purchase.
- Follow up with a friendly email or SMS reminder.
- Offer Incentives (Without Violating Guidelines)
- Run loyalty programs where reviews contribute to rewards.
- Host giveaways where customers who leave reviews get entered into a prize draw.
- Respond to Reviews Professionally
- Thank customers for positive feedback and personalize responses.
- Address negative reviews calmly, offering solutions to improve their experience.
- Feature Reviews on Your Website & Social Media
- Showcase top reviews on your homepage or product pages.
- Share customer testimonials on Instagram and Facebook to encourage more engagement.
