Noah Oken-Berg, Co-Founder and CEO of Above The Fray Design, Inc shared valuable insights on marketing tech stacks for cannabis businesses who are a part of the CMA membership during part seven of Cannabis Marketing Association’s 2024 Cannabis Marketing Summit web series, “Ask a Marketer Anything.”
CMA hosted this 8-part series to respond to the volume of questions they get from members and to allow members the opportunity to ask questions of the experts, directly. CMA values peer knowledge sharing and believes that these forums can facilitate a healthier and more robust understanding of the work professional cannabis marketers are required to execute.
With a background in digital marketing and a focus on community involvement, Noah brings valuable insights to the evolving intersection of cannabis marketing and technology. This recap distills key takeaways from the webinar, offering valuable guidance for cannabis marketers looking to enhance their digital strategies and drive growth in this competitive landscape.
This blog post was crafted in collaboration between Cannabis Marketing Association and the AI tool, Perplexity, using the live transcript from the session. All content was reviewed and fact-checked by a human.
Essential Components of an Effective Cannabis Marketing Tech Stack
Noah emphasized the critical role of a well-integrated marketing tech stack for cannabis businesses. He highlighted several key components that form the backbone of effective digital marketing in the industry:
- E-commerce platforms tailored for cannabis
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
- Email marketing tools
- Social media management platforms
- Analytics and data visualization tools
While cannabis-specific tools are valuable, Noah advised exploring mainstream marketing technologies as the industry evolves. This balanced approach can provide a competitive edge as the cannabis market continues to mature and align with broader business practices.
By carefully selecting and integrating these essential components, cannabis marketers can create a robust foundation for their digital marketing efforts, enabling more efficient operations and better customer engagement.
Leveraging Data for Strategic Decision-Making
Data-driven marketing is crucial in the cannabis industry, where regulations and consumer preferences are constantly evolving. Noah stressed the importance of:
- Owning your data rather than relying solely on third-party platforms
- Using analytics to fine-tune marketing campaigns
- Implementing tools that provide actionable insights
By effectively leveraging data, cannabis marketers can make informed decisions, optimize their strategies for better results, and stay agile in a rapidly changing market landscape.
Enhancing Efficiency with Marketing Automation
Marketing automation can significantly boost efficiency in cannabis marketing, allowing businesses to scale their efforts while maintaining personalized customer experiences. Noah provided insights on:
- Implementing automated email campaigns
- Using chatbots and virtual budtenders for customer engagement
- Streamlining social media management
These automation tools can help cannabis businesses maximize their marketing impact while freeing up valuable time and resources for strategic planning and creative initiatives.
Integrating Data Analytics with Your Marketing Tech Stack
Noah addressed the challenge of integrating various data sources within a marketing tech stack, a crucial aspect of creating a cohesive and effective marketing strategy. He recommended:
- Utilizing platforms with pre-built connectors
- Exploring data visualization tools for comprehensive insights
- Regularly reviewing and optimizing data integration processes
A well-integrated analytics system can provide a holistic view of marketing performance, enabling more effective decision-making and continuous improvement of marketing strategies.
Key Takeaways from Marketing Tech Stacks AMA
- Understanding your audience is crucial: Use data-driven approaches to gain insights into audience behavior and preferences.
- Create high-quality, educational content: Focus on addressing common questions and concerns about cannabis use and products.
- Adapt to regulatory changes: Stay informed about FTC and FDA regulations and consult with attorneys to ensure compliance.
- Leverage multiple channels: Utilize a diverse array of platforms, including social media, influencer partnerships, and owned media.
- Optimize for search engines: Implement strategies like creating health-focused landing pages and following platform guidelines.
- Prepare for paid advertising opportunities: Stay updated on platform guidelines and be ready to adapt as regulations evolve.
- Measure success and iterate: Regularly analyze performance data and refine strategies based on insights.
By implementing a robust marketing tech stack, leveraging data effectively, and embracing automation, cannabis businesses can position themselves for success in this competitive market.
As we navigate potential rescheduling and regulatory changes, it’s crucial to stay informed, adaptable, and focused on creating value for your audience. The insights shared by Noah provide a solid foundation for developing an effective tech stack in the cannabis industry.
Remember, staying ahead in this dynamic field requires continuous learning and adaptation, and that’s where the Cannabis Marketing Association comes in. By joining our community, you’ll gain access to cutting-edge insights, expert-led resources, and a network of peers facing similar challenges. Together, we can drive innovation and success in cannabis marketing.
Want to access more AMAs and cannabis marketing content? Become a Cannabis Marketing Association member today! Questions? Email [email protected] to schedule a discovery call.
CMA Members: log into the Member Portal to watch the full recording and register for the entire virtual “Ask a Marketer Anything” Cannabis Marketing Summit mini-series here. All sessions will be recorded and available in the Member Portal.
