
Introduction
In recent years, CBD has grown in popularity, with many individuals turning to it for a variety of health benefits. As a result, several businesses have begun marketing CBD products, and the competition for market share has increased.
However, because of the increased competition, using social media marketing effectively is crucial to getting in front of your customers.
For the majority of businesses, social media is a simple, cost-effective, and efficient tool to sell their products and services.
However, the CBD industry has some specific challenges in this space.
Because, despite the fact that CBD is legal in some form in almost every state, social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google still forbid marketing for these products.
Given that there are estimated to be 5.17 billion total social media users worldwide, this presents a significant obstacle for CBD organizations. Because you can’t openly promote these things on social media (unless you want to be shadowbanned), you’ll need to be a little more creative with your ads.
Let’s find out how.
Also Read: Marketing ideas for CBD Business
How you Can Advertise your CBD Business on Different Social Media Platforms Effectively?
We are aware that CBD social media marketing is challenging, but here are some of the best practices that you can follow to ensure the best marketing results through social media marketing on different channels. Let’s get to know all about it.
Instagram is among the most popular social media platforms, and users spend a lot of time browsing it.
Also, Instagram boasts 2 billion active monthly users. That’s quite a lot. Your target market is also active on this platform – so you need to create valuable and information-rich that appeals to them to engage and click the CTA button.
Instagram’s strict rules against cannabis content, however, necessitate a cautious approach to prevent any potential problems.
Here are some tips that you should keep in mind:
- Age Restriction: Instagram users must be at least 18 years old to see content about cannabis. To be compliant, ensure that your profile and postings are targeted at and accessible solely to audiences who are 18 and over this age.
- Guidelines for Content: Don’t directly depict or advertise the sale, use, or growing of cannabis. Put your attention on imaginative images that showcase your brand without overtly promoting the plant or its use.
- Prohibited acts: Instagram prohibits any acts that facilitate the purchase, sale, or dealing of drugs, including cannabis. Avoid using cannabis-related terms in your bio, captions, and hashtags, which may activate automated detection algorithms.
- Don’t glorify: Content that glorifies the negative consequences of drug usage is not acceptable. Be cautious when using imagery or references to smoking or vaping.
- Compliant and Educative Content: Focus on providing your audience with information that teaches them about the appropriate and legal use of cannabis. Examples of this type of content include brand tales, legal information, and product benefits that don’t include any health claims.
Also Read: How to Market CBD Business on Social Media
Facebook is regarded as a veteran among all social media platforms. It is among the most popular, reliable, and effective platforms for marketing, and CBD businesses are no exception.
Did you know, that Facebook is the most-used platform by marketers worldwide (89%) and the average American spends about 31 minutes per day on this platform?
Their policy does, however, have particular guidelines and limitations that businesses need to strictly follow.
- Adherence to Local Laws: When advertising CBD goods on Facebook, advertisers must abide by the relevant local laws and industry standards.
- Advertising guidelines: To ensure that they satisfy the platform’s requirements, all ads must abide by Meta’s advertising guidelines.
- LegitScript certification: Legally legal CBD products can be promoted in the United States as long as they have LegitScript certification and Meta’s written consent. Interestingly, LegitScript only certifies non-ingestible CBD products at this time.
- Geographic Scope: Although US promotions require Meta certification, hemp products that are edible or non-ingestible can still be advertised in the US, Canada, and Mexico without this certification.
Also Read: How to Market Your CBD Business on Facebook
X (Twitter)
Businesses are quite active on X – given its virality and information-rich nature.
Did you know, X boasts about 619 million monthly active users in total worldwide?
As you are aware – a lot of taboos and misinformation surrounds CBD businesses, they can leverage X to spread the right information and raise awareness around CBD, its benefits, and use cases.
Although there are some restrictions on using Twitter to promote CBD products, these are less stringent than those of other social media sites, which makes it a great option for CBD marketing.
- CBD businesses can highlight the medical benefits of CBD, types of CBD, which one is best for them, recent market updates around CBD, and other details about it.
- Make sure to align your tone and words that align with your target audience’s requirements.
- Although, Twitter is a text-rich platform – you can add a mix of both visuals and text to get the desired engagement and impact through your social media platform.
- Twitter is a fantastic way to interact with consumers and answer their questions and comments, increasing brand recognition and trust among your target market.
Quick-Tip: Almost every day different hashtags are trending on Twitter, so make sure to include the relevant hashtags to increase your reach and exposure.
Also Read: Guide to Start a CBD Business
Tiktok
TikTok is among the fastest-growing social media platforms, especially among the young audience.
Did you know, that TikTok is among the most frequently used app worldwide, with Android phone users spending an average of 34 hours per month on the platform?
Prohibited Products: The platform does not accept ads promoting THC or cannabis products with psychotropic components.
Educational Content: Brands can promote CBD by educating, advocating, or making public service announcements.
While TikTok allows for creative expression and promotion, it is even more limited when it comes to cannabis-related content. To maintain a favorable and legal presence on TikTok, brands should carefully read and abide by the platform’s standards.
- Limitations on Content: You should not show pictures of cannabis plants. Don’t openly display or discuss cannabis use.
- Creative Strategies: Talk about similar subjects in voice interviews or podcasts that don’t feature cannabis visuals.
- Trendy challenges and storytelling: You can create or engage in popular challenges and tell original stories surrounding CBD and your offerings.
- Make it interesting and educational: TikTok is known for its unique and interesting content – so you can create engaging and creative videos while giving accurate information about CBD and its products via TikTok, while still adhering to platform requirements.
Also Read: Best Ecommerce Platform for CBD Business
Reddit is a unique platform for CBD businesses because it prioritizes authentic community interactions and allows customers to better connect with businesses on a personal level, building greater trust and credibility. With over 52 million daily active users and niche-specific communities (called subreddits), Reddit is the best platform for CBD businesses.
While direct advertising is limited and heavily regulated, the platform’s organic opportunities make it a powerful tool for relationship-building and brand awareness.
Rules to follow while on Reddit:
- Each subreddit has its own set of guidelines regarding what can and cannot be posted. Review these rules carefully before participating and make sure to post only in subreddits that explicitly allow CBD-related discussions.
- Refrain from posting unverified health claims about CBD products. Stick to educational, factual content and link to reputable sources when necessary.
- Add the disclaimer that your posts are for informational purposes and that users should consult local laws or medical professionals regarding CBD.
- Avoid spamming subreddits with promotional content, as this can lead to bans or negative feedback.
How CBD Businesses Can Effectively Market on Reddit
- Participate in relevant threads by answering questions, offering advice, blog posts, infographics, or studies. Avoid overtly promotional posts; instead, focus on adding value to the conversation.
- Organize an AMA(ask-me-anything) session to engage directly with Reddit users, answering their questions about your products, business, or industry insights. Promote your AMA in advance within subreddits to draw attention.
- While challenging for CBD products, Reddit’s advertising options allow businesses to promote educational content or non-ingestible CBD products if compliant.
- Partner with Redditors who have a strong presence in relevant subreddits to amplify your message authentically and increase brand visibility.
Here’s a tip for Reddit: This is a unique platform and is all about building relationships, not direct sales. Focus on creating value, answering questions, and establishing trust. Users are more likely to visit your website when they feel you are genuinely helpful.
LinkedIn is an often-overlooked medium for CBD marketing, but it might be an excellent option. It is ideal for B2B companies, but even if you are a B2C company, having a LinkedIn profile can help you create trust and credibility with your target audience.
While LinkedIn’s advertising guidelines are comparable to those of Facebook and Instagram, it is nevertheless effective for increasing organic reach and brand exposure. Just stay within the bounds of LinkedIn’s advertising policies to maintain your account’s credibility.
- Educational, research-based, and industry-relevant content performs best. Avoid overly promotional posts and focus on thought leadership. LinkedIn users appreciate well-crafted articles, infographics, and professional insights.
- Join relevant LinkedIn groups in the health, wellness, and cannabis industries to share insights, participate in discussions, and engage with like-minded professionals who position your brand as a knowledgeable contributor.
- Connect with industry professionals, investors, and decision-makers. Personalized connection requests with a note explaining your interest can help build strong relationships. Also, use LinkedIn’s messaging feature to discuss potential partnerships or collaborations.
- Use LinkedIn’s advertising tools to promote educational or industry-focused content that highlights your expertise.
- Organize webinars or live events discussing CBD trends, challenges, or innovations. Promote these events through your LinkedIn page to attract relevant audiences.
Also Read: How to Choose the Best Website Builder for Your CBD Business
Pinterest is among the most popular platforms showcasing stunning images and videos that help brands showcase their brand, store, and products in a visually appealing manner.
CBD businesses can also leverage this one-of-a-kind social media app to showcase the branding, packaging, store layout, behind-the-scenes, events, webinars, and other relevant and informational content.
- Create Engaging Boards: Organize boards around themes like “CBD Wellness Tips,” “Natural Stress Relief,” or “CBD Recipes” to appeal to niche audiences.
- Leverage High-Quality Visuals: Use professional photos, creative graphics, and aesthetically pleasing designs to stand out on users’ feeds.
- Ad Policies Compliance: Pinterest restricts ads promoting ingestible CBD products. Focus on non-ingestible CBD items (e.g., skincare or topical products) or indirect promotions like educational content.
- Educational Over Direct Sales: Emphasize informative pins, such as CBD benefits, usage guides, or wellness tips, rather than overtly selling products.
- Keyword Optimization: Use relevant and SEO-friendly terms in pin titles and descriptions to improve discoverability on the platform.
- Drive Traffic with Links: Ensure every pin includes a link to your website, blog, or product page to maximize click-through rates.
While Pinterest’s advertising guidelines for CBD products are rigorous, businesses can still use the platform to increase brand recognition and promote their products through organic reach.
Also Read: 10 Best CBD Business Ideas to Start in 2024
Youtube
YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine and an extremely popular platform for educational videos. CBD companies can utilize YouTube to generate product-related films, such as product reviews or educational content regarding CBD’s advantages.
While the platform has lifted some limits, allowing for the monetization of select forms of cannabis content, understanding the dos and don’ts is critical for preserving compliance and increasing your brand’s visibility.
- Focus on Education: Create content that educates viewers about the legal elements, benefits, and applications of CBD, documentaries about cannabis history, interviews with industry experts, or educational programs on different strains and their effects. It helps you build reputation and trust in the community while providing people with insightful information.
- Avoid Prohibited Content: Stay away from content that promotes cannabis’ health advantages, attracts children, or contains misleading or inaccurate claims and information.
- Age restrictions and community guidelines: Use YouTube’s age-restriction tools to make sure that only viewers who are at least eighteen years old can view your content.
- Promotional Considerations: Although it is still illegal to actively advertise cannabis goods on YouTube, concentrate on creating a community and brand story by creating engaging video that speaks to your audience’s interests and complies with YouTube’s advertising guidelines.
Snapchat
Snapchat offers a unique opportunity for CBD businesses to engage with a younger, tech-savvy audience who appreciate creative and visual content. Snapchat’s interactive features, such as Stories, Filters, and AR lenses, make it ideal for building brand awareness in a fun and engaging way.
Additionally, Snapchat has a relatively open advertising policy compared to other platforms, which allows the promotion of CBD products, particularly non-ingestibles like skincare and wellness items, provided they comply with local laws.
But, you should avoid making unsubstantiated medical claims, clearly indicate age restrictions, and ensure all content complies with Snapchat’s advertising policies and local CBD regulations.
Some best practices to engage your customers?
- Use Snapchat Stories to share behind-the-scenes looks, product demonstrations, or wellness tips with appealing call-to-actions like “Swipe Up” to direct users to your website or landing pages.
- Run Snap Ads featuring short, visually appealing videos that highlight product benefits.
- Encourage followers to participate in contests by sharing snaps or tagging your brand.
- Design branded filters or lenses to promote your CBD products interactively.
- Share quick facts or myths about CBD to inform and build trust with your audience.
With Snapchat’s creative tools and compliance-friendly marketing strategies, CBD businesses can effectively connect with their audience, build brand loyalty, and drive sales in an engaging, modern way.
To Conclude
CBD Social Media Marketing is not as easy and simple alike other businesses. But with an aligned and structured social media strategy – you can get the most out of these platforms.
Start by carefully reviewing each platform’s policies, rules, and regulations, and then craft a highly relevant, informational, and appealing content strategy that aligns with your company’s broader vision and goals.
To curate a targeted and relevant social media marketing strategy that aligns with the interests of your audience – get the data from your CBD-compliant POS system and leverage it to curate content that appeals to your audience to stay, stare, and click the CTA button.
If you’re looking for a CBD-compliant POS system that easily integrates with your social media, you can check out CBD Merchant Solutions for the best POS system. Book a free demo today to learn how it can benefit your business and help you achieve your marketing goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use influencers to promote my CBD business without breaking the rules?
Yes, influencer marketing is among the effective social media marketing techniques to build your brand on social media without breaking the rules while still establishing trust and credibility. Make sure to choose the right influencers who align with your brand values and ensure they follow advertising guidelines, such as avoiding unverified health claims, clarifying age restrictions, and others as per the platform. Disclose all partnerships transparently.
2. Why Choose the POS system from CBD Merchant Solutions for effective social media marketing?
CBD Merchant Solutions offers a CBD-compliant POS system that not only helps you streamline transactions and targeted social media marketing – but also integrates seamlessly with diverse social media platforms. This seamless integration allows you to sell your CBD products directly and manage marketing efforts efficiently, all while staying compliant with industry regulations.
3. Should I get started with all the social media platforms altogether?
If you are just getting started, it is not recommended to get started with all the platforms right away. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Understand your target market and where they are most active.
Research all the rules and policies of that particular platform and get started with 2 or 3 platforms or even once. Remember quality over quantity always. Once you are aware of how things work, you can keep adding and even repurpose content for different platforms. It helps you post content on diverse platforms with less effort.
4. How can I measure the success of my social media campaigns for CBD products?
Each platform has built-in analytics tools that you can use to track metrics like engagement, impressions, website clicks, and conversions. Also, consider the follower growth, comments, and shares to gauge audience interest. Based on the analytics, you can analyze and decide what customers love the most, what they don’t like, and where you can improve to ensure the best results.
5. How to create a quality content strategy for social media with the lowest effort?
Get all the data from your POS system – what they love, best-selling products, most popular time, reviews, and feedback. You can collect all that data and curate user-driven content backed by some informational tips, busting myths around CBD, sharing an expert review, or even sharing BTS or the story behind the business. It helps you build engagement, conversions, and customer trust with the least effort.