Starting a cannabis business can be daunting. But with the advent of new technologies, including social platforms, it's easier than ever to reach customers and build your brand. TikTok, in particular, offers an engaging and fun way to connect with customers and promote your products.
Launched in 2016, TikTok quickly gained popularity among Gen Z users and became one of the most downloaded apps in the world. In the third quarter of 2021, TikTok reached 1 billion users, and it is expected to reach 1.8 billion by the end of 2022.
While TikTok is primarily used for entertainment, it is also a powerful marketing tool for brands and businesses. Thanks to its massive global reach, TikTok can provide you with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with your consumers. The social network can be used to generate leads, drive sales, and build brand awareness.
Here we will take a closer look at how cannabis retailers can use TikTok for business, and what you need to know about cannabis content.
What You Need To Know Before Promoting Cannabis Products On TikTok
TikTok has strict regulations regarding advertising cannabis products. However, their regulations are vague. TikTok community guidelines state, "We prohibit the trade, sale, promotion, and use of certain regulated goods, as well as the promotion or facilitation of criminal activities, including human exploitation. Content may be removed if it relates to activities or goods that are regulated or illegal in the majority of the region or world".
The vagueness of TikTok's community guidelines provides a window for cannabis businesses to advertise their products. To avoid having your account banned, it is essential to familiarize yourself with their guidelines. First and foremost, all content must be age-gated so that only users over 21 can view it.
In addition, all videos must include a disclaimer that the product is for adult use only. Any content that promotes illegal activity or that is considered inappropriate for a general audience will not be allowed.
5 Tips For Advertising Cannabis On TikTok
Here are the five tips cannabis businesses can use to advertise their products on TikTok:
1. Use Influencers
TikTok offers a unique opportunity for cannabis companies to reach a wide audience through influencer marketing. By partnering with popular TikTok users, brands can tap into a passionate and engaged community of cannabis enthusiasts. Influencers can create branded content highlighting a product's unique features or promote the brand to their followers.
Influencer marketing effectively reaches potential customers on TikTok because it allows brands to tap into the influencer's pre-existing relationship with their audience. This means that when an influencer promotes a brand's products, their followers are more likely to trust the recommendation and be curious about the product.
Furthermore, influencer marketing can help to create a sense of social proof around a brand's products, as users see that others are using and enjoying the product. Cannabis influencers know TikTok's community guidelines, so they know how to advertise your products without getting banned.
2. Identify Current Viral Hashtags
With its creative editing features and short-form videos, TikTok is an ideal place to showcase your brand and product. And what better way to reach potential customers than by finding out what the current cannabis trends are on TikTok?
There are a few easy ways to determine the current cannabis trends on TikTok. First, take a look at the popular hashtags. Hashtags like #weedstagram, #cannabiscommunity, #dispensarylife, and #stonernation are all great places to start.
Second, do your research on some of the top influencers in the cannabis space. These influencers have built a large following by creating relevant and engaging content. By following them, you can get a good idea of what type of content resonates with users.
Ensure that you are careful with your language when posting. For example, you can use other names for cannabis or spell cannabis differently to avoid being banned.
Once you understand the current cannabis trends on TikTok, you can start thinking about how you can relate them to your brand and product.
3. Research Popular Posts And Videos
While some brands have been quick to jump on this trend, it's essential to do your research before you start creating cannabis-related content for TikTok. First, look at the platform's most popular cannabis posts and videos. Note the effects, sounds and actions featured in these videos. Then, think about how you can relate these elements to your brand.
Are there specific values or messages that you want to convey? What kind of tone do you want to set? Once you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you can start creating cannabis-related content that will resonate with your audience.
4. Create Content That Is Easy Or Simple To Make
It's important to remember that TikTok is all about quick, concise videos. This means that your content should be easy to shoot and edit. It's a good idea to focus on one specific topic or theme. It will help you create a cohesive body of work that is more likely to engage viewers. Make your version of what other accounts have already done. It will help you get an idea of what works and what doesn't.
Get creative. There are no rules when making content for TikTok, so use your imagination and have fun with it. In addition, ensure that you are consistent. Ensure to post new videos regularly.
5. Publish Original Content
With so much competition out there, it can be tempting to copy what others are doing in an attempt to gain traction. However, it's essential to remember that trends come and go quickly on TikTok, and what might be popular today could be forgotten tomorrow.
Try to create your own trend. It will not only help you stand out from the crowd, but it will also show your followers that you're an original thinker. With fresh and innovative content, you'll surely attract a loyal following of cannabis enthusiasts who will appreciate your work.
Final Thoughts
TikTok is a great platform for you to connect with your customers in a fun and creative way. Although the social network has strict guidelines for promoting cannabis products and services, there are still opportunities for cannabis businesses to create engaging content that will reach a wide audience.
Some tips for using TikTok successfully include creating engaging content, partnering with influencers, and using appropriate hashtags. It is also essential to ensure that all content complies with TikTok community guidelines. By following these guidelines, cannabis businesses can maximize their reach on TikTok while staying compliant.
How Can Merrco Help?
Merrco provides payment solutions to cannabis, CBD, and regulated businesses in Canada and the US. We offer various products that will help your business accept payments safely and efficiently. If you would like to partner with us or have any questions, please contact us at info@merrco.com or call our toll-free number at 1-800-957-0534.
Disclaimer: While Cannabis advertising is legal, there are heavy restrictions on its promotion. Health Canada has established regulations which outline the guidelines for the promotion of cannabis, cannabis accessories and services. Accordingly, Health Canada prohibits communicating information about: pricing or distribution; advertising to minors; and testimonials or endorsements by a real or fictional person the promotes a positive, negative or health benefit and; a promoting a lifestyle which may be seen as glamourous or exciting. The above outlines is not intended as regulatory advice and we ask you to refer to the Health Canada regulations and and your provincial requirements to ensure that any advertisement or promotion is fully compliant with regulations.