The CBD industry is becoming one of the fastest growing and most profitable industries out there. As sales continue to climb, customers are relying more and more on business websites to discover new products, learn more about CBD businesses, and make purchases.
To build a successful CBD business, you need to create a strong online presence. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a well-structured website. This will enable audiences and potential customers to learn more about your business, what you offer, and why they should choose you over the competition.
Your website allows you to stand out, In this post, we will outline the benefits of having a website for your CBD business and the steps needed to create a website. So, let's get started!
The Benefits of Having a Website for Your CBD Business
There are plenty of reasons to invest in your website for your CBD business. Some of those benefits include the ability to:
● Cut operation costs.
● Reach a wider audience.
● Boost interaction with your customers.
● Easily advertise your products with less investment.
● Gain a competitive advantage.
● Increase brand visibility and recognition.
9 Steps To Take When Building a Website for Your CBD Business
Many people find shopping online not only easy and convenient, but also preferable to going into a brick-and-mortar store. So, having a website is not only important, it can be vital to growing your business.
If you’re wondering how to create an online presence, here are nine steps you can follow to build a website for your CBD business.
1. Choose The Right Domain Name
After you have decided on the type of CBD products you will be selling, get to know the laws and regulations where you live. There are strict rules and regulations around content and verbiage on your website and marketing for CBD products.
Once you know the lay of the land, you will need to choose a domain name. A domain name is a key entry point to your website, so it should be short and easy to remember. Also keep in mind the name should be easy to spell, have the proper extension, and have an SEO-friendly URL.
2. Select a Website Host
You need to select a website host provider before your website can go live on the internet. Different hosts have different prices and packages based on the level of bandwidth you need (monthly traffic) and support they provide.
Depending on your budget and the resources you need, you can choose a shared server hosting plan, a dedicated server hosting plan, or a virtual server hosting plan.
3. Implement a Content Management System
A Content Management System (CMS) is a software program that creates and manages digital content. A CMS usually doesn't require too much technical knowledge, and it can help you manage your website without much effort.
When it comes to choosing a CMS, there are plenty of options. Choose one specific to your needs and your business goals. The most popular CMS providers include:
● Joomla!
● Drupal
● Wix
4. Find an Ecommerce Platform
Ecommerce platforms are plentiful, but not every ecommerce platform allows you to sell CBD products. Still, you have a few good options available such as Shopify, BigCommerce, and 3dcart.
Keep in mind your site’s infrastructure will affect your customer's shopping experience. So before you start, you should read reviews, do your research, and decide which one will best serve your business website and your customers.
5. Design and Features
The way your website looks makes an impression on your customers. Ensure that you design your website in a way that leaves audiences with a positive impression. When designing your website, describe your products accurately, make sure your images are clear and high quality. Stay consistent and on-brand, create an easy navigation system, and use graphics and easy-to-read fonts.
6. Optimize Your Online Store for Search Engines
Search Engine Optimization is an essential part of any website as it determines how your website shows up in search. Page structure, headers and meta-descriptions are all important parts of your SEO when setting up your website.
To improve your SEO rankings, ensure that you publish well-researched, fresh and informative content regularly, have a mobile-friendly site, use good-quality backlinks, and use internal links to keep your readers on site.
7. Choose a Payment Processor
Your customers will need a secure way to pay for their products, so you will need a payment processor to make that happen. The CBD industry is part of the high-risk sector, so you will have to choose a payment processor that can handle high-risk transactions and has experience working with high-risk businesses, like Merrco.
8. Determine Shipping and Payment Terms
After your website is designed and has all the features and layout installed, you will need to decide how your customers will get their products. There are several questions to consider: What is your shipping policy? Which courier will you use? How long should customers wait for their products? Will you offer free shipping? Additionally, you will need support shipping and fulfillment software to help you set shipping rates, print labels and manage logistics.
9. Implement a Website Maintenance Plan
You’ve put a lot of effort into creating your website, so don’t forget about it once it’s up and running. Ensure you have a proper maintenance plan so your content stays up to date, you don’t get hacked, and you don’t suffer from low SEO rankings.
Maintain your website by using webmaster tools, using traffic and performance data, ensuring your software is updated, and frequently running security scans to check for malware or hacks.
Final Thoughts
Stand out in the CBD market by showcasing a website that enables a profitable business . But before you jump into building a website, it’s essential to consider all the factors that will help set you up to achieve your business goals. Be sure to do your research and understand your target audience before creating a website to ensure you give your customers an enjoyable online shopping experience.
How Can Merrco Help?
Merrco is a payment processing service provider for cannabis, CBD and regulated businesses in Canada and the US. We offer seamless and secure payment solutions that make payments simpler and more innovative. If you have any questions on how we can help your business thrive, contact us at info@merrco.com or call us at 1-800-957-0534.