The rise of the cannabis industry has created incredible opportunities for dispensary owners. With sales exploding throughout the pandemic, the cannabis industry has had to adapt to changing consumer behaviors. Technological advances have allowed dispensaries to integrate new ways for their consumers to make purchases.

While having an online ordering system through your website is a great start, having cannabis dispensary mobile apps can generate greater revenue while increasing customer loyalty.

In this post, we will take a look at the reasons why you should consider getting a mobile app for your dispensary.

Why Should I Consider Cannabis Dispensary Mobile Apps?

Customer Engagement

Customer engagement is critical if you are trying to increase your chances of having repeat customers. Having an app that notifies your customers of new products or deals can keep them engaged with your dispensary even when they are not directly inside your store.

Recent studies show that customers are 85 percent more likely to engage with your business through an app as opposed to your online website. With that in mind, it seems that it would be in your dispensary’s best interests to engage with your customers through a mobile app.

Apps generally offer the best user experience for customers when they are fully integrated with your dispensary’s point-of-sale technology. Mobile apps connected to your dispensary’s POS allow for an omnichannel strategy, giving your customers a fully integrated shopping experience. Well-designed apps can lead to larger shopping carts, quicker checkouts, and better customer loyalty.

Marketing

The most important mobile app feature essential for dispensaries are push notifications and location-based alerts. Integrating push notifications into your app can greatly enhance your marketing strategy.

Push notifications and location alerts allow retailers to engage in targeted marketing campaigns based on user engagement. Location alerts can allow you to reach nearby customers reminding them to stop into your store.

Targeting & Segmentation

A fully integrated app can also assist you in targeting specific types of cannabis users. Segmentation-based campaigns allow you to track down customer interests by taking note of the different notifications they engaged with. This could be notifications about limited-time deals, and exclusive mobile app offers. By collecting that kind of information, you will be better able to assess the demands of your customers and provide them with the products they want the most.

Customer Retention

Now that we know how powerful cannabis dispensary mobile apps can be for marketing and customer engagement purposes, we will now look into how they can help you retain your customers.

Considering that you are in business to make as many sales as possible, having loyal repeat customers is critical. One way to ensure that your customers keep coming back is by offering a loyalty program and gift card programs through your app.

It has been said that 80 percent of your business comes from 20 percent of your customers. With that in mind, it is extremely important to maintain a good amount of repeat business. Studies show that it is seven times more expensive to gain a new customer as opposed to retaining an old one.

Having a loyalty program in place can be a great way to keep your customers coming back for more. By providing your customers with points balances as well as exclusive offers and promotions, you will be sure to increase your in-app conversion rate.

More Sales

Having gone over how cannabis dispensary mobile apps can improve your relationships with your customers. You might be wondering if it will increase sales. A recent survey showed that dispensaries using mobile apps were able to increase their online sales by 80 to 125 percent.

Because mobile apps are an all-inclusive platform that connect to your customers in real-time, it is no surprise that they lead to greater conversions.

Mobile App vs. Online Ordering Platform

Many dispensary owners who already have an online ordering option might be wondering if they need an app. While you might think you are doing great with online ordering, it has been shown that 75 percent of customers prefer ordering through an app as opposed to a website.

Aside from your customer preferring an app, launching your app can help you generate more revenue. Apps can be monetized through ads which can create passive income for your business.

Dispensary apps can also assist you in upselling your customer by providing them with add-on options. And that is not all. A fully integrated app can streamline your delivery services as well as provide the technology for in-store tablets and ordering kiosks.

How to Optimize Your Dispensary Mobile App

If you are deciding to take the plunge and finally invest in your own app, you are doing the best thing for your dispensary. With the ability to create marketing campaigns, maintain customer loyalty and engagement, as well as increase sales, apps can seriously transform your business for the better.

To get the most out of your app, consider doing the following:

• Monetize your app- Allowing sponsors to advertise their brands on your app can be a great extra stream of revenue.
• Keep your app updated- Your app should always be up to date with the latest deals and promotions and customer rewards
• Reward Your Users- Make sure to offer special deals to those using the app. Create a loyalty program and give an incentive for your customers to come back.
• Promote the App- Advertising your app through websites like Weedmaps or Leafly can help your app gain more exposure in your market.
• Take Advantage of Push Notifications- Use location-enabled notifications to create a call to action for your customer to come to the dispensary.
• Up-Sell and Cross-Sell your Customers- Make sure your app can offer add-ons at checkout based on recently purchased products.

 Final Thoughts

Getting a fully integrated app for your dispensary can seriously transform your business. Whether it is for targeting customers for marketing purposes or increasing customer loyalty, an app is sure to increase your sales and allow your dispensary to flourish. While investing in an app might seem daunting, you will be happy you did once you see the results.

Paybotic Payment Processing Solutions

Are you looking for more payment solutions to help your dispensary? With years of experience in the cannabis payment processing industry, we can assist you with all your payment needs. With a strong network of domestic partners, we are able to provide solutions for every type of legal high-risk business.

Whether you are looking for debit card processing, ACH/eCheck, or other payment solutions, our team of experts will customize your experience while finding the best partners that can fulfill all your payment processing needs. To learn more, fill out a contact form call us at 844.420.4729 and speak directly with our team of professionals that will be glad to help you find the right payment solutions for your cannabis dispensary.