Cannabis Keyword Research

Keyword research for cannabis businesses can be challenging due to the fact that cannabis is still illegal at the federal level in the United States, and Google AdWords policies prohibit the promotion of cannabis products and related services.

Cannabis Keyword Research Challenges

As a result, there are several challenges associated with conducting Google keyword research for cannabis businesses, including:

  1. Limited keyword data: Due to restrictions on cannabis-related content, there is limited keyword data available for cannabis-related terms. This can make it difficult to identify the most relevant and effective keywords to target.

  2. Difficulty in differentiating between legal and illegal searches: Since cannabis is illegal at the federal level, Google's algorithms may have difficulty distinguishing between searches related to legal and illegal activities. This can result in keyword data that is less accurate and less relevant for businesses operating legally in states where cannabis is legal.

  3. Lack of transparency: Due to the complex legal landscape surrounding cannabis, there may be a lack of transparency in keyword data related to cannabis businesses. This can make it difficult to understand the competitive landscape and identify opportunities for optimization.

  4. Limited advertising options: Google AdWords policies prohibit the promotion of cannabis products and related services, which can limit the ability of cannabis businesses to leverage paid advertising to drive traffic to their websites.

  5. Risk of penalties: Due to the complex legal and regulatory environment surrounding cannabis, businesses operating in this industry may be at greater risk of incurring penalties for violating Google's advertising policies.

Despite these challenges, there are still opportunities for cannabis businesses to conduct effective keyword research and optimize their online presence for search engines. By focusing on organic search optimization strategies, such as building high-quality content and optimizing website structure and design, cannabis businesses can improve their online visibility and attract potential customers.

Using Intuition to Guide Cannabis Content Creation

When it comes to ideating cannabis content, relying solely on keyword search volume data can be limiting. This is where intuition can be a valuable tool for cannabis content ideation. Intuition is the ability to understand or know something immediately without conscious reasoning. In the context of content ideation, intuition can help you tap into what your audience wants and needs, even if they haven't articulated it through their search behavior.

To use intuition for cannabis content ideation, you first need to get a sense of who your audience is and what they care about. This can be done through market research, social listening, and engagement metrics. Once you have a good understanding of your audience, you can start to brainstorm content ideas that align with their interests and needs. Are your clients other cannabis businesses seeking compliant marketing ideas? Write a guide for compliant cannabis marketing playbook! Are your customers cannabis brands that need to amplify their messaging? Demonstrate how the leading brands are winning on social media and influencer marketing.

One approach is to focus on themes or topics that are relevant to your audience's lifestyle or values. For example, if your audience is interested in wellness and self-care, you could create content around the benefits of CBD for relaxation or how to incorporate cannabis into a mindfulness practice. If your audience is passionate about social justice, you could create content around the history of cannabis criminalization and its impact on marginalized communities.

Another approach is to tap into your own personal experience and knowledge of the cannabis industry. If you're a cannabis enthusiast or industry professional, you likely have insights and perspectives that can't be found through keyword research alone. For example, you could share personal stories about how cannabis has positively impacted your life or discuss the latest industry trends and innovations.

Overall, using intuition for cannabis content ideation allows you to create content that is more authentic, engaging, and valuable to your audience. While keyword search volume data can provide useful insights, it shouldn't be the sole driver of your content strategy. By combining intuition with data-driven insights, you can create content that resonates with your audience and drives meaningful engagement.

Casey Collins