If you run a cannabis dispensary, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I invest in SEO or paid ads to grow my business?” It’s a smart question. Both strategies can help you attract more customers, but they work very differently and serve different goals. Understanding how they compare will help you make a better choice for long-term growth.
Cannabis SEO and Paid Ads Explained
Cannabis SEO (Search Engine Optimization) focuses on helping your website rank higher in Google’s organic search results. When someone searches for “dispensary near me” or “best cannabis edibles,” a well-optimized site can appear at the top, attracting free traffic without paying for every click.
Cannabis Google Ads, also called paid ads or PPC (pay-per-click), allow you to pay for placement in search results. You can show ads for targeted keywords and only pay when people click on them.
Felix Shaye, Google Certified Expert at AdJet Marketing, explains: “The best cannabis SEO company near me knows that SEO builds lasting visibility while Google Ads offer immediate traffic. A smart dispensary marketing strategy balances both for different business goals.”
Organic vs Paid Traffic: What Works Best for Dispensaries?
Let’s break this down in a simple way:
Benefits of Cannabis SEO:
- Drives free, organic traffic after initial investment
- Builds trust with customers because organic results feel more authentic
- Improves overall website quality and user experience
- Offers long-term results that keep growing over time
Drawbacks of Cannabis SEO:
- Takes time to see results (usually 3-6 months)
- Needs ongoing updates as Google changes its algorithm
Benefits of Google Ads:
- Immediate visibility on page one of Google
- Easy to control budgets and target specific areas
- Good for promotions and new product launches
Drawbacks of Google Ads:
- Can be expensive over time because you pay for every click
- Ads stop showing when your budget runs out
Should You Choose SEO or Paid Ads for Long-Term Growth?
Here’s a helpful way to think about it:
- If you want fast traffic right away (for example, after opening a new dispensary), Google Ads is the best option.
- If you want to build steady, long-term traffic that doesn’t depend on ad budgets, cannabis SEO is the smarter choice.
Many dispensaries succeed by combining both:
- Use Google Ads for short-term promotions or special events.
- Invest in SEO for long-term growth so your site ranks naturally in searches like “best cannabis SEO company near me” or “dispensary marketing strategy.”
How the Best Cannabis SEO Company Approaches SEO vs Paid Ads
At AdJet Marketing, Felix Shaye and his team recommend starting with a clear dispensary marketing strategy:
- Schedule a cannabis SEO strategy session to identify your goals
- Complete an SEO audit for your cannabis website to spot areas for improvement
- Optimize your dispensary marketing strategy with a plan for both organic and paid traffic
- Manage Google Ads carefully to ensure you’re reaching the right audience without wasting budget
Felix adds: “Cannabis dispensaries need more than just ads. You need a strong foundation with SEO so your brand is discoverable even when you aren’t paying for clicks. That’s what builds long-term growth.”
Actionable Next Steps for Dispensary Owners
- Book a dispensary SEO and PPC package to get the best of both worlds
- Hire the best cannabis SEO company near me for expert guidance
- Schedule a cannabis dispensary marketing consultation to review your current strategy
- Optimize dispensary marketing strategy today for future growth
Ready to attract more customers and grow your dispensary the smart way? Contact AdJet Marketing now to book dispensary SEO services near me and get started with a winning marketing strategy tailored to your business.
