Mike Tebb, the Marketing Director at Fig Farms, dives into the unique challenges of cannabis marketing. He discusses navigating strict regulations and offers his strategy of getting close to the edge of legality before stepping back. Tebb emphasizes storytelling and the importance of educational content amidst social media restrictions, particularly on platforms like Instagram. He shares creative solutions for engaging content and the significance of in-person events and influencer partnerships to build brand trust in this complex industry.
Marketers in the cannabis industry must navigate strict regulations while creatively storytelling to engage audiences without violating platforms' policies.
Educating consumers about cannabis quality and responsible evaluation practices is essential for brands to build trust and transparency in a misunderstood market.
Deep dives
Navigating Cannabis Marketing Regulations
Successfully marketing cannabis products requires a deep understanding of the strict regulations governing the industry. Marketers need to familiarize themselves with the rules and find that balance between compliance and creativity, often skirting close to the lines of legality. For instance, while direct promotion of cannabis on platforms like Instagram is prohibited, effective storytelling can enable brands to engage with their audience without violating these guidelines. By producing content that emphasizes narrative rather than direct product promotion, marketers can both comply with regulations and resonate with consumers.
The Importance of Education and Storytelling
Educating consumers has become a significant responsibility for cannabis brands due to widespread misconceptions about product quality. Many consumers erroneously judge cannabis solely by THC percentages, overlooking other critical factors that determine product quality. Brands must create informative content that teaches consumers how to evaluate cannabis products responsibly and encourages transparency about cultivation practices. Moreover, incorporating lifestyle content can help humanize brands and foster connections with consumers, making educational storytelling a vital marketing strategy.
Maximizing Content Production and Event Marketing
Creating effective marketing assets involves careful planning and collaboration between clients and content creators. Establishing a clear list of desired outcomes and collaborating on a detailed brief is essential to ensure the production of relevant content across multiple formats, like reels and website images. In addition, live events serve as a powerful tool for reaching consumers in the cannabis industry, allowing brands to generate interest and build relationships through face-to-face interactions. As traditional advertising avenues remain limited, leveraging these organic connections through events can significantly enhance brand visibility and customer loyalty.
Marketing products seems pretty straightforward... until you get to the cannabis industry. It’s heavily regulated. States have different laws. What are the best practices for it?
Our guest Mike Tebb knows the ins and outs of cannabis marketing. From knowing rules and regulations to making sure you’re 107% sure about every marketing decision, it can be tough. Mike’s rule? Get really close to breaking the rules, and THEN take two steps back.
Plus, storytelling with the cannabis industry poses some challenges, especially when it comes to social media platforms’ terms and conditions. Did you know that promoting cannabis is against Instagram’s policies? Mike shares how he and his team get creative to find a solution around it.
And we all know edutainment is on the rise for 2025. How can you incorporate educational material into your products in an effective way?
If you’re curious about the cannabis industry or interested in marketing complicated products, this is the episode for YOU.