How to Pick Cannabis SEO Keywords for Content Marketing

As a freelance cannabis writer for several years, I’ve picked up a lot of tips and tricks to really nail your cannabis marketing strategy. One of the most important things you can do when planning your content strategy is to pick the right cannabis SEO keywords that will actually bring in traffic. 

I won’t spend too much time telling you why cannabis marketing should center around content, since I’ve covered that topic already. Put simply, the world of cannabis marketing is filled with censorship and bans on paid ads across the internet. It’s why successful cannabis brands typically build their way to success with content marketing. More specifically, brands build their audience with targeted SEO tactics. 



Hiring a cannabis SEO expert is the easiest way to kickstart your marketing strategy and bring in traffic. I suggest hiring an expert because they take the heavy-lifting off your plate and allow you to focus on other tasks, but it’s not rocket science. You can learn some basic SEO skills to help boost your cannabis brand’s traffic online, although the bigger changes will come after months of consistent publishing and optimizing. Consistency is key. 

How to pick cannabis SEO keywords

Wondering how people are able to write search engine optimized blogs that actually convert? The key is to find the perfect combination of high-volume search terms that are relatively low competition. 

The cannabis industry has been around for a while. Many people have taken the opportunity to optimize their websites to rank for key terms, like “cannabis products” or “buy CBD online.”

If you are to only target extremely popular searches, you’re likely to not see a lot of benefit from your overall strategy. You should instead target searches that are popular but not completely oversaturated with high competition. There is some benefit to adding popular keywords to your posts, but don’t expect to rank #1 for extremely popular searches. 

I use a search engine tool that shows me the volume of searches, how easy they are to rank, and other key information you can’t find just by using Google. 

Local or nationwide?

Decide if you want to dedicate your SEO work to local searches or nationwide ones. If you have an online cannabis business that operates across the country, it’s going to benefit you to try to target larger search terms that may bring in new traffic. 

If your cannabis or CBD company operates in a single location, it’s going to be more beneficial to target local-centric keywords for the majority of your posts. 

Here are two example scenarios:

1.You run a cannabis accessories company that ships nationwide. “Cannabis accessories” is a term that you can try to target, considering it explains your company perfectly. Optimize your website to contain this keyword, but don’t focus only on cannabis accessories, considering many other companies have done the same. 

Pick some similar keywords that may be easier to rank for on Google. For example, “cannabis stash box” is easier to rank for, which can help you get more click-throughs on certain search terms. 

2. You run a CBD shop in town, but you don’t have any online shopping options. You operate out of a single store in Portland, Oregon. 

Think of some terms people may search if they are looking for CBD in Portland. I just gave you a hint there: CBD in Portland is a common search. But don’t forget Portland CBD, where to get CBD in Portland and any other similar search terms. 

Or just hire a SEO cannabis writer

Sound like a lot of hassle? SEO can be a little bit complicated, but you can easily pick it up after working at it for a while. Eventually, you will be able to optimize your blogs and webpages like a pro! But again, it takes time and consistency to reach this point. 

Have other things to do? Then just go ahead and hire a cannabis content writer that will take the work off your hands and help your business succeed. 



Oh look! There’s a freelance cannabis writer right here. Email macey@maceywolfer.com or use my contact form!