Social Media for Cannabis Companies - With Amy Donohue

In this episode of Qredible Live, we dive into the world of social media and compliance in the cannabis industry with social media expert Amy Donohue. With over 12 years of experience managing cannabis brands online, Amy shares valuable insights on the importance of branding, compliance, and community-building across platforms. We discuss the challenges cannabis businesses face when navigating regulations, shadow banning, and how to effectively leverage platforms like LinkedIn, X, and Reddit to grow your brand.

Key Takeaways:

• LinkedIn is Key for Cannabis Brands: Amy emphasizes LinkedIn as a powerful platform for cannabis professionals to connect and grow their business networks 🌿.

• Branding Comes First: Compliance starts with your business name and online presence. Avoid terms like "CBD" or "Cannabis" in URLs and names to avoid platform restrictions 🚫.

• Shadow Banning is Real: Learn how cannabis-related hashtags can lead to shadow bans, making your posts invisible to new audiences. Avoid common mistakes to ensure your brand stays visible 🕵️‍♀️.

• Social Media is About Building Relationships: It’s not just about sales. Amy explains the importance of focusing on community-building and educational content to engage the "canna-curious" audience 🤝.

• Don’t Rely Solely on Instagram: Platforms like Twitter and Reddit offer more flexibility for cannabis-related content, while Meta platforms can be restrictive 🚨.

• Hire a Professional for Compliance: Managing compliance on social media is as important as any other part of the business. A knowledgeable team can help ensure your online presence adheres to the rules 💼.

• Social Media Can Change Lives: Amy shares a touching story of how social media led her to donate a kidney, demonstrating the powerful and unexpected impact it can have ❤️.