Even just a few years ago, your options for cannabis business directories were pretty limited. But now, thanks to the swift growth (and exceptional success) of the legal cannabis industry, you can easily find an incredible variety of business directories for cannabis businesses.

From dispensary owners and cultivators to marijuana marketers and cannabis law experts, the industry is more diverse than ever before. And as such, it’s become increasingly valuable to connect with your fellow cannabis business owners and build the connections that can help your business thrive – and that’s where B2B cannabis business directories come in.

We’ve created a comprehensive guide to the best cannabis business directories for 2022, so you can find the right ones for listing your canna business. But before we dive into our top picks, let’s tackle a few key basics.

What is a Cannabis Business Directory?

A cannabis business directory is exactly what it sounds like: a directory containing information about cannabis businesses. The core components of a directory listing can vary, based on the site, but they often include:

•       The business name, address, and phone number (often referred to as “NAP”)
•       Business/brand description
•       Website URL
•       Reviews/ratings
•       Hours of operation
•       Links to different social media profiles
•       Business category
•       Images and/or videos
•       Business details such as accepted payment forms

You’re probably already very familiar with online directories such as Google My Business, and you’ve hopefully learned exactly how to optimize a Google My Business listing and why. But because a cannabis directory specifically hones in on the cannabis industry, it can offer unique benefits for your business.

Cannabis Directory Benefits for Your Business

The most obvious benefit of adding your information to a cannabis directory is the potential to attract new customers and clients. But the list doesn’t end there.

Here are just a few of the many advantages to submitting your business to a cannabis directory:

•       Help improve your SEO and boost your search rankings
•       Strengthen consumer trust in your brand by enhancing your online reputation
•       Expand your profile of backlinks
•       Earn a “brand mention” that search engines can pick up on
•       Drive increased traffic, conversions, and sales to your website and/or in-person business

How to Get Your Business Listed in a Directory for Cannabusinesses

Every online directory – cannabis-centric and otherwise – has its own process for adding new business listings. So, you’ll need to first decide which online directories are best for your goals and needs, and then work your way down the list to meet the submission requirements for each.

Depending on the type of directory and/or listing, options can include:

•       Paid/featured web listings
•       Free/regular web listings
•       Reciprocal regular web listings

It can be overwhelming to figure out how to get a listing in an online directory for your business, especially if you’re starting from scratch. For this reason, many business owners decide to partner with a professional to tackle the task. The right team can help you figure out which directories to target first, and how to create a directory listing that will ensure your business is found by your target market. From there, you can even delegate the actual creation, posting, and maintenance of directory listings, freeing you up to focus on other business objectives.

Optimizing Directory Listings (and Why It’s a Must)

By now, you might be realizing that cannabis directory listings aren’t a “set it and forget it” task. Effective directory listing management is essential for many reasons, particularly to ensure that all information is accurate and consistent across all directories. But just as importantly, it’s possible to optimize your directory listings to boost your local SEO.

Directly optimization is often a part of the services provided by a digital marketing professional, as it typically requires a solid understanding of SEO and other strategies.

The Best Cannabis Directories for Businesses

You’re now well-versed in the “what,” “why,” and “how” of cannabis business directories, and you’re probably looking forward to reaping the benefits of getting your business listed.

Here are the top online business directories for marijuana and CBD brands, giving you a head start and making it easier to weigh your options.

1.      Herban Planet

Herban Planet is an all-in-one cannabis guide and online directory, providing canna business owners with just about everything they need to succeed in one user-friendly site. The site features dispensaries, 420 businesses, events, jobs, and deals, so it’s no wonder that it’s a major asset for B2B and B2C cannabis brands alike. Users can browse by category (for example, marijuana delivery services, producers, marijuana doctors, etc.), or check out featured businesses, recent reviews, and popular deals. For businesses, this translates into a myriad of ways to be discovered by new customers – which is definitely a win.

2.      Leafly

Leafly is one of the best-known cannabis directory sites out there, with the total traffic and backlinks to back up its shining reputation. Originally, it was built as a review website for marijuana strains, where users could learn about strains and submit their own user ratings and reviews. But the addition of a dispensary directory went even better than expected, and Leafly is now one of the busiest online cannabis communities out there.

3.      Weedmaps

Weedmaps is an industry giant that’s been around for more than a decade, with a firm grasp on its title as one of the fastest-growing cannabis sites today. Members can discuss, review, and rate cannabis strains and dispensaries, and also access a broad range of topics and informational resources. As both an app and a website, Weedmaps has done a great job of being an accessible tool for users and business owners.

4.      Cannabis.net

Part informational resource, part directory, part news site, Cannabis.net is tailored to serve the needs of users searching for cannabis businesses in their immediate area. The directory includes dispensaries, marijuana doctors, and even lawyers, with the option to use a map to pinpoint options in your vicinity. There’s also a social network aspect to the website, which spurs engagement among users.

5.      Wikileaf

Wikileaf is a website created specifically for consumers, aiming to provide transparency in pricing and information. The focus on pricing is the foundation of this online cannabis directory, which allows users to access location-based pricing details for various products, brands, and strains. Essentially, Wikileaf is a directory that makes it easy for consumers to “shop around” without leaving their homes – and if you have competitive prices and great deals, this site is a great option.

6.      Cannabis Business Executive

Searching for a B2B cannabis directory? Look no further than Cannabis Business Executive, where you’ll find a professional directory and a wealth of informational publications that cater to the cannabis industry. It’s an ideal cannabis and CBD business directory for new and established brands alike, especially those that are interested in expanding their business expertise and skills. Once you get listed, make sure to check out valuable sections of the website including News & Insights and Policy & Legal, where you’ll discover that there’s always a lot to learn.

Set Up Your Cannabis Business Directory Listings Now

Are you ready to stake your claim in the best business directories for dispensaries and cannabis brands? Our knowledgeable team would be happy to help you take an efficient approach to building out your listings and maximizing your online potential.

For more information about how online directories work to support your business growth, reach out to Marijuana Marketing Xperts today.

 

Photo credits:  Fidart , shuttersport , ShutterstockProfessional