How To Become An Instagram Cannabis Influencer in 2023
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Time to read 8 min
As you may suspect, cannabis is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity on social media, and it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. This can be explained thanks to several factors, like the changing attitudes and legalization towards weed that have played a significant role in the popularization of this plant among many demographics, or more and more countries and states legalizing or decriminalizing cannabis for recreational or medicinal use, making the public perception of marijuana shift, leading to an increased curiosity, acceptance, and interest in cannabis-related content.
This has resulted in a growing cannabis community on social media, transforming these platforms into spaces where enthusiasts can connect, share experiences, and support each other. Social media provides a convenient and accessible platform for education and information-sharing, with influencers, activists, and industry professionals utilizing social media to disseminate information, debunk myths, and promote responsible consumption. And the ability to share this knowledge and engage in wider discussions has contributed to the rising popularity of people whose career revolves around cannabis-related content on all kinds of platforms and channels.
We understand why, then, the thought of becoming a weed influencer on social media can be such an attractive proposal. What kind of joyful stoner doesn’t like to share what they know, experience the best parts of this wonderful plant with a community, and even advocate for further social change? Surely, becoming a cannabis influencer must be a sweet deal, and you would like to give it a go, but where to start? Well, becoming a marijuana influencer on Instagram involves building a strong online presence, creating engaging content, and connecting with the cannabis community, but that is easier said than done. Well, don’t fear, because here at HØJ we have some good pointers on how to get started in cannabis social media. It may not work equally well for everyone, but if you got the spunk and put in the effort, who knows? It’s always about having the will to give it a try.
So here are some steps to help you get started, good luck!
Table Of Contents
What do you need to start a career in weed social media? 1. Understand all legal regulations: 2. Define your niche: 3. Create a compelling profile: 4. Develop engaging content: 5. Use relevant hashtags: 6. Collaborate with others: 7. Engage with your audience: 8. Attend events and conferences: 9. Stay up to date: 10. Be patient and consistent: The impact of social media in weed culture Never give up!
What do you need to start a career in weed social media? Like becoming a cannabis influencer.
1. Understand all legal regulations:
This is probably the most crucial aspect before starting. Are you even legally allowed to talk about marijuana? Any influencer worth its salt should get familiarized with the legal regulations surrounding cannabis in their country or region, in order to see if this plan is viable at all. So, always ensure that you comply with any applicable laws and guidelines when creating content related to cannabis.
2. Define your niche:
Weed is a wide and deep topic, and you certainly will not be able to cover all of it, so determine a specific area of the cannabis industry you want to focus on, such as cannabis culture, cannabis education, product reviews, or cannabis lifestyle. Choosing a niche will also help you target a specific audience and establish your cred in the community!
3. Create a compelling profile:
Setting up a good Instagram account dedicated to your cannabis content is the critical part of the whole thing. Make sure you choose a username that reflects your niche and a bio that clearly communicates your focus. And always use high-quality images and consistent branding elements to make your profile visually appealing! You will be an expert at how to advertise weed on Instagram in no time!
Cannabis influencer showing how to use KLIP grinder (HØJ Media)
4. Develop engaging content:
This is the tricky part. Creating valuable and engaging content that resonates with your target audience is the lifeblood of every good influencer, and is not easy (otherwise, everyone would do it). This can include educational posts, product reviews, cannabis-related news and updates, lifestyle images, or even personal stories. Experiment with different formats like photos, videos, or IGTV to diversify your content, and always listen to constructive feedback to see where you can improve. The secret is in the constant practice!
5. Use relevant hashtags:
Research and use the most popular and relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts. This will help users who are interested in cannabis find your content easily, and also engage with other posts under these hashtags to network and build relationships within the cannabis community. Visibility is always key!
6. Collaborate with others:
Once you start building a following, reach out to other cannabis influencers or industry professionals for collaborations. This can involve guest appearances on their platforms, joint content creation, or cross-promotions. After all, collaborating with others can expand your reach and introduce you to new audiences.
7. Engage with your audience:
Always respond to comments, direct messages, and engage with your followers regularly, at least when you are just starting. Building a community and fostering genuine connections is crucial for becoming an influencer, so answering questions, providing insights, and encouraging discussions to establish yourself as a trusted source of information should be part of your normal routine.
8. Attend events and conferences:
Attend cannabis-related events, trade shows, and conferences to network with industry professionals, brands, and fellow influencers. These events provide opportunities to learn, collaborate, and build your reputation within the cannabis community, as well as help you stay up to date with news.
Here are some events we suggest you attend if you're looking to become a great cannabis influencer and want to create the best cannabis community ever. Spannabis is one of HØJ's favorite ones.
9. Stay up to date:
Continuously educate yourself about the latest trends, developments, and news in the cannabis industry, sharing valuable insights and keeping yourself relevant by staying informed about changes in legislation, new products, and emerging research. There’s always a new opportunity around the next corner!
10. Be patient and consistent:
Remember, building a following and establishing yourself as an influencer takes time. Be patient and consistent with your content creation and engagement efforts, and over time, as you provide value and grow your audience, your recognition will increase. Just keep moving forward!
Although these tips do not guarantee a 100% rate of success, putting the work in is very important for this kind of career. Just have fun, and always keep in mind that, when it comes to cannabis advocacy, approach this with responsibility and respect for legal regulations, prioritizing the safety and well-being of your audience and adhere to community guidelines and local laws above all else. You then will become a respected, valuable member of this tight-knit community!
Women influencer showing herself on camera with a weed pipe on hand (HØJ Media)
Woman holding KØL pipe in hand as influencer lifestyle (HØJ Media)
The impact of social media in weed culture
Social media influencers have become trusted sources of information for cannabis consumers, offering reviews and insights into various strains, products, and accessories. This has significantly influenced the purchasing decisions of cannabis enthusiasts and further propelled the popularity of cannabis-related content on social media, finding a home on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. These provide spaces for individuals to showcase and celebrate cannabis culture, with users sharing their experiences, preferences, and creativity, captivating audiences and contributing to the popularity of weed everywhere.
And don’t forget that, with the legalization of cannabis, brands, and businesses have entered the market, aiming to establish a presence and attract new customers. This brought social media personalities the opportunity to provide cost-effective and targeted marketing opportunities, allowing cannabis companies to reach their desired audience and build better brand recognition. Today, influential celebrities and public figures openly discussing their cannabis use or advocating for its legalization have helped break down stigmas and generate broader interest in this culture.
In short, this combination of changing attitudes, growing communities, educational efforts, the visual nature of social media platforms, marketing opportunities, and celebrity influence have led to the explosion of popularity of cannabis content on social media.
Recording a video on how to grow cannabis at home with a cellphone and a light ring (Envato)
Never give up!
Now, if you're not immediately successful at cannabis influencer marketing, it's important to stay motivated and persistent. Evaluate your strategy by assessing your current approach and identifying areas that may need improvement, always taking into consideration your content quality, engagement tactics, consistency, and overall messaging. If you need to, refine your niche to further define or narrow down your focus. Identify a specific area within the cannabis industry that sets you apart and caters to a specific audience.
After all, focusing on a niche can help you establish yourself as an expert and attract a dedicated following. Seek feedback from them or from fellow influencers, listen to their suggestions and consider implementing them to enhance your content and engagement strategies. Constructive feedback is a very valuable tool that can provide valuable insights and help you improve your approach. Furthermore, consider your C.A.S.E. in order to make adjustments where needed:
- Collaborate with other influencers or industry professionals to expand your reach and introduce yourself to new audiences. Look for opportunities to collaborate on content, joint campaigns, or guest appearances on other platforms. Collaboration can bring fresh perspectives and help you gain exposure to a wider audience.
- Analyze your performance metrics and adapt your strategies accordingly. Pay attention to insights provided by social media analytics tools and adjust your content, posting times, or engagement tactics based on the data. A data-driven approach can help you make informed decisions and improve your chances of success.
- Stay consistent in creating and sharing content regularly, even if you're not getting immediate traction. Develop a content calendar, set goals, and stick to a consistent posting schedule. Building a strong body of work over time increases your chances of success.
- Engage actively with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and mentions. Foster conversations, ask for feedback, and provide value through your interactions. Building genuine connections with your audience can help cultivate a loyal and supportive community.
In other words, be patient and persistent. Building a following and becoming a successful influencer takes time and perseverance. Stay focused, refine your strategy, and stay committed to your vision. Remember, success as an influencer is not solely measured by numbers. It's also about making a positive impact, building a community, and providing value to your audience. Stay passionate, authentic, and committed to your goals, and success will come in due course.
Good luck!
Author: Shaggy
