Introduction
In cannabis retail, timing and location are everything. What if you could reach a potential customer the moment they walk past your dispensary or even better, when they’re visiting a competitor nearby? That’s the power of geofencing ads.
In this blog, we’ll break down what geofencing is, how it works for dispensaries, and how to use it to increase foot traffic, boost loyalty signups, and drive more sales.
What Is Geofencing?
Geofencing is a location-based marketing strategy that uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data to create a virtual boundary around a physical location. When someone with a smartphone enters that area, you can automatically trigger a targeted ad, offer, or notification.
For dispensaries, this means you can reach shoppers in real time when they’re most likely to buy.
Why Geofencing Works for Cannabis Retail
Cannabis customers are often impulse-driven. They may be searching for a deal, trying a new product, or visiting a dispensary for the first time.
Geofencing ads let you:
Target people near your dispensary
Send promotions when they're close and likely to convert
Attract foot traffic from nearby competitors
Increase awareness during key hours (lunch, commute, etc.)
How to Use Geofencing With Sticky Cards
Sticky Cards integrates geofencing with push notifications — no app download required. Here’s how you can make it work:
1. Set Up Custom Geofences
Choose specific locations to geofence:
Your own dispensary
Competing dispensaries
Events, concerts, or festivals
Busy intersections near your shop
2. Trigger Smart Campaigns in Real Time
When a customer enters your geofence, automatically trigger a push notification like:
“You’re nearby! Pop in and get 20% off today only.”
“2x loyalty points if you visit us in the next hour.”
These messages are timely, personal, and drive immediate action.
3. Capture Walk-Ins & Build Loyalty
Even if someone doesn’t buy right away, you’ve captured their attention and with Sticky Cards, you can prompt them to join your loyalty program with just a tap.
Add a wallet pass directly to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, so your brand stays on their phone — even after they leave.
Compliance-Friendly Advertising
Unlike SMS or paid social ads, geofencing push notifications avoid common compliance pitfalls. Sticky Cards helps you stay within cannabis marketing regulations by keeping everything opt-in and privacy-friendly.
Pro Tips to Maximize Geofencing ROI
Segment your audience: Don’t blast the same message to everyone. Tailor it to loyalty members, first-timers, or VIPs.
Test different messages: A/B test offers and timing.
Use exclusivity: “Today only” and “members-only” offers work great near competitors.
Measure and optimize: Use Sticky Cards’ analytics to track conversion rates and customer visits.
Final Thoughts
Geofencing isn’t just a trendy tech—it’s a proven way to drive local traffic and increase sales. When paired with Sticky Cards’ loyalty marketing tools, it becomes a powerful combo to engage, convert, and retain customers near your dispensary.
