In this episode of Grassroots Marketing, we interview Dan Mondello, CEO and Co-Founder of Rank Really High, about the transformative potential of the Joint E-commerce Platform for the cannabis industry. Dan highlights how this seamless and integrated solution outperforms traditional methods like iframes and subdomains, boasting numerous integration partners such as AeroPay, Metric, and Alpine IQ. The discussion covers the unique challenges of marketing cannabis amidst regulatory restrictions and explores how AI could enhance search accessibility. Dan also notes that non-smoking cannabis products might gain more advertising opportunities post-rescheduling.
Dan and Brasco delve into the profound impact of AI on the cannabis sector, particularly in search engine optimization (SEO). They discuss how AI from companies like Google and Microsoft is evolving to summarize information and generate user responses, potentially shifting away from traditional search results. Dan stresses the importance of cannabis companies ensuring their data is integrated into these AI systems to stay relevant. While this shift will take time, maintaining a strong online presence remains crucial. They agree that human oversight will continue to play a vital role in this transition.
The conversation turns to the critical role of well-optimized dispensary websites in achieving higher search engine rankings. Dan and Brasco emphasize the importance of accurate business information, schema, and customer reviews in building a strong online reputation. They cite the success of the 'Rank Reality High' website as a prime example of effective online strategy. Dan underscores the need to educate clients on using their platform for marketing and creating unique product pages to boost search rankings. He also mentions the risk of homogenization among cannabis dispensary websites, highlighting the necessity for unique, valuable content.
Dan and Brasco explore AI's growing influence on the job market and the imperative for businesses to adapt. They advocate for viewing AI as a tool rather than a threat, recognizing its potential to revolutionize industries like publishing and media. Businesses must prepare for this shift by adopting a dual approach: combining traditional SEO methods with AI-based strategies. This balanced approach will help companies navigate and thrive in an evolving digital landscape.