High Standard Copy Founder Interviews Joseph Hemp Writer
Angela Schweers is the Founder & Chief Copywriter of High Standard Copy.
Joseph Powers is the Founder & Chief Editor of Hemp Writer.
Angela: How’s it been going with using AI for cannabis copywriting!? I’m happy to see it. 
Joseph: What’s interesting about this AI phenomenon is that most clients started out completely refusing any and all AI writing.
Then, clients started shifting toward being okay with using AI to support writing — but NOT simply copying and pasting 100% AI-written content.
Are a lot of writers responding to it or is it more cannabis company marketing departments?
What I’m finding with Chat GPT-4 (my go-to AI) is that it does a pretty good job of helping you SAY what you already KNOW or have researched in depth.
Specifically, any AI that I’ve played around with still needs quite a bit of editing, formatting, and overall structure before it’s ready for final publication.
- AI still can’t link to relevant research from Science Journals.
- AI can’t do internal linking.
- AI can’t interview human experts and quote them.
On and on.
I’ve used ChatGPT just for some basic drafting/outlining, but I haven’t been too impressed with its in-depth knowledge of the plant or the industry. (To be fair, I completely lack any in-depth knowledge of ChatGPT.) I’m curious about your platform and need to spend more time on your site.
Typically, companies hire me to create content calendars with keywords targeting all stages of the sales funnel.
Once I have a large list of keywords for each search intent, I then organize the calendar with the priority (low-hanging fruit) keywords first.
Then I write the content.
And finally, as I’m publishing, I’m interlinking between relevant blog articles to maximize SEO and just simply help the actual human reader get what they actually want and NEED.
Long story short, I’m finding that with large content projects, AI usually slows me down and gives me EXTRA editing and fact-checking WORK.
Instead, I go straight to the research and write about the relevant information I find without being slowed down by having to verify what the AI is saying is actually or.
Or try to FIND what information the AI is quoting.
AI like to say pretty things, but they rarely quote recent science journals with accuracy.
I’m so grateful to hear cannabis companies are looking for content/actually prioritizing content calendars. 🙏 I’ve been writing for the industry for 5 years now and it has been a struuuuuggle to get canna companies to take all this seriously, especially since many/most don’t have any money to spare, and marketing services are not tax deductible for the plant-touching businesses.
In my 12 years of experience writing SEO content for cannabis companies, the cannabis companies that “get it” tend to invest more heavily in ongoing content publication – at least initially – that targets all levels of the sales funnel.
Newer companies tend to require a starting point of quite a bit of high-level general information that provides a well-rounded topical coverage with the intention of rapidly boosting their Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust (EEAT) score.
EEAT is possibly the single most important acronym that Google explains and sets out as the basic standard ranking signal.
Overall, depending on how developed that cannabis company’s online presence is, my job typically starts with establishing a content calendar and scheduling regular blog publications, again, targeting all levels of the funnel.
The larger cannabis corporations tend to do a publication BLITZ and push out a large volume of content to quickly start getting feedback from Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
Another term for this method is the BATTLESHIP method, like the board game, in order to get a lot of HITS and “sink the enemy’s ship,” the best method – if you have the budget – is to target a wide range of categories and topics.
Once we start getting HITS, we start targeting keyword clusters that are closely associated with the topics that are getting a lot of attention.
Do you work mostly with plant-touching or non-plant-touching?
Overall, I’d say most of my clients are non-plant-touching that support the plant touching companies.
The plant touching companies that tend to hire me are typically in the pre-license phase and want me to help write the application, SOPs, and other supporting compliance related documents.
Other types of plant touching companies I’ve written for include; seed banks (I think that counts), and clone cultivation – but – rarely do I have dispensary clients reaching out to me or responding to my inquiries.
The typical non plant touching clients are:
- CBD retail (typically private label),
- Agencies (both cannabis only clients and non-cannabis agencies with clients looking to enter the cannabis industry)
- Consulting Firms
- Extraction equipment
- CPA
- Cultivation nutrients
- Other freelancers who need help fulfilling large orders
- Career Coach
- Investors
- Grow equipment
- Recreational entertainment
- And a handful of others
About Angela Schweers
Meet Angela, the dynamic force behind High Standard Copy. With a career spanning over a decade in marketing and public relations, Angela has carved a niche in the cannabis industry as a skilled copywriter. Her journey is fueled by a profound appreciation for the power of words, a power she skillfully channels to advocate for a brighter, more informed future in the cannabis sector.
At High Standard Copy, Angela’s expertise transcends beyond crafting engaging content. She is well-versed in navigating the complexities of the cannabis market, having written for diverse clients in ten different states: AZ, CA, CO, FL, MA, MI, MO, NC, NY, and TX. Her clientele ranges from hemp and CBD businesses to medical and recreational cannabis ventures, each benefiting from her tailored and impactful messaging.
Education and industry knowledge are cornerstones of Angela’s approach. As a Certified Cannabis Professional with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, she brings a blend of academic insight and practical experience. This unique combination ensures that her copy is not only captivating but also compliant and educational.
Angela’s work at High Standard Copy is defined by tangible results. From enhancing website traffic to boosting email campaign effectiveness, her writing consistently delivers growth and engagement. She excels in developing a trustworthy brand voice, achieved through optimized, SEO-friendly content that informs, persuades, and converts.
Whether working with established cannabis businesses or supporting new ventures, Angela’s collaborative approach is key to elevating brands. Her commitment is to lighten the workload of her clients, amplify their message, and contribute to the flourishing of their businesses.
For those ready to see their cannabis business thrive, Angela offers the opportunity to collaborate and achieve success.
Schedule a free consultation today and embark on a journey of growth and excellence with High Standard Copy.
About Joseph Powers
Welcome to the world of Hemp Writer, where the art of storytelling meets the ever-evolving cannabis industry. Our team, led by founder Joseph R. Powers, is dedicated to crafting content that not only captivates but also educates. We’re more than just writers; we’re narrators of the cannabis journey, blending industry expertise with SEO mastery to ensure your brand’s message resonates both with your audience and search engines.
Joseph R. Powers: The Heart of Hemp Writer
Joseph’s path to becoming a leading voice in cannabis content writing is as compelling as it is unique. His journey began with a personal experience in the military that opened his eyes to the potential of cannabis as a healing agent. This realization ignited a burning desire in him to delve deep into cannabis research and share his insights with the world.
After being discharged from the nuclear military in 2011, Joseph’s experience with prescription medication led him to discover cannabis as a means to heal from his trauma. His passion for the plant grew into a professional calling, and since his first published piece in 2016, Joseph has become a sought-after voice in the cannabis industry.
His story resonates with many, connecting on a deeper level with clients and readers who have experienced similar paths to discovering cannabis.
What Hemp Writer Offers
At Hemp Writer, we understand the power of precise communication, especially in an industry as dynamic as cannabis. We offer:
- Expert Content Creation: Our writers are well-versed in the nuances of cannabis, delivering articles that resonate and engage.
- SEO Mastery: We ensure your content ranks high, connecting you with the right audience.
- Educative Initiatives: Demystifying cannabis and spreading informed awareness is our priority.
- Brand Storytelling: We narrate your brand’s unique journey in an authentic and engaging way.
- Regulatory Compliance: Our content adheres to regional regulations, maintaining your brand’s integrity.
- Engaging Multimedia Content: From infographics to videos, we enrich user experience beyond text.
- Market Research & Insights: Stay ahead with content that’s relevant and forward-thinking.
- Community Building: Our content fosters dialogue, creating loyal brand advocates.
- Global Reach: No matter your target market, our tailored content speaks to diverse audiences.
The Team
Alongside Joseph is a team of dedicated professionals like Cinda Nevarez, an SEO writer and editor, each bringing their own expertise to enhance the Hemp Writer experience. We’re not just creating content; we’re shaping the cannabis narrative.
Join us on this journey and let Hemp Writer elevate your cannabis business through the power of expertly crafted content.
Contact Hemp Writer today to get started.