Marketing on Reddit can be super effective...
...but it has to be done carefully.
Redditors hate anything that feels spammy or inauthentic, so the key is to add value and build trust first. Here's a breakdown of how to do it right:
Step 1: Understand Reddit Culture
- Reddit is made up of thousands of subreddits (niche communities).
- Each subreddit has its own rules, tone, and culture. Breaking those rules can get you banned.
- Redditors value genuine discussion and honest content over obvious promotion.
Step 2: Find the Right Subreddits
- Use the search bar or https://www.reddit.com/subreddits to discover subreddits related to your niche.
- Look for:
- Your industry (e.g. r/Entrepreneur, r/SmallBusiness, r/InteriorDesign)
- Your audience’s interests
- Local subreddits (e.g. r/minnesota, r/twincities)
Step 3: Participate First
- Before promoting anything, become part of the community.
- Comment, upvote, answer questions, and be helpful.
- Establish a Reddit account that doesn't look brand-new or fake.
Step 4: Soft Promotion Tactics
Here’s how to promote without getting booted:
- Be Valuable
- Share helpful insights or “how-to” posts from your experience.
- Answer people’s questions in your area of expertise.
- Mention your business only if it’s truly relevant (and even then, do it humbly).
- Post Case Studies or Before/After
- Example: “We just repainted a 1950s kitchen—here’s how we modernized it” in r/HomeImprovement or r/DIY.
- Include pictures or a story. Reddit loves transformations.
- Run an AMA (“Ask Me Anything”)
- If you have expertise, host an AMA in a relevant subreddit.
- Example: “I run a local painting/drywall business—AMA about home renovations.”
- Share Content Strategically
- Link to your blog, YouTube, or website only if it provides real value (e.g. a guide, checklist, etc)., and Avoid direct sales pitches.
Step 5: Use Reddit Ads (Optional)
Reddit Ads can be effective, especially for niche targeting.
- You can:
- Promote posts (boost visibility of something organic)
- Run traditional display ads
- Target by subreddit, interests, geography, etc.
Step 6: Track and Tweak
- Use UTM links or trackable URLs to see what traffic Reddit is sending.
- Watch engagement on your posts and adjust your approach.
Things to Avoid
- Don't just drop links and disappear.
- Don’t act like a “brand.” Be human.
- Don’t get defensive—Redditors can be blunt.
Conclusion
Reddit is a social media platform and online community [forum] where registered users can post content, share links, ask questions, and participate in discussions across thousands of “subreddits”—which are individual communities focused on specific topics (like news, gaming, fitness, memes, science, or niche hobbies).
It is not primarily a place to network or promote your business. But, if done authentically with a helpful spirit, the opportunity is there.
This post written by AI, and verified by Rob Shurtleff, The Website Guy.