In Part one, you created a Reddit account, learned how Reddit works, chose a target subreddit, and learned how to contribute value to Reddit communities by becoming a good community member. With this knowledge, you can use Reddit to learn more about your target audience, curate content for your blog or social media channels, and network with other individuals in your niche.
If you continue to use Reddit on a regular basis, you will be able to spot opportunities to leverage your time spent on the platform.
In Part two, we want to take you a step further and examine how to actively, and ethically, leverage Reddit as a marketing channel for your business. The first thing you should know is that there are no tricks or secret formulas that will guarantee your success on Reddit.
Part 2two is not going to teach you how to “game” or “hack” Reddit to drive traffic to your landing page. Instead, Part two will begin by focusing on you and your business. We will ask you to write the story of your business so that you can clearly communicate what you do and why you do it.
Then you will take inventory of the assets you have to offer the world and figure out how you can use those assets to contribute value to Reddit. Reddit cannot help but reward people that are contributing
value and have a good story behind their actions.
How this is going to work
Like Part one, each article will feature assignments that you should complete to get the most out of it. Have your favorite word processor on hand because you will be doing a fair amount of writing as you go through it. Keep your notes organized in a folder so you can reference them as you progress.
If you want to get the most out of Part two, start thinking big. Sharing your latest blog post or YouTube video on Reddit can be a great way to market your business, but there is so much more you can do on Reddit.
If you have any limiting beliefs about marketing your business, it is time to set them aside and accept that not only can you get huge results on Reddit, you can earn them.
Writing your story
Most businesses do not share their story with Reddit. Instead, they mistakenly hide their story and identity from Reddit by submitting content under anonymous user accounts that they purchased or created themselves.
We want you to share your story openly on Reddit. This is incredibly important because it provides context for all of your actions, allowing redditors to make sense of your contributions and pair them with your brand.
If you want to use Reddit as a place to market your business ethically, it is vital that you have a valid and transparent story so redditors can learn about you and decide whether it is appropriate for you to market in their communities.
Some common headlines that businesses use on a regular basis to market on Reddit:
This entrepreneur shared the story of how they built their business with /r/Entrepreneur and received significant attention.
• I am a celebrity and you know me from that popular thing
• We are a popular company and a lot of people use our products
• I am an expert in a niche/interesting/useful topic
• I’ve been using Reddit for X number of years, I am one of you and I made this thing
• I am the guy from that popular meme/video
• I created a product that solves this specific problem I see you all complaining about on a regular basis
• I spent significant time and resources investigating that injustice/event/product you all care about
These are just the headlines and sometimes a business will have a story with multiple angles. As you go through this series of articles your story will be the foundation for everything you do.
Assignment 1.1 – Outline Your Story
Take some time to sit down and write the story of your business. This is not about concocting the best story that Reddit will love, but about telling the truth about who you are, what you do, and why you do it. To reiterate, the truth is the best version of your story.
Your story doesn’t have to be a fanciful tale about saving the world or fulfilling your childhood dream. For example, if you are a plumber because it pays well and your Dad was a plumber, tell that story…but really tell it. Why did you feel like that was your best option (or only option)?
Maybe you struggled in school or your parents spent your college savings at the casino. On Reddit, these personal details are relevant, and the more you are willing to divulge, the better.
To complete this assignment, answer the questions below to create the outline of your story.
1. What is your background? Provide all of the details of your history that are relevant to your business.
2. Why did you start this business?
3. What did the business look like in the early stages? How did you get your first customers?
4. What is the current state of your business and how did you get there?
5. What is your biggest success?
6. What is your biggest failure?
7. What is your long-term vision for the business?
Assignment 1.2 – Write headlines for your story
To complete this assignment, write 5-10 headlines that communicate various aspects of your story. Use your story as a reference and follow the models below if you’re not sure where to start.
I started this business because _______.
I love my business because ________.
Working with _______ was especially rewarding because _______.
Our business has provided _______ to ______ (quantifiable result).
I am the owner of _______, you might have heard about us from ________.
