So I saw a conversation earlier today, I had never heard of it much less used it ...... SUPER STRANGE PLATFORM... here is my take on it...
Reddit is a massive online platform made up of thousands of communities, or “subreddits,” each focused on specific topics, interests, or ideas. Users on Reddit post content such as text, images, links, or videos, and other users can upvote or downvote posts based on how valuable or interesting they find them. Each subreddit has its own rules and culture, and users can participate by posting content or joining in discussions through comments.
Key Features of Reddit:
• Subreddits: These are individual communities centered around specific topics. Some subreddits are small and niche, while others are massive and cover broader interests. For example, r/Entrepreneur is a subreddit where people share business ideas and advice.
• Karma System: Reddit uses an upvote/downvote system where users gain or lose “karma” points depending on how well their posts and comments are received.
• Discussion-Based: Reddit is known for its rich, often in-depth discussions. Unlike some social media platforms, Reddit focuses heavily on content and conversation rather than quick likes or shares.
• Anonymity: Reddit allows users to participate with minimal personal information, which encourages more open and honest discussions.
How You Could Use Reddit for Your Business or Community
1. Market Research:
• Identify Trends: Subreddits related to your business niche can provide insight into customer pain points, current trends, and frequently asked questions. For example, if you’re looking into health and wellness trends, subreddits like r/loseit or r/keto could provide valuable insights into what people are focusing on.
• Survey Potential Customers: Reddit users are often willing to share their opinions. You can post questions in relevant subreddits to gather feedback or ideas.
2. Engage in Niche Communities:
• Join subreddits that align with your business, such as r/networkmarketing or r/socialmedia, and participate by offering helpful advice or answering questions. Consistently adding value can help you establish authority without direct self-promotion.
• Avoid spamming or overtly promoting your business in these communities, as Reddit users generally prefer authentic, value-driven content.
3. Build a Community:
• Create Your Own Subreddit: If you have a loyal audience or are ready to build one, you can create a subreddit for your community. This could be a space where people can discuss your niche, ask questions, or share their experiences. For example, you could create a subreddit related to your ‘Earn While You Learn’ community, where users can share tips on building an online business or engaging in cold outreach.
• A subreddit can serve as a forum-like extension of your existing community on platforms like Skool, where members can have more extended discussions or ask specific questions.
4. Content Promotion (Soft Marketing):
• Share content that aligns with the subreddit’s focus. For instance, if you’re creating an eBook on menopause, find relevant health or women’s wellness subreddits where people are discussing related issues. You can share your eBook or content in a helpful, non-promotional way (e.g., “I wrote this guide to help women navigate menopause, happy to share it if anyone is interested”). Make sure to follow subreddit rules as some communities may prohibit promotional posts.
5. Networking with Industry Experts:
• Reddit also has AMAs (Ask Me Anything) where people, including experts, entrepreneurs, and influencers, answer user questions. Hosting an AMA could be a way for you to introduce your expertise to a broader audience and gain visibility for your business.
6. Drive Traffic:
• If you’ve written helpful blog posts, created YouTube videos, or have podcasts, Reddit can be a place to subtly share these resources in a way that adds value. Sharing them in discussions (where relevant) can lead to users following the link to your content.
Reddit can be a powerful tool, but success relies on authentic engagement. Building trust, offering value, and engaging genuinely with the community are key elements to getting the most out of the platform.