What is Reddit?
Reddit is a social media platform that uses a forum-style approach to both niche and general topics. Launched in 2005, Reddit now boasts over 73.1 million active daily users. People use the platform to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss topics with like-minded individuals. Reddit’s unique upvote/downvote system allows users to control what content rises to the top.
Reddit Key Features
- Community-driven content
- Karma system that impacts a user’s reputation
- A blend of text, images, and videos to create engagement
Reddit Demographics
As of 2024, there are over half a billion Reddit users worldwide. The audience skews younger, with 44% of users falling between 18 and 29 years old, and the user base is predominantly male. While Reddit is especially popular in the United States, it has a smaller but growing audience in the UK.
For businesses targeting younger male demographics or niche communities, Reddit could be a valuable platform for organic engagement.
How Reddit Has Evolved
Reddit has become increasingly prominent in Google’s search results since Google began prioritizing forums in 2021. Subreddits often rank high on Google, not due to traditional SEO efforts but rather the strong engagement metrics Reddit’s content generates.
Interestingly, Reddit has blocked Bing from indexing its content by adjusting its robots.txt file. This means Reddit threads are not available for Bing users, aligning Reddit more closely with Google, as the two platforms work together on AI-driven initiatives.
This evolution demonstrates Reddit’s growing influence on search results. Brands should be aware of this when considering Reddit as part of their digital marketing strategy.
Subreddits Dos and Donts for Brands
The first thing you need to know is that Reddit marketing is much different from traditional content types. Most users on Reddit are looking to avoid the sales-forward messaging commonly found on other social media platforms. Instead, they are looking for authentic responses and interactions with others.
Here’s a quick list of do’s and don’ts if you decide to post on subreddits:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Offer helpful advice on topics you’re knowledgeable about | Don’t be too salesy or promotional with your messaging |
| Keep your content organic and authentic | Don’t mention your brand name directly in comments or forums |
| Use Reddit sponsored posts to get noticed | Don’t over-post or spam content |
| Engage with users as if you’re just another Redditor | Don’t post like you’re a business |
Specific Brand Examples of How They Use Reddit
Many brands have successfully integrated Reddit into their marketing strategies. For example, brands have engaged directly with users, providing helpful answers and occasionally using sponsored posts to reach targeted audiences.
Exploring Advertising on Reddit
One benefit of Reddit marketing is that brands can post sponsored posts in specific threads Instead of organically engaging with forums and other comments. These promoted posts can help you maximize your reach on Reddit and get more eyes on your brand. On this platform, you can geographically target niche audiences using different content types that complement your branding. Here are some tips for creating content for your Reddit marketing strategy:
- Avoid content that feels too salesy or promotional
- Keep it under 150 characters
- Make sure your Reddit profile is fully optimized
- Add visuals like images, gifs, or videos
Reddit offers a variety of ad formats, including video ads, free-form ads, takeover ads, image ads, and conversation ads. Experiment with different formats to see which works best for your audience and goals.
Is Reddit Partnered With Google?
Yes, Reddit and Google are working closely together. A recent change in Reddit’s robots.txt file means Bing can no longer crawl Reddit, preventing Bing users from seeing Reddit content. However, Reddit threads continue to rank prominently on Google, as Reddit content is used to train Google’s AI models.
For marketers, this partnership signals that Google will continue to prioritize Reddit content in its search results, making Reddit an even more important platform for brands looking to gain visibility through organic search.
Is Reddit Marketing Worth It?
Reddit marketing offers both opportunities and challenges. The platform’s users are known for being skeptical of marketing messages, and overly promotional posts can receive downvotes, reducing your brand’s credibility.
Rather than focusing solely on Reddit SEO, consider these alternatives:
- Improve the quality of your content to align with Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines.
- Experiment with Reddit advertising to reach niche audiences.
- Use subreddits for inspiration for new blog posts, guides, or resources.
- Enhance your website’s user experience based on feedback from Reddit users.
Is Reddit Marketing Hurting Traditional SEO?
While Reddit can provide valuable engagement, its rise in Google’s search results has raised concerns. Spammy links, AI-generated content, and low-quality discussions can sometimes rank higher than authoritative sources. This shift is frustrating for traditional SEO, as it pushes valuable content down in the rankings.
Improve Your Approach to SEO with Kanbar Digital
As search engine optimization continues to evolve, so must your strategy. At Kanbar Digital, we help businesses adapt to these changes, from strategy development to content optimization. Our team is here to ensure your SEO efforts stay on track as platforms like Reddit continue to influence the digital landscape.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can improve your approach to SEO marketing.
