Hey there, I’m thrilled to chat with Milena Traikovich, a true powerhouse in the world of demand generation. With her deep expertise in analytics, performance optimization, and crafting campaigns that attract top-tier leads, Milena has helped countless businesses refine their digital marketing strategies. Today, we’re diving into the often-overlooked realm of Reddit marketing, exploring how its massive user base and unique features can be a game-changer for businesses. We’ll touch on leveraging Reddit for visibility in AI-driven search results, tapping into customer feedback, and building authentic community connections. Let’s get started!
How did you first realize Reddit could be a powerful marketing tool for businesses?
Honestly, it hit me when I saw the sheer scale of engagement on Reddit. With around 2 billion monthly visitors, it’s not just a platform—it’s a cultural hub where people are deeply invested in niche topics. I started noticing how businesses that engaged authentically were getting real traction, not just in terms of visibility but also in building trust. Unlike other platforms where flashy ads often dominate, Reddit rewards value and conversation, which I saw as a unique opportunity for brands to stand out.
What makes Reddit’s huge audience different from the users on platforms like Facebook or Instagram when it comes to marketing?
Reddit’s audience is incredibly diverse yet hyper-focused. Unlike Facebook or Instagram, where users often scroll passively, Reddit users are there to dive deep into specific interests through subreddits. That 2 billion monthly visitor count isn’t just a number—it represents people who are actively seeking answers, sharing opinions, and engaging in detailed discussions. This makes Reddit a goldmine for targeted marketing, as you can connect with highly relevant communities rather than casting a wide, generic net.
Can you break down what AI overviews are and why they matter so much for businesses right now?
Sure! AI overviews are summaries or snippets that Google and other search engines generate using artificial intelligence, often pulling from trusted sources to answer user queries directly on the results page. They’re a big deal because they’re becoming a primary way people get information without even clicking through to a website. For businesses, being featured in these overviews means instant visibility to potential customers who are searching for solutions or products related to your niche.
How does Reddit’s strong presence in Google’s AI overviews create opportunities for businesses to reach new audiences?
Reddit ranks incredibly high as a source for Google’s AI overviews, often right behind platforms like Quora. This is because of its domain authority and the wealth of user-generated content that answers real questions. When businesses contribute valuable content on Reddit, there’s a solid chance their insights or brand mentions can get pulled into these overviews. That exposure is like a digital billboard—it puts you in front of users who might never have found you through traditional search or ads.
What types of content should businesses focus on sharing on Reddit to boost their chances of appearing in AI search results?
The key is to create content that directly addresses the questions or problems your target audience is asking about. Think detailed guides, step-by-step solutions, or even thoughtful comments in relevant threads. Reddit users crave substance, so posting well-researched answers or sparking meaningful discussions can position your content as a go-to resource. If it’s valuable enough, it increases the likelihood of being picked up by AI tools scanning for authoritative information.
Why do you see Reddit as such a valuable space for collecting customer feedback compared to other platforms?
Reddit’s structure of niche subreddits makes it unparalleled for social listening. These communities are laser-focused on specific topics, whether it’s a product category, industry, or hobby. Users speak candidly there, sharing pain points, reviews, and ideas without the polished filter you often see on other platforms. For businesses, it’s like having a direct line into unfiltered customer thoughts, which is pure gold for understanding what people really need or want.
Could you share an example of how a business might use a subreddit to uncover customer challenges or ideas for improvement?
Absolutely. Let’s say you run a small tech gadget company. You could explore a subreddit dedicated to tech enthusiasts or even one focused on your specific type of product, like wireless earbuds. By reading through posts and comments, you might find users complaining about battery life or suggesting features like customizable controls. That’s actionable insight—you can take those frustrations or ideas straight back to your product team or use them to shape a blog post addressing those concerns.
How can businesses transform the feedback they gather on Reddit into concrete improvements or content strategies?
It’s all about closing the loop. If you see recurring questions or issues on Reddit, update your website with FAQs or blog posts that tackle those topics head-on. You could also develop webinars or videos that dive deeper into solutions. For product feedback, use it to inform design tweaks or new features. The key is to show you’re listening—maybe even circle back to the subreddit to thank users for their input and share how you’ve implemented their ideas. That builds trust and loyalty.
What does ‘value-packed content’ mean in the context of Reddit, and why is it critical for success there?
On Reddit, value-packed content is all about giving users something genuinely useful—think actionable advice, insider tips, or detailed answers to their questions. It’s critical because Reddit’s culture rejects overt self-promotion. If you’re just pushing your product without contributing to the conversation, you’ll get downvoted or ignored. But when you focus on helping first, you establish credibility, and over time, that naturally draws attention to your brand.
How can a business ensure they’re coming across as authentic and transparent when interacting on Reddit?
Be real and upfront. Don’t hide that you’re a business, but don’t make every interaction a sales pitch either. Respond to comments honestly, admit when you don’t know something, and show gratitude for feedback—even the critical kind. Transparency means owning up to mistakes if they’re pointed out and sharing how you’re addressing them. Reddit users can spot inauthenticity a mile away, so just being human and approachable goes a long way.
What are some effective ways a business can add to Reddit communities without seeming overly promotional?
Start by participating as a member, not a marketer. Share insights or experiences that relate to the community’s interests, answer questions based on your expertise, or post content that sparks discussion—like a case study or a helpful resource. You can also engage by upvoting good content or asking thoughtful questions yourself. The goal is to build relationships first; subtle mentions of your brand can come later, only when it’s relevant and adds to the convo.
Can you explain the potential advantages of setting up a branded subreddit for a business?
A branded subreddit can be a fantastic way to create a dedicated space for your audience to connect with your business and each other. It builds a sense of community where customers can discuss your products, share feedback, or even showcase how they use what you offer. It also positions you as a thought leader in your niche, giving you control over the narrative while fostering loyalty. Plus, it’s a direct channel to test ideas or gather input without the noise of broader platforms.
What are some creative content ideas or activities a business could run on their own subreddit to engage users?
There are so many fun ways to go about this! You could host ‘ask-me-anything’ sessions where your team answers user questions live. Setting up regular discussion threads around specific products or industry trends is another great idea. You might also encourage user-generated content, like inviting customers to share photos or stories of how they use your product. Even hosting contests or polls can keep things lively and give you insights into what your audience cares about.
How does having two-way conversations on Reddit help reveal the more personal, human side of a brand?
When you engage in real back-and-forth dialogue on Reddit, it strips away the corporate facade. Responding to users’ comments, asking for their opinions, or even sharing a lighthearted story shows there are real people behind the brand. It’s not just a one-way broadcast like a traditional ad—it’s a conversation. That interaction builds relatability and trust, making customers feel like they’re talking to a friend rather than a faceless company.
What’s one key piece of advice you’d offer to a small business just dipping their toes into Reddit marketing to steer clear of common pitfalls?
My biggest tip is to prioritize listening over speaking at first. Spend time lurking in relevant subreddits to understand the culture, tone, and rules before posting anything. Reddit users are quick to call out self-promotion, so rushing in with a salesy mindset is a surefire way to flop. Instead, focus on being helpful and genuine—build rapport slowly. It’s a long game, but if you show up with value, the community will embrace you.
