How to Get Traffic from Reddit: Feedback from 100+ People
Last updated: 22 October 2025
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Reddit delivers 1.2 billion monthly visits and communities that can send 12,000 to 30,000 visitors in 24 hours, but most entrepreneurs get banned within their first week because they treat it like Facebook where you can just drop links.
We spent weeks digging through Indie Hackers, Hacker News, Reddit itself, and founder communities to compile real experiences from people who drove actual traffic, not theory from marketers who never used the platform.
Every tactic was mentioned in at least three different sources by people who built their accounts from zero karma to consistent traffic machines, and if you want more research on where your customers hang out and how to reach them at scale, check out our market clarity reports.
Quick Summary
Building a Reddit account that drives traffic takes 3 to 6 months of consistent participation before you can promote anything without getting banned.
You need at least 100 to 500 karma points from genuine comments and posts before mentioning your product, and you must follow the 90/10 rule where only 10% of your activity can be self-promotional. The tactics that drive the most clicks are posting full long-form content directly on Reddit (not just links), timing your posts during peak activity hours, and commenting early on rising posts instead of creating your own.
Most successful posts get 500 to 1,500 visitors from smaller subreddits, while viral hits can bring 12,000 to 30,000 in 24 to 48 hours, but those wins only come after weeks of invisible groundwork building trust with the community.
In our market clarity reports, you'll always find a sharp analysis of your competitors.
16 tactics to build your Reddit account and drive website traffic
1. You must commit 15-30 minutes daily to Reddit engagement
What it is:
You commit 3 hours per week total (or 15 to 30 minutes daily) broken down as 5 to 10 minutes exploring Reddit threads, 15 to 20 minutes writing 4 to 7 high-value comments, 30 to 60 minutes weekly for one strategic post, and 5 to 10 minutes responding to engagement.Why it works:
Reddit requires consistent presence over time, not sporadic bursts where you post once a month and expect results. Less time means slow karma building and minimal results, while more time can deliver faster credibility but risks burnout. One marketing expert who successfully drives traffic recommends 1 to 2 hours daily for accelerated results, but even small consistent time investments work if sustained over months.How to execute it well:
Set strict timers to avoid Reddit rabbit holes that waste hours scrolling. Use weekdays only (5 days per week) for consistency. Focus on "Rising" and "Hot" posts in 3 to 5 core subreddits rather than spreading yourself too thin. In large subs with 1 million+ members, engage with posts that have 50+ upvotes and 15+ comments. In smaller subs, 5+ upvotes is sufficient. Schedule your Reddit time like any other business task at the same time each day to build the habit.2. You must time your Reddit posts during peak activity hours
What it is:
You use data-driven tools like Delay for Reddit or Later for Reddit to identify when your target subreddit has the most active users online, then post during those peak hours to maximize initial upvotes in the critical first 1 to 2 hours.Why it works:
Reddit's algorithm heavily weights recency, so newer posts with early upvotes rank higher and appear to more people. The more recent upvotes you get, the more visible your post becomes, but posting at wrong times means your content gets buried under dozens of new posts before anyone sees it. One founder achieved 700,000 impressions and 20,000 visitors by timing their launch at 8 AM EST when everyone was online.How to execute it well:
For US-focused subreddits, typically post between 6 to 8 AM EST or 12 to 2 PM EST on weekdays, with Thursday being the highest traffic day for many communities. Use timing analysis tools to study your specific subreddit's patterns rather than guessing. Monitor your post for the first 2 hours and engage with early commenters immediately because this signals activity and boosts algorithmic visibility. Another entrepreneur achieved best results posting once around 10 AM and once around 7 PM based on their target audience's patterns.3. You must follow the 90/10 rule for Reddit self-promotion
What it is:
Ninety percent of your Reddit activity should be non-promotional, helpful content, with only 10% promotional, meaning for every 1 promotional post, you need 9 helpful contributions to the community through comments, posts, and genuine engagement.Why it works:
Reddit's site-wide policy states "it's perfectly fine to be a Redditor with a website, it's not okay to be a website with a Reddit account," and violating this ratio triggers spam filters and can lead to shadowbans. Many subreddits enforce this rule strictly, and moderators across different subs can report you site-wide for excessive self-promotion. Multiple entrepreneurs report getting banned even with successful posts when their history showed too much self-promotion.How to execute it well:
Track your post and comment history and aim for only 1 promotional post visible per page of your profile when someone checks your history. Delete promotional posts that don't get more than 10 upvotes within 48 hours because they just make your ratio look worse. Participate genuinely by commenting on others' posts, sharing valuable insights, and answering questions without mentioning your product. Post content from other sources, not just your own links, and use Reddit for actual engagement rather than just as a promotion channel, and if you need strategic guidance on customer acquisition beyond Reddit, our market clarity reports map out entire distribution strategies.4. You should post full long-form content directly on Reddit
What it is:
Instead of just posting a link to your blog, you publish your entire article or case study directly in a Reddit text post with markdown formatting, bullet points, and clear sections, then include a subtle link at the bottom for people who want more details.Why it works:
Redditors prefer consuming content on the platform rather than clicking external links because it's faster and they don't have to leave. Full content demonstrates you're there to provide value, not just get clicks, and it bypasses the immediate objection that you're just another marketer trying to steal traffic. People who read 2,000+ words on Reddit are highly engaged and more likely to click through for additional resources.How to execute it well:
Write 1,500 to 2,500 word posts addressing a common subreddit pain point with clear sections, bullet points, and numbered lists for readability. Share actionable insights and case study results with specific numbers rather than vague advice. At the end, add something like "More details on this topic here: [link]" as a subtle call-to-action rather than aggressive promotion. Respond to every comment for the first 24 hours to keep engagement high, and share personal failures and lessons learned alongside successes. One founder got 24,000 views and 300 comments by writing an article following the storytelling first, value second approach.5. You should use Reddit headline formulas with specific numbers
What it is:
You study top posts in your target subreddit and reverse-engineer successful title formulas, using patterns like "[Time ago] I [did X]. Here's what happened" or including specific numbers and keeping titles between 60 to 80 characters for maximum upvotes.Why it works:
The title is the only thing that determines if someone clicks or scrolls past your post, and clickbait gets downvoted while curiosity-driven titles with specific value propositions work. Numbers, specifics, and personal stories outperform generic titles every time. Research shows titles with 60 to 80 characters got the most upvotes (8,000+ on average), while those over 120 or under 20 characters performed worst.How to execute it well:
Research the top 15 to 20 posts in your subreddit and identify common title patterns that got upvoted. Use formulas like "[X months ago] I [accomplished Y]. Here's exactly how..." and include specific numbers like "70 leads in 3 days" instead of vague phrases like "lots of leads quickly." Use parentheticals to add intrigue like "(works even if you have no audience)" and avoid ALL CAPS, excessive emojis, or obvious marketing language. One post titled "I went #1 on Reddit multiple times, here's how" got 1.3 million views using a story-driven title.6. You should comment early on rising Reddit posts
What it is:
Rather than creating your own posts that might get buried, you sort subreddits by "Rising" to find posts that are gaining traction, then comment within the first 1 to 2 hours with substantial value to earn top comment position.Why it works:
Top comments get seen by everyone who reads the post, potentially reaching millions of viewers without you having to create content from scratch. Comments on rising posts get positioned at the top before thousands of other commenters arrive, and early comments compound visibility as posts get more popular. It's much easier to rank a comment highly than to rank a new post from zero, and Reddit's ranking algorithm uses a formula where older comments rapidly lose visibility.How to execute it well:
Target posts with 50+ upvotes in large subs with 1 million+ members, or posts with just 5+ upvotes in smaller niche subs where competition is lower. Comment within the first 1 to 2 hours of a post going up with genuinely helpful insights, not generic reactions. Don't comment on threads older than 3 months because it's obvious to Redditors and looks spammy. One case study showed active commenting across 22 subreddits with 55 comments in 6 days created a robust presence that drove consistent traffic.7. You must build 100-500 Reddit karma before promoting
What it is:
You accumulate karma points (at least 100 to 300, with some subreddits requiring 1,000+) before attempting promotional activities by building karma through helpful comments and participation in your target communities over 2 to 4 weeks, prioritizing comment karma over post karma.Why it works:
New accounts with zero karma are automatically flagged as spam in most subreddits, and karma requirements vary by subreddit from 10 to 30 for niche communities, 100+ for larger ones, and 1,000+ for major subreddits. Karma proves you're an active, contributing member rather than a drive-by promoter, and without karma, your posts won't even show up because they'll be caught in spam filters. One Reddit marketing expert states they've never been removed for anything above 500 karma.How to execute it well:
Start by commenting on posts in large, active subreddits like r/AskReddit or r/todayilearned with genuinely helpful answers. Provide thoughtful insights and share experiences rather than giving unsolicited advice. Comment on "Rising" posts for better visibility because they already have traction but aren't buried yet. Post interesting articles (not your own) to relevant subreddits to build post karma alongside comment karma. Build 500 to 1,000 karma before attempting promotional posts, achievable in 2 to 4 weeks of 20 minutes daily for 5 days weekly, and age your account for at least 2 weeks before major promotional efforts.8. You should share personal journey storytelling on Reddit
What it is:
You create personal narrative posts sharing your journey, failures, and lessons learned with product mentions as secondary elements rather than the main focus, using the "struggle to solution to result" framework that naturally leads to product discussion.Why it works:
Storytelling creates emotional connection and authenticity that Redditors value highly, and the "building in public" format is especially popular in entrepreneur subreddits. Stories about struggles and solutions resonate more than feature lists, and this approach allows subtle product mentions without appearing promotional because the story carries the post.How to execute it well:
Use the "how I built" framework focusing on the building process, not the end product, like "I built an AI chrome extension to 10x your reading in 2 days, here's how" rather than just "Check out my new extension." Include real roadblocks you encountered and how you solved them with specific details. Lead with value and education so the post is useful even for people who won't use your product. Save product links for the end or comments, letting the story carry the post naturally, and if you want examples of how successful products position themselves, our market clarity reports analyze competitor messaging strategies. Post timing matters, so test 5 to 7 PM in your target audience's timezone.9. You should post genuine feedback requests on Reddit
What it is:
You share what you've built and ask for honest critique from the community, positioning yourself as humble and open to improvement rather than as a marketer trying to promote something finished.Why it works:
Requests for feedback are culturally acceptable forms of self-promotion on Reddit because they engage community members who enjoy giving advice and critique. Positioning yourself as humble and open to improvement resonates with the community far more than positioning yourself as someone with a finished product to sell. These posts generate discussion that keeps your post algorithmically active for longer, and subreddits specifically designed for this like r/design_critiques or r/roastmystartup have built-in audiences ready to help.How to execute it well:
Be genuinely open to criticism and don't get defensive when feedback is harsh, because Redditors can smell fake requests from a mile away. Frame your post as "work in progress" and emphasize you're still improving and value input. Ask specific questions like "What would make you actually use this?" rather than vague "What do you think?" questions. Share your learning process and explain design decisions and challenges you faced. Engage with every commenter by thanking them, asking follow-up questions, and showing you're actually listening.10. You must build your Reddit foundation for 3-6 months
What it is:
You build a foundation over 3 to 6 months with month one for pure observation and learning, month two for authentic engagement in industry communities with helpful comments only, and month three for strategic content, dedicating 60 to 70% of initial effort to organic community building before promotional activities.Why it works:
Reddit users quickly identify and reject corporate communications that lack established community participation patterns, and jumping straight to promotion results in instant bans. This foundation period creates the credibility that makes future posts accepted instead of downvoted into oblivion. One Reddit marketing expert explicitly states meaningful business impact requires 3 to 6 months, with some clients seeing Reddit become their primary funnel within 3 months after perfect execution, but most taking 6 to 12 months.How to execute it well:
First month join subreddits related to personal interests (not business) to learn Reddit culture and how conversations flow. Simultaneously conduct "deep audience immersion" by mapping user journeys, pain points, and the exact language people use in discussions. Build karma through genuine participation without any promotional intent. Only in months 2 to 3 start engaging on business-related topics, still without self-promotion. Month 4+ you can begin strategic posts with proper disclosure as a founder, focusing on providing value first.11. You must check subreddit rules before posting anything
What it is:
Before engaging in any subreddit, you thoroughly read the community rules in the sidebar, understand posting guidelines, check self-promotion policies, and observe discussion tone to avoid getting banned or downvoted into oblivion.Why it works:
Each subreddit has unique rules where some ban all self-promotion, others allow it only on specific days like "Self-Promotion Saturdays," and following rules prevents post removal, account bans, and protects your brand reputation. Redditors are extremely hostile to rule-breakers and obvious marketers who don't take time to understand the community. Multiple entrepreneurs report hitting #1 on subreddits only to get banned later for subtle rule violations they didn't know existed.How to execute it well:
Visit the subreddit and read the complete "About" section and rules list before posting anything. Look for designated self-promotion threads or required flairs for promotional content, and check if there's a specific day for sharing projects. Observe top posts from the past month to note tone, format, and what gets upvoted versus what gets ignored. Read through comments to understand what the community values and dislikes. When uncertain, message moderators directly to ask if your content would be appropriate.12. You should use tools to find relevant subreddits
What it is:
You use dedicated third-party tools like GummySearch, SubredditStats, RedditList, and FrontPage Metrics to discover relevant subreddits based on your niche, keywords, and target audience instead of manually searching through Reddit's 100,000+ communities.Why it works:
These tools aggregate and organize Reddit's massive ecosystem into searchable databases with metrics like subscriber counts, growth rates, and activity levels that would take weeks to find manually. GummySearch specifically helps identify "breaking out" communities with high growth potential, while SubredditStats shows growth trends over time. You'll discover niche communities you'd never find through manual searches.How to execute it well:
Start with GummySearch by entering your niche keywords to see related subreddits, pain points people discuss, and recurring themes across multiple communities. Use SubredditStats.com to research subreddit growth patterns and subscriber trends over time. Browse RedditList organized alphabetically and filter by size (1,000+ members minimum) and recent activity. Check FrontPage Metrics for daily growth rates to spot trending communities before they get too competitive.13. You should evaluate subreddit size and activity carefully
What it is:
You analyze key metrics including subscriber count, daily active users, post frequency, comment-to-post ratio, and recent activity to determine if a subreddit has enough active engagement to drive meaningful traffic without being too large and competitive.Why it works:
Large subreddits with 1 million+ subscribers offer high traffic potential but fierce competition where your posts get buried within minutes. Very small subreddits under 1,000 subscribers lack the activity needed to drive significant traffic. The sweet spot is often medium-sized communities with 10,000 to 100,000 members with high engagement rates. High comment-to-post ratios show quality discussions (not just passive scrolling), which means people actually read and engage with content.How to execute it well:
Check subscriber count and compare it to recent post frequency to see if the community is active relative to its size. Look at "online now" or "active users" count shown in the subreddit header. Examine top posts to see how many upvotes and comments they typically receive. Calculate engagement rate using this formula: (average comments per post divided by subscriber count) multiplied by 100. Check when the last post was made because subreddits with daily activity are ideal.14. You must keep your Reddit post history clean
What it is:
You maintain a post history showing diverse, genuine participation, delete unsuccessful promotional posts, and remember that Redditors will dig through your entire history looking for self-promotion patterns before deciding to trust you.Why it works:
The number one activity Redditors do when they suspect promotion is check your entire post history going back months. Moderators review history before approving posts or responding to appeals, and a history full of promotional links triggers spam filters across all subreddits. A pattern of excessive self-promotion can lead to site-wide shadowban where you can post but nobody sees your content.How to execute it well:
Limit promotional posts to only 1 visible per page of your Reddit history when someone scrolls through your profile. Delete promotional submissions that get fewer than 10 upvotes within 48 hours. Diversify your participation across multiple subreddits rather than only posting in one or two. Post valuable non-promotional content regularly like interesting articles, helpful guides, or discussion questions. Don't post the same link to multiple subreddits immediately because space cross-posts 1 to 2 weeks apart. Include plenty of comments helping others between any promotional posts.15. You must avoid Reddit shadowbans by following guidelines
What it is:
Using VPNs, vote manipulation, asking friends to upvote, excessive self-promotion without engagement, posting from flagged IPs, or sharing content from previously banned domains all trigger shadowbans where you can post but nobody sees your content.Why it works as punishment:
Shadowbans are Reddit's stealth weapon against spammers where you can still post and comment but no one else sees your content. This keeps spammers unaware they're banned, preventing them from immediately creating new accounts and starting over. Common triggers include using VPNs (especially free or shared IPs), vote manipulation, multiple accounts upvoting the same content, excessive self-promotion, and posting from banned IP addresses.How to avoid it:
Check if you're shadowbanned by visiting r/ShadowBan and making a post where a bot will tell you your status immediately. Avoid VPNs when using Reddit, or use residential VPNs rather than datacenter IPs if you must use one. Never ask others to upvote your content via direct links because this is instant ban territory. Don't use multiple accounts to support the same posts. Build a genuine engagement pattern before any promotional activity. If shadowbanned, contact contact@reddit.com to appeal.16. You must stay engaged on Reddit after posting
What it is:
You avoid posting content and then disappearing without responding to comments or participating in the discussion, also known as "hit-and-run" posting that signals you're just there to extract value rather than contribute.Why it damages trust:
Reddit is about conversation, not broadcasting, and people expect dialogue after you post something. Abandoning your post signals you're just there to extract value rather than contribute to the community, and you miss opportunities to build relationships and establish expertise. The community notices when you only show up to promote and never engage, and your credibility tanks when you don't stick around to answer questions or respond to feedback.How to stay engaged properly:
Stay active in the comments after posting and reply to questions and engage thoughtfully with every commenter. Set aside time to monitor and respond to your posts for at least 24 to 48 hours after posting. Participate regularly in subreddits even when you're not promoting anything to show you're a real member. Reply to comments even if just to say thanks because it shows you're a real person who cares about the conversation, and if you want to understand what makes your target audience engage and convert, our market clarity reports break down customer behaviors and pain points.
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