Let us guess!
You’re here because you’re seeking new territory to expand your affiliate business beyond the primary major lands (websites, Facebook, or email marketing). Or else, you’re just trying to explore the new hard thing that others might say “nah” to.
Either way, we’ve got you covered.
Picture this: a platform with over 50 million daily active users, each passionately invested in their specific interests. This is the world of Reddit, a huge collection of forums (a potential traffic bank for affiliate marketers, too).
At this time, however, not many affiliates can make good use of this community.
Fortunately, as you’ve arrived here, we’ll walk you through an ultimate guide on how to do affiliate marketing on Reddit.
So, are you ready to turn your chats into some extra moolah? Let’s get started!
How to Do Affiliate Marketing on Reddit: Valuable Tips to Be Successful
Many might think, “Just drop a link in the comment so everyone can see.” You’ll get banned immediately!
Reddit users value authentic discussions and may be aware of promotional content. Thus, affiliate marketing on Reddit requires a careful and respectful approach.
Don’t panic! We’ve got some tried-and-true tips to help you nail it. Check them out!
Our lists include:
- Find niche-related subreddits
- Stay active in the subreddit community
- Earn karma with valuable content
- Host r/AskMeAnything for engagement
- Honesty in affiliate promotions
- Compelling post titles
- Use visuals for attention
- Cite sources for credibility
- Avoid spam and self-promotion
- Utilize tags for visibility
- Try Reddit ads
Alright, let’s go!
Find niche-related subreddits
In affiliate marketing, relevance is key. Especially when you’re performing on a platform with thousands of communities, each catering to specific interests, desires, or industries.
Thus, to maximize your campaign, it’s crucial to identify and participate in subreddits that align closely with your passion or expertise.
As a result, having a well-defined niche allows you to target your affiliate marketing efforts and connect with the most relevant users who are more likely interested in the products or services you’re affiliated with.
How to master this stage?
As you’ve joined Reddit, use its search bar to type in keywords related to your niche and explore the results.
Here’s a hint: Start with more general subreddits. These larger communities often have sidebar links to more specific ones.
For example, if you are interested in fitness, you might explore subreddits like r/Fitness – a big community with 11.5 million members on Reddit. As you’re in its space, navigate to the sidebar till your eyes meet “Related subreddits.” Click it, and boom, a list of smaller communities appears, ranging from /r/bodyweightfitness to /r/homegym to /r/naturalbodybuilding. Explore and make several choices.
It takes time. But once you’ve nailed it, your next phases will be much easier.
Stay active in the subreddit community
You can’t just jump in and start promoting immediately. It’ll give you downvotes instead of Karma. Even worse? You can be banned.
So, prioritize community engagement over promotional activities.
Reddit communities value users who genuinely care about the discussions and well-being of the community. By contributing regularly, you’ll establish a positive reputation. Plus, this helps avoid the perception that you are simply using the community as a promotional platform.
Then, how to stay active?
Contribute to discussions. If you have a passion and expertise for a field, confidently share helpful advice with everyone by replying to questions. Similarly, don’t hesitate to ask questions when you need guidance or want to learn more about the community.
People on Reddit also appreciate personal stories and experiences. Thus, even if you’re not an expert, you can still share relevant aspects of your journey and gain trust.
What else?
Subreddits might host events or themed days. Don’t miss out on this chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm and connect with other members.
Earn karma with valuable content
On Reddit, Karma isn’t just a number; it reflects your contribution to the community. Did you share a funny picture of your cat? Upvote! Wrote a helpful comment answering a question about car rental? Upvote! It’s the Reddit’s way of saying, “You’re doing great. Here’s your treat.”
It’s true that when your content is valuable, informative, or entertaining, users are more likely to express appreciation through upvotes.
This community support not only boosts your content karma but also indicates that your contributions are resonating with fellow Redditors. As a result, members are more likely to trust your recommendations when you later introduce affiliate links.
Compelling content can take various forms, including informative posts, insightful comments, engaging images, and videos. It’s essential to diversify your content across different formats to appeal to a broader Reddit audience and receive their upvotes.
Host r/AskMeAnything for engagement
Among those tips on how to do affiliate marketing on Reddit, a r/AskMeAnything (AMA) session is genuinely a game-changer.
Why?
First, it provides a unique opportunity to connect with the Reddit community on a personal level. Engaging directly with users, answering their questions, and sharing your experiences. All these stuff are invaluable for building trust.
Second, AMAs showcase your expertise in your niche. By addressing a variety of questions, you show off yourself as a knowledgeable figure.
Additionally, it’s a fantastic way to attract users who are genuinely interested in the topic at hand. Apparently! You can’t force someone to join. If they like you (and your content), they’ll come.
Through questions during the AMA, you can understand the community’s concerns, preferences, and pain points. It’ll help you to tailor your affiliate marketing strategy accordingly, making it more relevant and appealing to your audience.
So, AMA opens a door to elevate your visibility and foster trust. However, to make this work, you must establish yourself on Reddit first.
Honesty in affiliate promotions
Picture this: You stumble upon a post about digital marketing, and the original poster is straight-up honest about their course affiliations. How refreshing, right? Trust blooms and you’re more likely to consider these recommendations.
So, the clue here is: Embrace the magic of honesty! This is not just a tip but a fundamental principle for success on Reddit.
Redditors appreciate transparency. When honest about your affiliations and the benefits users can expect, you’ve cultivated a foundation of trust.
As a result, users who trust your recommendations are more likely to remain engaged over time. They’ll join discussions, ask questions, and even provide valuable feedback. This is valuable for contributing to the growth of your promotions.
To sum up, honesty and transparency are key to achieving long-term affiliate marketing success. This is especially true on a platform like Reddit. Thus, picture yourself as a trusted advisor, not just a promoter. You’ll soon realize how it reinforces your role as a valuable source within the community.
Compelling post titles
Reddit is a bustling marketplace of ideas, opinions, and questions. So, how can you cut through the noise and pop up? The answer is compelling post titles. If you nail it, you can entice users to click, read, and potentially convert.
Wondering what makes a title so attractive? We’ve got some tips! (Tips within tips, excellent!)
Target the right keywords
While Reddit is not a traditional search engine like Google, users still often use keywords when searching for specific topics.
A Fitness and Health subreddit poster may be titled “Holistic health hacks: Integrating Yoga and nutrition for a balanced lifestyle!”
Spark curiosity
Redditors (and humans in general) find it hard to resist curiosity. So, why not use this magic in your title?
Those like “Did you know this everyday item can actually save you money?” are sure to leave users eager to explore further.
Tap into emotions
Trigger those emotional buttons! Whether it’s fun, curiosity, or fear of missing out, evoke emotions that drive users to engage.
We found this: “I tried to follow a DIY tutorial for making a cake, but I ended up with a culinary crime scene.” Funny, huh?
Spark dialogue with questions
Questions open discussion. It’s not just a title; it’s an invitation to engage. “What are the latest tech trends that you’re excited about?” for instance.
Use visuals for attention
This is another secret weapon to make your post stand out.
It’s true that visuals steal attention faster than text alone. In a sea of posts, a captivating image or video is a scroll-stopper, compelling users to pause and click.
We recommend experimenting with different types of visuals. Reddit users often use images as their primary visual element. Besides, GIFs or short videos are also excellent attention magnets. Complex information? You can convert it into visually engaging infographics.
Important note: Your visuals should complement your affiliate message. Irrelevant images can confuse users and cause them to lose interest.
Plus, Since many Redditors browse on their phone or tablet, make sure your visuals are mobile-friendly.
Cite sources for credibility
“According to,” “As mentioned in,” “In sync with the findings from…” “Delve into the study here,” etc. These terms are often used when someone refers to a source.
Redditors value transparency. We’ve talked a lot about this before. Thus, when you’re doing affiliate marketing in this universe, citing credible sources is your ticket to building trust. It shows you’re not just here to promote but to share reliable information.
Referencing equals being an authority. This is a great way to declare that you’re well-versed in your niche, always keeping track of trends and developments.
Plus, when you provide sources, you’re inviting Redditors to engage in a dialogue based on facts and reliable information. There will be a lot to discuss!
So, how can you spruce up your post?
Usually, people will share the direct link when referencing a study, article, or a specific source of information. This is for others to explore further if they wish.
You can extract a quote, clarify where it’s from, and attribute it appropriately.
If industry experts are backing your message, give them a shout-out! Mention their names first, then link to their insights.
Are you dropping impressive stats? Reference the source of those jaw-dropping numbers.
Avoid spam and self-promotion
Picture this: a Reddit where every other post screams, “Click to shop now!” Not so fun, right? In fact, it can’t happen on Reddit.
The point here is to know your limits and create an enjoyable experience for everyone.
We know it’s hard to resist the temptation of Reddit, a big market with various industries. Many people fail, and the result? Report, warning, and ban!
Success lies in understanding and respecting the platform’s community-driven manner. So, avoid spam and self-promotion.
Instead, be an active member of the community and contribute value beyond your affiliate promotions.
As you plan for your campaign, strive for a balance between promotional and non-promotional content (For a better approach, a ratio where the majority of your contributions are non-promotional is preferred).
Crucial note: Each subreddit has its own set of rules and guidelines. Know them, don’t violate them! Find out if there’s a specific promo spot and do some experiments.
Utilize tags for visibility
When you want to categorize your post based on a specific theme or topic, you use tags (or flairs, in Reddit terms).
They’re often featured by subreddits, allowing users to organize and find posts related to their needs and interests easily.
Then, how can it help your marketing business?
Redditors often search for things on the search bar. By using tags in brackets ([Discussion], [Resource], for instance), you can increase the visibility of your posts. It’s also an excellent way to reach the most relevant subreddits where your target audience is actively engaged.
Even better? Tags help you organize your affiliate content, making it easier for users to find specific information or products they are seeking. Whether it’s a product review, a deal alert, or a captivating story, the right tag sets the stage.
But you can make these benefits a reality only when you use tags properly.
It requires adhering to each subreddit’s rules. Before diving in, thoroughly read and understand the guidelines to ensure your tags are eligible and align with the community’s expectations.
What else? Tags should resonate with the interests and preferences of the community you’re engaging with. In the end, it can capture the right audience.
Staying informed about trending tags within your niche is also a wise option. It helps your post pop up and align your content with current discussions.
Try Reddit ads
Like other platforms, Reddit allows users to target their ads to specific subreddits, demographics, and interests. You can choose among a wide range of ad formats, such as text-based, image, and video ads, providing flexibility to cater to different objectives.
Whether you’re promoting a product, service, or exclusive deal, Reddit Ads will help boost visibility and drive traffic directly to your blog posts and affiliate offers, maximizing the potential for conversions.
To succeed in this campaign, you need to go deep into the interests, preferences, and behaviors of your audience.
Another crucial note is that your ads should align with the values of the subreddit communities and their advertising rules. Authenticity goes a long way in fostering positive interactions!
Advertising may help you in some ways, but there’s also a dark side to it that you should think about.
The truth is that Reddit users can be sensitive to advertising that feels intrusive or doesn’t fit the platform’s culture. Additionally, the ads market in popular subreddits can also be very competitive. Advertisers may need to spend a lot.
Thus, think carefully before using this recipe.
What is Reddit Affiliate Marketing?
If you’re familiar with the “affiliate marketing” term, you’ll know the core of affiliate marketing on Reddit. It involves promoting products or services from affiliate programs you joined and earning a commission for each action (click, signup, subscribe, for instance) or sale generated through your affiliate link.
However, this unique platform requires a different approach for affiliate marketing.
Unlike Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok which focuses on individual profiles, Reddit values community contributions and discussions.
As a result, affiliates need to adapt their affiliate marketing strategies to meet the platform’s vibe and remain a sustainable business here. It’s the practice of valuable contributions, engagement, and transparency.
Pros Vs Cons of Using Reddit for Affiliate Marketing
We’ve found a new destination for our affiliate journey. It’s a digital land where every post we share has the potential to unlock an extra stream of income.
However, to help you understand it better and make an informed decision, we’ve prepared a pros vs cons evaluation. Let’s see how advantages this platform is as well as some twists and turns you might face if you join.
- Large and diverse audience
- Traffic is mainly from the US
- Niche-specific communities
- Low entry barriers
- Valuable feedback and insights
- Strict self-promotion rules
- Risk of being labeled a spammer
- Time commitment
And as an affiliate marketer, where you target your audience matters. Surprisingly, the US is at the top of Reddit’s traffic, accounting for 47.89%. With the right approach, you can take advantage of this dominance and witness a rise in your affiliate income.
What impressed us even more is Reddit’s vibrant communities, catering to every imaginable topic. Whether you’re into technology, fitness gear, or sustainable living products, there’s a subreddit waiting for your expertise.
Not only can you have access to a big group of niche-specific audiences, but you can also talk and hear from them. Their needs, preferences, and concerns are right on the screen, in front of your eyes. Scroll, read, discuss, and filter. A perfect way to refine your affiliate marketing strategy!
And you know what? You can get these excellent benefits right at the time you set up an account and join the community. Whether you’re a seasoned Reddit marketer or just starting, active participation in discussions is open to all.
However, don’t let yourself sink in the pool of benefits.
Note that promotion on Reddit is never easy. Many subreddits have strict rules against self-promotion or an anti-spam policy. Of course! Or else, you might see product links and call-to-action everywhere instead of funny memes and knowledgeable posts.
An overenthusiastic promotion strategy can lead to post removals, negative community reactions, and spammer credit. Too bad!
Another drawback lies in the time-consuming community building. Simply dropping affiliate links without engaging in discussions never works. It requires consistent effort to become a respected member of a community.
Paid vs Organic Traffic on Reddit
Paid and organic traffic are valuable ways to attract Reddit’s users. However, there are differences that you should consider before deciding which one is right for your business.
Picture this: You’ve got great news or a new launch and desire everyone to see. You enter a paid traffic campaign to give your content the VIP treatment, soaring to the top of feeds. This magic is based on the fact Reddit Ads allow you to target specific subreddits, locations, and demographics, enabling precise audience targeting.
So, paid traffic is fast. Your content gets the spotlight without waiting for the upvotes. This method also gives you access to detailed analytics to monitor the effectiveness of your Reddit affiliate campaigns.
On the other hand, organic traffic requires a longer approach since it’s driven by community engagement and genuine interest in your content.
Building an organic presence can provide sustainable traffic over time as long as you remain active and valuable within the community.
How about the cost?
Paid traffic, as shown in its terms, will take your money. Well, every great show has a cost, right? And this magic isn’t free.
Based on your campaign objective, you’ll choose between CPC (cost-per-click) or CPM (cost per thousand impressions). Currently, Reddit offers a minimum bid of $0.1 for CPC and $3.50 for CPM.
It also requires a minimum daily ads spend of $5. “The actual spend may be up to 20% higher than your budget amount”, as the platform stated.
Meanwhile, organic traffic won’t cost you a penny. Just time and heart needed.
So, which one is better?
It depends on your goals. While organic traffic is key to long-term community building and authenticity, paid traffic is suitable for immediate visibility and targeted reach.
Plus, consider your budget. Money vs time and effort. Your choice!
Our suggest? Make a blend! Many successful strategies involve a balance of both paid and organic approaches for a comprehensive marketing strategy. So, start with sustainable building first, then add advertising campaigns whenever necessary.
What to Avoid When Doing Affiliate Marketing on Reddit?
Imagine Reddit as a goldmine, yet with gold and mines. We’ve just shown you valuable ways for gold digging here. Guess what? We’ll also tell you how not to step on the mines.
Explore our list of don’ts of affiliate marketing on Reddit.
Target inappropriate subreddits
Targeting the wrong audience is a big no-no. Ensure that the subreddits you choose align with your niche and the affiliate products. Stay relevant, and your promotions will work!
Break subreddit rules
Another critical no-no in the world of Reddit marketing. Subreddit rules act like the guardians in this vast universe. They help create a clean and robust community, which is also beneficial for your affiliate business. Thus, respect the rules, and you’ll earn respect in return.
Spamming
Repeat! Don’t bombard subreddits with direct links. Posting links all over Reddit without providing any value can result in a ban. Remember, quality over quantity.
Not disclosing your affiliation
Don’t be a cheater on Reddit! Be transparent about your affiliation instead. If you’re promoting a product, make it clear that you stand to gain financially. Redditors appreciate transparency, and it helps build trust within the community.
Publish low-quality content
Always tell yourself that high-quality content can help you rule the Reddit world. From your posts to discussions, every word you type on Reddit must be high-quality. Don’t drop “I Agree” in comment sections to show engagement. You’re here for a significant reason, not a robot.
So, avoid low-effort types of affiliate posts and give the community something valuable.
Promoting irrelevant products
Imagine you’re in a technology subreddit, and someone drops a link to buy hiking boots. Confused much?
Don’t waste every second here doing irrelevant things. Keep your promotions on point!
FAQs:
How to post affiliate links on Reddit?
Remember that direct affiliate links are not permitted on Reddit. To promote products, you need to create a landing page to send Reddit traffic to your blog article, which contains referral links.
Can I start affiliate marketing on Reddit with no money?
Of course, if you target organic Reddit traffic. Noticeably, it’s crucial to follow subreddit rules, provide value to the community, stay engaged, and avoid any ineligible actions.
How much can I make from affiliate marketing on Reddit?
Actually, affiliate earnings from marketing on Reddit vary widely since they depend on various factors like your chosen niche, content quality, product relevance, traffic amount, and more. There’s no fixed amount, but with the right approach, you can hope for a good result.
Would you also share how to promote articles/affiliate products once I get my subreddit?
Certainly! What you need to do is consistently share relevant content, engage with your community, disclose your promotion, and refine your strategies appropriately. Importantly, maintain a balance between promotions and community engagement.
How to convince people to join in my subreddit?
Attracting new members to your subreddit requires a persistent and enthusiastic approach. It’s a combination of creating valuable content, actively promoting, offering incentives, maintaining consistent moderation, fostering a welcoming atmosphere, and more.
How long does it take to earn money from affiliate marketing Reddit?
It’s hard to tell exactly when you’ll earn an affiliate commission since it’s affected by the effectiveness of your marketing strategies and the overall engagement of the Reddit audience. However, with consistent effort, patience, and dedication, you can see results within a few months or even weeks.
Conclusion
To conclude, Reddit, with its vast and engaged communities, is a valuable resource for affiliate marketers.
Our comprehensive guide on how to do affiliate marketing on Reddit has equipped you with the knowledge and strategies to conquer this lucrative land. Whether you’re a Reddit rookie or leveling up your game, this guide can help you succeed.
Remember, it’s not about being “salesy”; it’s about sharing relevant topics of what you love and earning a little bonus.
So, go ahead and explore the Reddit world today!
