Self-promotion
Grey hat. Allowed in some places and easy to abuse. Check the rules first. Where outreach turns into spam
What is self-promotion?
Self-promotion is sharing links to, or talking up, your own product, content or business in a community. Most communities allow it in moderation or in dedicated threads, and many ban it outright.
A common guideline on Reddit and elsewhere is that promotion should be a small part of what you contribute, and that you should disclose your affiliation when you mention your product.
Why self-promotion matters
Promotion that ignores community rules gets removed and can get accounts banned. Promotion that is transparent, relevant and rare is usually welcome, especially when someone asks for exactly what you offer.
Risks of self-promotion
- Posts removed by moderators.
- Bans from communities or the whole platform, and a reputation as a spammer.
Related marketing terms
Reddit marketingWhite hat
Reddit marketing is reaching customers on Reddit by joining relevant subreddits, helping in discussions, and posting or advertising within the rules.
A shadowban hides a user’s posts from everyone else without telling them, usually because a platform flagged the account as spam or abusive.
SpamBlack hat
Spam is unsolicited, irrelevant or bulk messaging sent without regard for the recipient, by email, in comments, DMs or community posts.
Community marketing is taking part in, or building, communities where customers gather, and earning attention by being genuinely helpful.
AstroturfingBlack hat
Astroturfing is faking grassroots support: posts, reviews or comments made to look like they come from ordinary people when a brand is behind them.