Get Backlinks from Reddit Website for My Site
Backlinks play a big role in improving your website’s ranking on search engines. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the better your chances of appearing on the first page of Google. But getting backlinks isn’t always easy-especially from trusted sources.
One often-overlooked platform for backlinks is Reddit. With millions of active users and countless discussions happening daily, Reddit can be a goldmine for traffic and authority-building. However, Reddit isn’t like other social media platforms where you can just drop a link and expect results. It has strict rules, active moderators, and a smart user base that can quickly flag anything that looks like spam.
So, how do you use Reddit the right way to build backlinks for your site? In this blog, we’ll break it down step by step so you can gain value from Reddit without getting banned.
How Reddit Works
Before you start posting links, you need to understand how Reddit functions. It’s not just a place to share content-it’s a community-driven platform where users vote on posts and comments. Here’s what you should know:
Subreddits and Their Role
Reddit is divided into thousands of subreddits, which are topic-based communities. Each subreddit has its own set of rules, audience, and moderation style. For example:
- r/SEO – A subreddit for SEO discussions
- r/DigitalMarketing – Talks about online marketing strategies
- r/TechNews – Shares the latest updates in technology
If you want to share your content, you must first find the right subreddit that aligns with your niche. Posting in an unrelated subreddit can get your content removed instantly.
Karma System: Why It’s Important
Reddit has a karma system that acts like a reputation score. You earn post karma when people upvote your posts and comment karma when people upvote your comments.
Some subreddits require a minimum karma score before you can post links. If you’re new to Reddit, focus on engaging in discussions first to build your karma before sharing any links.
Rules and Moderation: What to Keep in Mind
Each subreddit has its own set of rules that you need to follow. Some common rules include:
- No self-promotion (or only in specific threads)
- No spamming links
- Only posting high-quality, discussion-worthy content
Breaking these rules can get your post deleted or even result in a permanent ban. Always read the rules before posting.
Types of Backlinks You Can Get from Reddit
Not all backlinks from Reddit are the same. Some can directly boost your SEO, while others help bring traffic. Let’s look at the different types:
DoFollow vs. NoFollow Links
Most links on Reddit are NoFollow, which means they don’t pass direct SEO value to your website. However, NoFollow links can still drive valuable referral traffic, which can indirectly help with SEO.
On rare occasions, some high-ranking posts get converted into DoFollow links when shared on external websites, which can give your SEO a boost.
Direct Links vs. Indirect Mentions
There are two ways to get backlinks from Reddit:
- Direct Links – When you share a link in a post or comment.
- Indirect Mentions – When users naturally talk about your site and link to it themselves.
Indirect mentions are more powerful because they come across as genuine recommendations rather than self-promotion. The best way to get these is by providing value so that other users mention your site on their own.
Finding the Right Subreddits for Your Niche
Not all subreddits allow link sharing, and some are more active than others. To get the best results, you need to find the right subreddits where your target audience hangs out. Here’s how:
How to Search for Relevant Subreddits
You can use Reddit’s search bar or Google search to find niche communities. For example:
- Searching “best subreddits for SEO” on Google can show curated lists.
- Using “SEO site:reddit.com” on Google will display discussions related to SEO.
Reddit also has a Subreddit Directory where you can explore different topics.
Identifying Active Communities
Before posting in a subreddit, check these factors:
- Number of members – A subreddit with at least 10,000 members is usually active.
- Daily posts and comments – If the last post was months ago, the community might be inactive.
- Engagement level – Look at the number of upvotes and comments on recent posts.
A highly active subreddit increases the chances of people seeing and clicking your link.
Analyzing Engagement and User Behavior
Once you find a subreddit, spend some time observing what kind of content gets the most engagement. Look for patterns in:
- Post formatting (text-based, image-heavy, discussion-driven)
- The best times to post (weekdays vs. weekends)
- How users react to links (do they get upvotes or downvotes?)
The more aligned your content is with subreddit expectations, the higher the chances of success.
Crafting the Perfect Reddit Post
Even if you find the right subreddit, simply dropping a link won’t work. Reddit users prefer valuable discussions over blatant self-promotion. Follow these tips to create an engaging post:
What Makes a Post Stand Out?
Successful Reddit posts typically:
Solve a problem or provide insights Ask an interesting question Share a unique experience Provide step-by-step guides or case studies
A good strategy is to write a detailed post and add your link as a supporting resource rather than the main focus.
Using Engaging Titles That Attract Attention
Your title is the first thing people see. Make it clear, intriguing, and relevant to the subreddit.
Examples:
Bad: “Check out my latest blog on SEO.” Good: “I tried 10 different backlink strategies-here’s what actually worked.”
Titles that promise valuable insights tend to get more clicks.
The Importance of Posting at the Right Time
Posting when most users are active increases engagement. Generally:
- Mornings (8 AM – 11 AM EST) work well for professional subreddits.
- Evenings (5 PM – 8 PM EST) are good for casual discussions.
- Weekends see more activity in hobby-based subreddits.
Using tools like Later for Reddit can help you schedule posts at optimal times.
Writing Informative and Value-Driven Content
Reddit users don’t like shallow, clickbait-style posts. Instead of saying, “Read my blog for more details,” summarize key points in your post and add the link naturally as an extra resource.
For example:
Example Post Format:
“I’ve been experimenting with different ways to get backlinks, and Reddit turned out to be an unexpected goldmine. Here’s what worked for me:
- Engaging in Discussions – Answering questions and linking to helpful resources.
- Hosting an AMA (Ask Me Anything) – Establishing authority in my niche.
- Sharing real case studies – People trust firsthand experiences more than generic advice.
I wrote a detailed breakdown of my results here: [Your Link]-curious to hear if anyone else has tried this!”
This way, the link feels organic rather than forced.
Commenting Strategies to Get Links Without Being Spammy
If you don’t want to create posts, commenting is another great way to drop links without breaking Reddit’s rules. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Providing Value in Discussions
Look for posts where users are asking questions in your niche. Instead of just sharing a link, write a helpful response first and include your link as additional reading.
Example Comment:
“That’s a great question! One effective way to get backlinks from Reddit is by contributing to discussions and linking relevant content. I tried this myself and saw a 30% increase in referral traffic. Here’s what worked for me: [Your Link]”
This approach builds trust and increases the chances of getting upvotes, which can drive even more traffic.
Answering Questions with Resourceful Links
Reddit has many Q&A-style discussions, especially in tech, SEO, and marketing subreddits.
Look for questions that align with your content, provide a detailed answer, and then share your link only if it truly adds value.
Avoiding Over-Promotion and Self-Promotion Bans
To stay on the safe side:
Don’t post the same link across multiple subreddits in a short period. Avoid posting only links-engage in discussions too. Respect subreddit rules about self-promotion.
A good rule of thumb is the 90/10 rule-90% engagement, 10% promotion.
Tracking and Measuring the Impact of Your Reddit Links
Once you start getting backlinks from Reddit, track their performance using:
Google Analytics
- Go to Acquisition > All Traffic > Referral to check Reddit traffic.
- Look for bounce rates to see if users are staying on your site.
Checking Reddit Traffic Sources
You can also use UTM parameters in your links to track clicks. A tool like Google’s UTM Builder helps track specific subreddits.
Improving Your Reddit Strategy Over Time
If some posts perform better than others, analyze:
Which subreddits brought the most traffic What type of content got the most upvotes When your posts received the most engagement
Refining your approach over time leads to better results.
Conclusion
Reddit is a powerful platform for building backlinks, but only if used correctly. Unlike traditional backlinking methods, Reddit requires you to be genuine, helpful, and engaging.
Here’s a quick recap of what works best:
Find the right subreddits where your target audience is active. Engage first-build karma and contribute before posting links. Create detailed, discussion-worthy posts instead of just dropping links. Use comments strategically by answering questions with valuable insights. Track your traffic and refine your strategy over time.
By following these steps, you can turn Reddit into a long-term referral traffic source while also boosting your site’s credibility.
Ready to try this? Start by finding a relevant subreddit and joining the conversation!
