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Read it on Reddit & Take in tumblr was the seventh segment of our Social Media Madness Series. This session was focused on exploring each outlet in depth and understanding how to navigate each of these informational platforms.
What is Reddit?
Reddit is considered a community as account holders are keen on evaluating and policing this platform. There is a point system based on ‘karma’ where submitted content get points for being exceptionally great or poor and there are also points for interacting with other users by commenting on their content.
This platform is well known for being diverse, from the types of content circulating to the spectrum of people using it to search for information. Reddit is an open and engaging channel where one is likely to come across content that is unlike content found elsewhere.
There are streams for sub-sections called subreddits. These are links that lead to a never ending journey of information. We turn to Google to find a list of search results; we come to Reddit to find the best content as reviewed by the community.
Users can submit their own links or share content from others. Curating content from a variety of sources is best, however, be sure to always credit the original poster.
Use Reddit to gain attention, build knowledge, or to spread awareness as Reddit has a global reach and international audiences.
Fast Facts
- 36 million accounts
- 231 million monthly visitors
- over 850 thousand subreddits
- 217 countries
- 21 million votes a day
- over 70 million submissions 2015
Reliable Reddit Brands
Tech News Today
Tech New Today has a huge following due to the amount of many people who find this subreddit interesting, along with the great content posted. They share fan content as well as company curated content and trending industry news. There are a variety of streams on this site, to further filter what you’re looking for. Tech News Today is an excellent example of how subreddits should be done.
Secret Santa 2014
People love to be included, especially when gifts are part of the plan. Over 200 thousand people across 150 countries participated in a campaign that had Reddit users shipping their wish lists world wide.
Xbox
Xbox funnels fan questions through subreddit pages, redirecting with intentional purpose to proper channels and taking their customer service to another level. By identifying a problem and creating a section to direct online support conversation is a neat way to approach the Reddit community. Fans are also encouraged to share experiences, photos and videos.
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad takes advantage of the AMA (ask me anything) feature Reddit has become known for hosting. Holding interviews with cast members builds anticipation among the Breaking Bad community. Featured actors answer the most popular questions during a time frame, giving fans a chance to interact with the stars of the show.
Shitty Watercolor
The man behind the brand organized a live painting stream in order to raise money for charity. There was a request for a minimum donation of $5 to get an image of your choice painted on a small square, which would later be included in a massive collage. Members of the community love to participate -especially when the benefits go towards those less fortunate.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones has a strong presence on almost all social outlets. On Reddit, the brand created the opportunity for their fans to get into character by giving them a unique name and providing links to download dynamic wallpapers from the show. Game of Thrones went the extra step by filtering conversation channels to different subreddits in order to prevent spoilers from being viewed by those who aren't caught up.
Nissan
As a promotion to the Versa Note released in 2013, Nissan asked users what one thing from Amazon they would want and processed with purchasing and shipping select items to followers across the globe. The gift that caused the most conversation was when Amazon delivered an actual Nissan.
President Obama AMA
The President hosted a half hour AMA (ask me anything) on Reddit. There was so much traffic to the site with many hopeful to ask the President a question, Reddit had to temporarily shut down. Hosting an AMA is a great idea as being willing to address sensitive topics shows the audience you’re open and available.
Learning the Lingo
- Karma - point system ( you get what you give)
- Up-voted - promoted post/comment
- Down-voted - demoted post/comment
- Subreddits - sub sections
- Community - Reddit account users
- Reddit gold - paid membership
- AMA - ask me anything
- IAmA - I am a _____
- TIL - today I learned
How to Build a Community
Encourage community submissions - people like to be included on projects or have their work shown. Reddit isn't a place to shout messages; it's a place to engage and could even create brand advocates. Consider having a common naming convention, so that it’s easy for others to find your content. Curate & create quality content by ensuring all images and text are of value and interest.
Mad Tips
- Register account - so you can comment, like and post
- Be mindful of karma - reflects standing in the community, good indicator of status
- Create a news calendar - Have a calendar of events to display company news as the benefit is that when people view page they see current events right away and advocates want to know the latest news and upcoming events ie. a sports team could have schedule and stats
- Choose username wisely - cannot change after you create account
- Always engage - best way to get the most from Reddit is to interact with and on, the site
- Create creative content - post incredible videos and images, ask for help
Advertising
There are a few different way to advertise. Regardless of which one you choose, how you advertise should be subtle. Ads may be used to raise awareness or address concerns/ongoing public issues. There are sponsored headlines you can purchase for as low as $5.
- Advertising on Reddit provides an opportunity to reach over 220 millions engaged and passionate people
- To create an ad you need: a Reddit account, copy of ad, clickthrough URL and a thumbnail image to go with the ad
- Like other social sites, can target campaign reach (by interest, subreddit, location) as well as a budget, scheduling and pricing to fit company needs
- Reddit takes a day to review your ad and approve
Mad Takeaways
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Filter noise - Can customize front page to be full of content you find appealing
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Information buffet - Can see what topics are popular with viewers, can spend hours viewing content that you wouldn’t come across elsewhere, Fascinating mix of news, cool links, social comments and nerdiness
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Short links - People hesitant to click shortened links (as usually junk or malware) so share entire link when directing users to other places
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Create account - to customize front page to be full of content you find appealing
Do
- Be considerate
- Read and take in before you vote
- Combine type of content - share your own and others
Do Not
- Post people’s personal information
- Ask for votes
- Mass down-vote - for own gain
Be sure to check out our Mad Recaps on each of the social outlets below.
