Why Small Businesses Should Use Reddit
Small businesses often assume Reddit is only for tech companies, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Reddit has thriving communities for every industry imaginable — from local services to specialty retail, from professional services to food and beverage. Your customers are already on Reddit, talking about problems your business solves.
The best part? Reddit marketing is essentially free. Unlike paid advertising, you can build genuine visibility and attract customers through helpful participation alone.
Key Subreddits for Small Businesses
- r/smallbusiness (500K+ members) — The hub for small business owners.
- r/Entrepreneur — Broader business discussions and networking.
- r/sweatystartup — Service-based and local business strategies.
- Local subreddits — r/[YourCity] communities for local businesses.
- Industry subreddits — r/restaurants, r/landscaping, r/photography, etc.
Small Business Reddit Strategy
1. Become the Expert in Your Niche
Answer questions in subreddits related to your industry. A plumber answering questions in r/HomeImprovement, or a bakery owner sharing tips in r/Baking, builds credibility that translates into customers.
2. Engage in Local Subreddits
Most cities and regions have active subreddits. Monitor your local subreddit for people asking for recommendations — "best pizza in [city]," "need a good accountant in [area]." Being helpful in these threads drives real local business.
3. Share Your Expertise, Not Your Products
Instead of posting "Check out our business!", share genuine expertise. A tax accountant can post about common tax mistakes. A restaurant owner can share industry insights. This builds trust and brings customers organically.
4. Monitor Competitor Mentions
Track when people mention your competitors — both positive and negative. Negative competitor mentions are opportunities to position your business as a better alternative.
How RedShip Helps Small Businesses
RedShip makes Reddit marketing manageable for busy small business owners. Set up keyword monitors for your industry, track local subreddit mentions, and get notified when someone is looking for exactly what your business offers — all without spending hours on Reddit.