Community Strategy

Platform Rules (Critical)

Reddit

• Self-promo limit: 10% rule (90% value, 10% self-links)
• Account requirements: Many subs require 30+ days, 100+ karma
• Ban triggers: New account + promotional links, multiple subs same link
• Safe approach: Comment value for weeks before any links

Discord

• Self-promo limit: Usually designated channels only
• Ban triggers: DMing members, posting links without permission
• Safe approach: Become known helper, get invited to share

Facebook Groups

• Self-promo limit: Group-specific, usually 1x/week max
• Ban triggers: Joining just to post links, link-heavy posts
• Safe approach: Answer questions for 2+ weeks first

Value-First Engagement Plan

Week 1: Establish Presence

• Join 5-10 relevant communities
• Lurk and understand culture
• Save common questions people ask
• Upvote/react to quality posts

Week 2: Start Contributing

• Answer 3-5 questions daily (no links)
• Share genuinely helpful tips
• Ask thoughtful questions
• Build recognition with regulars

Week 3: Soft Authority

• Create helpful resource posts (no self-links)
• Share industry insights
• Help in comment threads
• People start recognizing your name

Week 4: Strategic Sharing

• When relevant, mention your solution naturally
• "I built something for this" (only when asked or perfect fit)
• Link in profile, not in post
• Continue 90% pure value

Comment Templates

Helpful Answer (No Pitch)

Great question! Here's what worked for me:

1. [Specific tactic]
2. [Specific tactic]
3. [Specific tactic]

The key is [insight]. Let me know if you want more details on any of these.

Soft Mention (When Asked)

I actually ran into this exact problem and ended up building [tool name] to solve it.

But even without that, you can [free alternative approach].

Happy to share more about either approach.

Resource Share (Established User)

I put together a [resource type] on this topic since I see it come up a lot.

Key points:
- [Point 1]
- [Point 2]
- [Point 3]

Full breakdown: [link] (hope it helps!)

Finding Communities

• "[niche] reddit"
• "[niche] discord server"
• "[niche] facebook group"
• "best communities for [audience]"

• Active daily posts
• Engaged moderators
• Mix of questions and discussions
• Not spam-filled