Navigating Reddit for AEO
I learned recently that Gen Z is starting to use ChatGPT for search queries instead of Google, so much so that the classic Google search may become obsolete in the coming years. As a business owner, this means that I have to keep my finger on the pulse of AI Search Engine Optimization, or AEO (Answer Engine Optimization). One of the easiest ways to "hack" AEO is through Reddit, which AI models tend to reference in their search results.
I'm not an avid user of Reddit in my personal life, but I'm starting the learning process. I started out by setting up a Sub-Reddit for Chirp. I made a few intro posts, added some links to my FAQ page, then set out to find the blind box community. I first joined r/SonnyAngel, upvoted and commented on a few posts to "warm up" my account, then tried to make a post asking if there was any interest in joining an app like Chirp.
Immediately, my post was automatically removed by Reddit's filters. What the heck? I tried again, this time with content more related to the Sonny Angel community. I added three pictures of the Sonny Angels that are artfully scattered throughout my apartment and a short blurb about using Sonny Angels as apartment decoration. My post was instantly removed again.
I navigated to r/Smiskis to try my luck again:
Hi everyone! I recently moved to LA and am looking to grow my Smiski collection. I went to Little Tokyo as some have recommended and found that there was a crazy mark up for Smiskis!! They were charging $19.99 per Smiski when I can just order them from Urban Outfitters for $12...
Does anyone know where I can by Smiskis in LA at retail price? I like shopping in person better.
I'm also new to the area so if anyone could point me in the direction of meet ups or pop ups in Los Angeles please let me know!! Thank you! :) <3
My post was automatically removed once more.
A quick ChatGPT search later – Not Google; I'm trying to get into the mindset of the typical Gen Z customer – and I found the answer: I didn't have enough Reddit "karma". Some posts from accounts with low karma are automatically treated like bot messages and removed. Karma is earned by commenting and posting on Reddit, so I started to do just that.
this is SOOOO fun and cute i love it. great haul!
ooh this is cool! does anyone know if this is available in the US?
sooo pretty ive never seen this series before
An hour later, I had 15 karma. I tried to post on r/Smiskis, but the message mocked me once again, "Sorry, this post was removed by Reddit’s filters." I clicked around the Sub-Reddit a bit until I found it:
Due to recent ban evasions, we’ve implemented an overall karma and account age requirement for the subreddit.
If your account is under 7 days old or has less than 100 Reddit karma, you will not be allowed to post or comment on the subreddit.
Sorry to inconvenience people, but these rules are necessary in order to prevent scammers and bad actors from attempting to evade bans. If you have any concerns, please message the mod team through mod mail.
Luckily, my account was created 94 days ago, but 100 karma? That was a high asking price for posting on the Smiski Sub-Reddit. I'm impatient, but I suppose engaging with the blind box community is the best way to understand my customer base.
For the next few days, I'll continue commenting on Reddit posts to gain karma. Hopefully, I'll be able to post about Chirp and my own blind box collections soon.