Read the Room Before You Post

Every subreddit is its own small community, with its own moderators and its own rules. A post that's welcome in one place can get you banned in another. Before your brand says a word, you need to know where you are.

The written rules

Every subreddit has rules, usually in the sidebar on desktop or the "About" tab in the app. Read all of them, not just the first few. Look closely for anything about:

• Self-promotion. Some subreddits ban it. Some allow it only in a weekly thread. Some allow it if you disclose who you are.
• Links. Many communities remove posts with links, or only allow certain sites.
• Brand accounts. Some ask brands to message the moderators before posting.
• Post flair. Some require you to tag your post with a category.

Also check the wiki and any pinned posts. Many communities keep a FAQ or buying guide there. It shows you what members already agree on, and what questions they're tired of answering.

The unwritten rules

The written rules tell you what's allowed. The unwritten rules tell you what's welcome. The only way to learn them is to read. Spend time with the top posts of the past month and the past year. Ask yourself:

• Do people write short answers or long, detailed guides?
• Do they care about specs and data, or about real stories from owners?
• Do they joke around, or keep it serious?
• How do they react when a brand rep shows up? Search for past examples.

When in doubt, ask the moderators

Moderators are volunteers who protect their community. A short, polite message goes a long way. Say who you are, which brand you work for, and how you'd like to help. Then ask if that's OK. A "no" is useful too. It saves you from a ban.

A good test: if a longtime member read your comment, would they think "that's helpful" or "that's an ad"?

Use the checklist for each subreddit

Run through this list for every subreddit on your priority list. It saves your progress in this browser, and you can start over for the next community.

Once you know the room, you're ready to write. The next module covers the shape of a brand answer that earns upvotes instead of a ban.