Reddit used to seem like just another internet forum. Today, however, it is a key player in SEO and in how AIs (ChatGPT, Google AI Mode, etc.) generate their answers.
Google now highlights Reddit results under the “Forums & Discussions” section in Search and uses this platform to train its AI models.
In this article, I want to share:
- Why Reddit and LLMs like ChatGPT are powerful tools in the new SEO landscape.
- My real experience participating more actively on Reddit.
What is AEO and Why it Matters Alongside Reddit
Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) refers to optimising content with the goal that AI answer engines use it directly. It’s about being present in the answers these models deliver, such as Google AI overviews or ChatGPT, and being cited as a source.
Top Domains Cited by LLMs – Study by Semrush
Reddit is one of the websites most used by AIs to generate responses: threads with real experiences, comparisons, pros and cons, etc. These conversations are highly valuable for AEO: if your Reddit participation is strong, you may end up being cited or mentioned in LLM-generated answers.
Seen & Trusted
Backlinko, in its AI Search strategy, proposes the Seen & Trusted Framework for AI SEO strategy. Ideally, a brand should achieve two elements:
- Seen: Appear in answers through favourable mentions, even if not cited as a source. This improves brand presence.
- Trusted: The AI cites you as a source. Not just being named, but being recognised as a reliable authority backing claims.
How to Approach Reddit + AEO Without Being Spammy
On Reddit, your goal should be to add value: answer real questions, provide data, share experiences. Threads you contribute to not only generate referral traffic but also send signals that LLMs may use in AI-generated answers related to your niche.
One key lesson is that community rules on Reddit outweigh marketing efforts. Attempting to post a link on your first day is enough to get removed. For instance, one thread I posted shortly after registering was deleted for including a link.
What Works
- Earn karma: comment, contribute, answer. Be helpful before promoting yourself.
- Learn subreddit rules: each community has explicit and implicit rules. Some allow external resources, others are stricter.
- Provide detailed answers: ones that AI can automatically cite, not just likes or upvotes.
- Add human value: solve specific questions, give personal examples, acknowledge mistakes or limitations. This transparency improves sentiment signals analysed by AI.
My Reddit Experience: Traditional Backlinks and Mentions
Initially, I didn’t fully understand how mentions and AI citations worked, but over time I saw clear differences.
By analysing subreddits where my target audience was active, I found clear examples. Threads still appear in searches, and some comments have been cited by ChatGPT.
Mentions of my website in ChatGPT using Reddit as a source.
What didn’t work: purely promotional posts were ignored or promptly removed by moderators.
Backlinks from Reddit bring some traffic, yes, but the most important aspect is the mentions reproduced in ChatGPT responses or snippets, as well as improvements when someone searches for my brand.
Bachlinks de Reddit en Search Console.
Optimising for AEO (Do SEO 😉)
- Optimise your website so AI can use it as a trusted source.
- Have a clear semantic structure (H2, H3, tables, lists).
- Ensure essential information is visible in the code without relying on JavaScript.
- Provide documentation, FAQs, step-by-step guides.
- Transparency: clear pricing, reliable site policies.
- Original studies, comparisons, in-depth reviews: content not copied elsewhere. AIs and Google value unique data.
- Authentic community participation generating UGC and social proof.
- Users sharing experiences, your responses, and discussions. AI understands not only content but sentiment.
- Appear in “best X” articles, which increases the likelihood of being cited by AI.
- Monitor how your brand appears in AI searches (are you mentioned or cited?).
- Measure which Reddit threads brought results and which didn’t. Adjust strategy.
- Observe authority signals: detailed reviews, technical content AI can use as evidence.