Direct approach: Use Reddit to reach targeted communities, craft engaging posts, and leverage AMA and event features to drive interest and ticket clicks for your stand-up gig.
Planning and account setup
- Identify relevant subreddits: local event communities, comedy subreddits, and region-specific pages.
- Audit rules: read each subreddit's posting guidelines and self-promotion limits.
- Prepare a media kit: a short bio, headshots, poster, and a short clip or joke reel.
- Set up a professional profile: clear username, helpful bio, and a pinned link to ticketing or event page.
Content strategy for posts
- Lead with value: a teaser joke or unique angle from your set.
- Be concrete: mention date, venue, city, and key selling points (special guests, themes).
- Include a direct call to action: “Get tickets here” with a tracked link if allowed.
- Use visuals: poster image, short clip, or behind-the-scenes photo to boost engagement.
- Offer a sampler: post a 15–30 second clip that showcases your style.
- Engage promptly: respond to comments within 24 hours to boost visibility.
Posting formats that work
- Announcement post: clear event details, why it’s unique, and a CTA to buy tickets.
- Clip highlights: share a short, high-energy bit that represents your act.
- AMA or Q&A (with caution): offer to answer questions about your comedy journey, helpful for engagement if allowed.
- Cross-post carefuly: duplicate content only where allowed, with tailored messaging for each subreddit.
- Promo threads: participate in relevant weekly threads if the sub has them and follow rules.
Interaction and community etiquette
- Don’t spam: space out posts and avoid repetitive self-promotion.
- Give first, ask later: comment on others’ posts with genuine input before promoting yourself.
- Credit local relevance: mention local venues, neighborhoods, or local references to connect with the audience.
- Respect moderation: if a post is removed, learn from the reason and adjust.
Timing and frequency
- Plan a content calendar: 2–3 posts per week in lead-up to the show.
- Peak times: post in evenings or weekends when users are active, adjusted for local time zones.
- Stagger content: alternate between event announcements, clips, and engagement prompts.
Measurement and optimization
- Track engagement: comments, upvotes, shares, and click-throughs.
- Monitor traffic: use a short link with basic analytics to gauge ticket clicks.
- A/B test: vary headlines, clip length, and poster design to see what resonates.
- Iterate: remove underperforming formats; double down on successful ones.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Over-promising: avoid exaggerated claims or false scarcity.
- Irrelevant subreddits: post only where the audience aligns with your genre and location.
- Low-effort content: poor audio/video quality hurts credibility.
- Ignoring rules: breakage of self-promotion limits can ban your account.
Example post framework
- Headline: “New York City crowd, I’ve got a 20-minute set that’ll make you squirm and laugh.”
- Body: 2–3 lines about the show, date, venue, and why it’s special.
- CTA: “Tickets in the comments” or “Link in bio” with a note on where to buy.
- Media: a 15-second clip or poster image.
Accessibility and inclusivity
- Use plain language and avoid inside jokes that exclude new listeners.
- Provide captions for video clips when possible.
- Tag relevant local groups or communities to increase reach without spamming.
Security and safety
- Moderate giveaways or ticket offers to prevent scams.
- Avoid sharing personal data in comments.
- Report suspicious activity to moderators if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reddit best used for when promoting a stand-up gig?
Reddit is best used to reach targeted local and interest-based audiences with value-driven posts, engaging media, and adherence to subreddit rules.
How should I choose which subreddits to post in?
Select subreddits based on location, comedy interest, and event relevance, and always read and follow posting guidelines.
What content tends to perform best for stand-up promotion?
Short clips that showcase your style, clear event details, strong visuals, and a direct ticket CTA tend to perform well.
How often should I post about a gig on Reddit?
Post 2–3 times per week leading up to the show, varying formats (announcement, clip, Q&A) while avoiding spam.
How can I avoid getting banned for self-promotion?
Respect subreddit rules, avoid repetitive self-promotion, engage with the community, and contribute value beyond promoting your show.
What media should accompany a Reddit post?
Use a high-quality poster, a short video clip (15–30 seconds), and captions to improve accessibility.
What metrics should I monitor after posting?
Track engagement, comments, upvotes, click-throughs, and ticket conversions to refine future posts.
Is an AMA useful for promoting stand-up gigs?
An AMA can build interest if permitted by the subreddit and framed around your comedy journey, but it should be relevant and non-spammy.